Raleigh Neighborhood Deals With Rising Water, Creepy Critters

At the end of River Landings Drive in northeast Raleigh, Mother Nature is moving in and she is not paying rent. Deon Gibbs' back yard is now an extension of the Neuse River.

"If the water was a little closer, it would be on our kitchen floor," he said.

The rising water is the result of a buildup of water in Falls Lake. Officials say to keep the lake from flooding, they had to release some water.

"They don't give you a warning when they release the dam. This was the first time they gave me a warning and the only reason he did was he knew it was going to be higher than normal, but I didn't think it would be this high," Gibbs said.

Next door, Phillip Aikens is trying to make the best of it.

"I like it a little bit, but my neighbors don't like it," he said. "I've been out here all day just messing around in the boat trying to catch some fish."

Residents say they have seen rabbits and snakes, but mostly folks in the area are more angry than nervous. Gibbs said he is ready to do what his neighbor is aleady doing.

"I'll be packing my bags while I'm talking to you. I wouldn't even be talking to you because I'd be so busy moving up out of here," he said.

Officials with the Wilmington Water Management District say all the water should drain out in about a week, but only if there is not any more rain.