Rocky Mount-301 North by the Hardees Building
Hurricane Floyd looked omnious in the Atlantic just days before it hit North Carolina in September 1999. States all along the eastern seaboard were preparing for the worst. Millions of people were evacuated from Florida upwards through the Carolinas. Even though it was downgraded from a category 4 hurricane, it did unspeakable damage. Over 40 lives were lost and over $1 billion in damages, mostly from flooding. The structure alone of Floyd was enough be in awe of. Crime Control and Public Safety Secretary Richard Moore was even quoted as saying "We can't stress how dangerous this storm is going to be and how widespread the impact may be." He went on to say "This storm is so strong and moving so fast that even with landfall in South Carolina hurricane-force winds could be felt all the way up into West Virginia and almost to Pennsylvania"

A home in the Candlewood section of Rocky Mount
When Floyd finally did hit, most damage was done by flooding, rather than by winds. Storm surges were reported around 3-5 feet. Rainfall in alot of areas exceeded 20 inches. Since the ground was already saturated by other hurricanes that struck that season, the excess rain ran into rivers and streams, causing secondary flooding in areas remotely close to a waterway.

Winstead Ave-Interstate 64 at Nash General Hospital
September 14 1999

Governor Jim Hunt declare a State of Emergency for the state of North Carolina. This means the state government can use all of its resources at its disposal for damages.

Looking over 64 Overpass at Ihop

September 15 1999

Landfall is made at Cape Fear leaving more than 170,000 people in North and South Carolina without power. High wind warnings are in effect for every region from Raleigh and Fayetteville to the coast.
A Flash Flood Warning took effect for Central North Carolina.
A Tornado Watch is in effect in eastern North Carolina until Thursday 9 am.
President Clinton declares 67 North Carolina counties a Federal Disaster Area.

The Hardees Building
September 16 1999

People become stranded all across eastern North Carolina as roads flood and become closed. I-40 and I-95 the states two major interstates are closed due to extremely dangerous driving conditions.

64 East into Rocky Mount September 17 1999

State officials consider eastern North Carolina closed.
Most of Rocky Mount is reported to be under water with people stranded without food and water

Benvenue Road by the old Lowes September 18 1999

Curfews go into effect.
With massive air rescue efforts taking place in Rocky Mount, the air space surrounding the area becomes restricted.

A road in Dortches
Today
Efforts to rebuild Rocky Mount and the rest of flooded Eastern Carolina are still continuing. Some people are still homeless living in FEMA trailors. Others are just beginning to rebuild their lives.

Water levels before and after the Hurricane

Back Home