Flooded Roads a Major Concern in Cumberland County

There has been a lot of rainfall in theCape Fear RiverBasin, with some problems already reported in Bladen County. In Fayetteville and areas of Cumberland County, the Cape Fear is expected to crest well above flood stage. But that not a major concern.

Right now, flooded roads are the biggest concern. Just before sunset, flooding became a big problem in Hope Mills and Spring Lake.

One Hope Mills street looked more like a pond as worried residents waited and watched as the water reached their doorsteps.

Firefighters helped with voluntary evacuations.

"It's never been this bad. Our yards would flood a little bit but they haven't in about three years. It makes me a little nervous. My kids, I have to worry about them driving home from work," says resident Robin Schmiesing.

Rising water also made driving in Cumberland County dangerous. Almost 20 roads are impassable, including heavily traveled Highway 301.

Even though the Cape Fear River is expected to crest 10 to 15 feet above flood level, Emergency Management officials say it should not be a problem in either Cumberland or Harnett County.

The river has extremely high banks and there is not much development on the river in either county.

During Hurricane Fran, the Cape Fear crested 25 feet above flood level and neither county experienced major problems.

But officials say there could be problems from the Cape Fear east of Cumberland County.