PENDER COUNTY, NC — The Pender County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated this morning. Several roadways are currently closed due to significant flooding, and additional closures are anticipated as the situation develops.  Rivers are expected to continue rising until mid-week, causing significant road problems and potential hazards.

Road Closures and Flooding:

Several roads in the area have been impacted by flooding and will remain closed throughout the week:

• NC Hwy 53 (over 5 feet deep) between Shaw Hwy and Maple Hill, Croomsbridge Road, and Old Maple Hill Road is closed.
• Floodwaters are affecting White Stocking Road, Shaw Highway, and Holly Shelter Road.
• River Bend, River Birch, and Alligator Lake subdivisions off Highway 53 are also affected.
• Battleground Road and Heading Bluff Road in Currie are closed.

Residents are advised to use alternative routes and stay updated on road closures through DriveNC.gov.

State Resources Deployed:

State resources have been deployed to assist with the ongoing response efforts, and additional resources have been requested as the situation develops.

River Levels:

Black River Update:

• The Black River crested at Tomahawk in Sampson County at 2:15 AM today.
• The Currie gauge currently reads 8.18 feet and is still rising.
• Beatty’s Bridge at the Pender/Bladen County line is estimated to crest on Monday.
• NC Hwy 53 at the Pender/Bladen County line is expected to crest on Tuesday.
• NC Hwy 210 at Currie is estimated to crest on Wednesday.

NE Cape Fear River Update:

• The NE Cape Fear River crested at Chinquapin in Duplin County at 2:15 AM today.
• The Burgaw gauge is currently at 15.17 feet and still rising.
• The river is forecasted to crest at 16.10 feet on Tuesday morning (Major Flood Stage is 16 feet).
• The crest at Lanes Ferry Bridge is expected on Sunday, August 18, according to the 2025 river gauge site.

County Offices:

Pender County offices will be open this week.

Weather Forecast:

• Today: Partly sunny with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s.
• Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, some may produce heavy rainfall. Lows in the lower 70s.
• Monday: Partly sunny with patchy fog in the morning. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s.
• Tuesday to Thursday: Partly to mostly sunny with chances of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid to upper 80s.

For any inquiries, please contact the Pender County EOC at 910-259-1210.

Residents are urged to stay safe, take all necessary precautions, and remain informed. 

For the latest updates, please download the Pender County EM App on your cellphone.

**Remember, turn around, don't drown.