Photo courtesy: News & Observer, Copyright (1996),
The News & Observer Publishing Company.

The 1960s:

In 1964, Hurricane Cleo caused 2 to 8 inches of rain to fall. Flash floods occurred in streams, causing some dams to break, basements to be flooded, and considerable crop damage. Later that year, it rained for approximately seven days straight, causing 3 to 35 inches of rainfall. Flash flooding occurred in major rivers, causing some of the highest floods in history. Two people drowned, 2,000 homes experienced water damage, and 5,000 people had to evacuate to shelters. Homes, highways, crops, and live stock were seriously damaged.

The 1970s:

In August 1971, Tropical Storm Doria caused high winds and severe rain. In coastal counties 4 to 12 inches of rain fell in a three-day period. Major damage occurred to roads and homes.

In February 1973, the State of North Carolina received 2 to 6 inches of rain in 24 hours. Small streams flooded causing flash flooding and severe flooding of major rivers. There was extensive property damage, and water reached depths of 2 to 6 feet in some homes. Two people were killed.

In August 1976, New Hanover County received heavy rains from Hurricane Dottie, causing parts of Carolina Beach to flood, with up to 5 feet of water in some parts.

In September 1979, Hurricane David caused extensive flooding. The Cape Fear, Lumber, Neuse, and Tar Rivers flooded.

The 1980s:

In March 1983, a Northeaster brought heavy rains, causing widespread flooding and beach erosion. Highway 12 had to be closed due to 4 feet of water and 2 feet of sand covering it.

In September 1984, Hurricane Diana caused widespread freshwater flooding in New Hanover County. A total of 13.72 inches of rain fell in three days in Wilmington. On September 11, 1984 rainfall records were broken when 6.92 inches of rain fell.

In July 1988, New Hanover County received 6.5 inches of rain in about eight hours, causing major roads to flood.

The 1990s:

In April 1991, New Hanover County's Carolina Beach had 6 inches of rain in three hours. Eight bridges were closed, 94 homes and 19 businesses were flooded, and damage was estimated at $340,000.

In September 1995, Hurricane Luis caused coastal flooding and astronomical high tides caused overwash in Carolina Beach.

In June 1996, Tropical Storm Authur caused flash floods in east Wilmington.

In July 1996, Hurricane Bertha caused torrential rains. Four inches of rain fell in a few hours in Wilmington. Some areas had 2 to 3 feet of standing water from hurricane debris clogging drains.

In July 1998, flash floods in Wilmington caused 2 to 4 inches of standing water.

In August 1998, Hurricane Bonnie caused 10 inches of rain to fall.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Flood Disaster Declarations for North Carolina

Figure 1.22

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