BLADENBORO, N.C. (WECT) – The National Weather Service issued an emergency flash flood warning just before 2 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, stating that conditions in Bladenboro had cut its roads off from the rest of the county.

“… emergency management reported that Bladenboro has been barricaded off from the rest of Bladen County. Some areas in the town have standing water to up 2 to 3 feet. Between 4 and 7 inches of rain have fallen over the last few hours. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area,” the warning states. “This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Bladenboro. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!”

Emergency rescue teams were going door-to-door to ensure residents were safe. One water rescue had occurred by the time the warning was issued.

Just before 3 a.m., Bladen County Emergency Services issued a voluntary evacuation order for residents in and around Bladenboro. Those who decide to evacuate are asked to report to West Bladen High School.

“If you require assistance in your evacuation please call the Bladen County Emergency Operations Center at 910-862-7831 or 910-862-7810,” the order states.

The downtown area of Baldenboro saw significant water damage. Many businesses were left with water inside of the property.

“It’s disappointing. It could’ve been a lot worse. It’s been worse before. We’re thankful it’s not worse,” said Mark Hester, owner of the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy on Main Street in Bladenboro.

Hester has owned the shop since 2009. He says the business will continue to serve customers as much as possible and he knows the community will recover quickly.

Terry Nance, a town commissioner, says he hopes the town will come up with the money to build on higher ground so flooding will no longer be an issue.

“It’s very heartbreaking for these businesses that work so hard and call this place home,” said Nance.

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