KINSTON – A four-mile section of U.S. 70 was closed Thursday because of flooding blamed on Hurricane Florence.
"The Neuse River has overflowed its banks, causing the road to flood," said Preston Hunter, division engineer for the N.C. Department of Transportation Division 2.
The closed section extends from U.S. 258 on the west side of Kinston to N.C. 58 on the south side of town.
A marked detour directs eastbound motorists to travel north around Kinston via N.C. 148 (C.F. Harvey Parkway), N.C. 58, Cunningham Road, N.C. 11, N.C. 102 and U.S. 17
A total of 763 roads are closed in the wake of Hurricane Florence. Other sections of U.S. 70 near the coast were closed after the storm swept into North Carolina last week, but they reopened earlier this week.
More flooding is expected as the Neuse River continues to rise. The National Weather Service has predicted that the Neuse will crest Saturday in Kinston at approximately 25.9 feet. It was just above 24 feet when it flooded U.S. 70 Thursday, Hunter said.
For updates on road conditions, call 511 or visit DriveNC.gov online.
2-1-1 Call Line Open 24/7 for People in Need of Help
The statewide information line can provide callers with nearby shelter, housing and other storm-related details. Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162, or text Florence to 898211. The information line is staffed around the clock to connect North Carolinians to storm resources.
Donations
The Governor's Office has activated the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for donations to support North Carolina's response to Hurricane Florence. To donate, visit governor.nc.gov or text FLORENCE to 20222.
For More Information
Download the Ready NC app, visit
ncdps.gov/florence or follow NC Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter.