Contribution
As Tropical Storm Debby continues to impact Bladen County, numerous roads remain flooded and the town of Bladenboro has been ordered to undergo a voluntary evacuation due to rising waters.
Road closures and flooding
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office has reported that several roads throughout the county are still under water. The following areas are particularly affected:
• Twisted Hickory Rd between Old Abbottsburg Rd and Grimsley Farm Rd in the Bladenboro area.
• White Plains Church Rd between Shepard Rs and Robbins Rd in the Elizabethtown area.
• Richardson Rd at Bryant Swamp, off Forrest Dr near Bladenboro.
Other flooded streets include:
• NC 211 Hwy E / Baldwin Elkins Road
• S Ashe St, Bladenboro
• MLK Jr Dr (between 4th / Cain), Bladenboro
• White Lake Dr near Camp Clearwater
• NC 53 E / Lake Shore Dr, White Lake
• NC 53 E / US 701 Hwy N, White Lake
• NC 242 S / Airport Rd, Bladenboro
• Butler Mill Rd / Wright St, Bladenboro
• Mitchell Ford Road / US 701, both sides
• US 701 / Southeastern Medical Clinic – Clarkton
• Mercer Mill Rd / Cypress St, Elizabethtown
• West Seaboard St / Wateree Park, Bladenboro
• Peanut Plant Rd / Blue Heron Rd, Elizabethtown
• Richardson St / MLK Drive, Elizabethtown
• US 701 S / Britt Road, Clarkton
• Peanut Rd / Richardson St, Elizabethtown
• W Broad/Glenwood, Elizabethtown
• Woodlief Dr / NC 53 E, White Lake
• Coley Rd @ Bridge (Rosindale / Airport)
• Butler Mill / Edwards Ave, Bladenboro
• Harrelson Rd / Mercer Mill, Brown Marsh Rd, Clarkton
• NC 131 between Grimes Singletary Rd and Marsh Rd
Residents are advised to stay off the roads and stay home for their safety. The Sheriff’s Office stresses the importance of avoiding flooded areas and not driving through flooded roads.
Voluntary evacuation
Due to rising floodwaters, Bladen County Emergency Services has ordered a voluntary evacuation of residents in and around the town of Bladenboro. Residents who choose to evacuate are asked to report to West Bladen High School. For assistance during the evacuation, contact the Bladen County Emergency Operations Center at 910-862-7831 or 910-862-7810.
Infrastructure concerns
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office has also flagged critical infrastructure issues. In particular, Mercer Mill Road near Harrelson Road is experiencing rapid water flow and shoulder slides, posing a significant risk to travelers. Residents are urged to avoid the area.
Bladen County authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates. Citizens are asked to follow emergency services and the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office on social media for the latest information and advisories.
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