Raleigh flooding sparks concerns over new developments and flood management strategies

Mary McKinney has lived near Smoky Hollow for about five years. She said that Monday night was the first time she’d seen any significant flooding in the area.

“I had never seen anything like it,” she said.

A series of videos sent to WRAL News show flooded streets in several areas in downtown Raleigh and across the Triangle, including in Smoky Hollow.

WRAL News viewers are asking questions about whether new development in the area has led to more instances of flooding in high-traffic areas.

McKinney is one of the people who has questions.

“It’s honestly something that has never been on my mind, but now that I am seeing more flooding, it’s causing me to wonder how they prepare for that,” she said. “When new homes are being built and new apartment structures, is that part of the planning process?”

City of Raleigh officials attributed Monday’s flooding to the excessive amount of rain in a short period.

They note that Raleigh has some of the most stringent rules in North Carolina regarding development in floodplains and floodways, as outlined in its Unified Development Ordinance. The ordinance allows only minimal development in these areas.

The city is also working on several projects to reduce flood risk, including in the Pigeon House Branch watershed. One significant effort involves incorporating stormwater mitigation into the redevelopment of Smoky Hollow Park.

In a statement, Wake County officials said they are collaborating with municipal partners on a 50-year water plan, known as the One Water Plan. Flood resilience is one of four key focus areas and will encompass strategies to enhance resilience and mitigate flood impacts.

The county also regularly reviews its flood ordinances and works with local officials to share information and coordinate flood management efforts.