Travel with care through Rocky Mount, where flooded roads brought memories of hurricanes past

By Indira Eskieva, WRAL Eastern North Carolina reporter

Rocky Mount, N.C. — Major thoroughfares near Rocky Mount – Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 64 – remained covered by water into Thursday evening.

Heavy rain that fell quickly collected in the Tar River and settled in low-lying places on the road, including on U.S. 64 and I-95, prompting lane closures on and off throughout the day.

By Thursday evening, commuters were urged to use caution even on familiar routes as darkness fell, hiding places where water blocked their path.

“I hope I can get through and get home,” said Robert Johnson.

His work on Thursday for the North Carolina Department of Transportation brought back memories of past hurricanes that devastated Eastern North Carolina.

“I’ve seen all the water, across the road, in the fields, like wow,” he said.

After nightfall, high water signs were still posted by Exit 478 on U.S. 64 in Edgecombe County where eastbound lanes remained unpassable.

It wasn’t clear when those lanes would be reopened.