Southport, United States - September 18, 2024

On Monday, September 16, Brunswick County was hit with an unprecedented volume of rainfall, leading to catastrophic flooding and critical infrastructure damage. The deluge, associated with what was labeled Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, far exceeded initial forecasts, with rainfall totals reaching between 10 and nearly 20 inches in areas including Bolivia, Boiling Spring Lakes, Supply, Southport, and Winnabow.

The National Weather Service Wilmington had anticipated two to five inches of rain, but the actual downpour was significantly more intense, causing major failures of roads and bridges, stranding residents, and making travel nearly impossible across the county. This event has transformed Brunswick County's landscape, with many roads now either closed or heavily restricted due to flooding or structural damage.

Governor Roy Cooper, during a visit to Southport on September 18, alongside state and local officials, described the situation as "an extraordinary event" akin to being under a "fire hose" of water. In response to the severity of the flooding and its impact, Cooper issued Executive Order No. 313, declaring a State of Emergency for Brunswick and three other counties. This order mobilizes state resources for recovery and relief efforts.

The closure of Brunswick County Government facilities until at least September 20 reflects the scale of disruption caused by the storm. The county's infrastructure, particularly its road network, has been severely compromised, with major arteries like U.S. Highway 17, N.C. Highway 211, and N.C. Highway 133 (River Road) among those most affected.

Officials from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) have reported dozens of roads remain closed or impassable, with some areas still under water, complicating recovery operations. The damage assessment continues, but the immediate focus is on ensuring public safety and restoring access to essential services and routes.