Hundreds stranded for hours after U.S. 17 closes due to historic rainfall
Posted on 09/17/2024
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - After floodwaters cut off U.S. 17 (Ocean Highway West) heading towards the southern part of Brunswick County, hundreds of drivers were stranded for hours along the highway, waiting for the water to recede.
According to a sheriff?s deputy on the scene, the floodwaters reached up to 7 ft. on some parts of the highway, causing crews to shut down the road near Winnabow.
Many drivers went to work Monday not knowing it would take hours to get home.
WECT spoke to a few drivers set on waiting out the floodwaters.
George Bruce said he?s been at work since early Monday morning, a job that requires him to work in the rain.
He said all he wants is to go home, take a hot shower, and go to bed.
?I had no idea. I knew it was raining really hard, but I had no idea it would be this bad,? Bruce told WECT. ?So, I guess I?ll sleep in the car tonight.?
Another driver, Tyler Thompson, said he would wait as long as it takes to get home to his pregnant wife and children.
?I can?t leave them by themselves...my wife is due in a couple of weeks. I have three kids. I?m about to do some off-roading if I need to,? Thompson said.
A spokesperson for the Brunswick County Sheriff?s Office said there have been ?multiple rescues countywide,? but could not specify how many or where those rescues happened as of Monday.
First responders now ask that neighbors have patience, stay safe, and stay home if they can, as they sort through the lingering impacts of the storm.
According to a sheriff?s deputy on the scene, the floodwaters reached up to 7 ft. on some parts of the highway, causing crews to shut down the road near Winnabow.
Many drivers went to work Monday not knowing it would take hours to get home.
WECT spoke to a few drivers set on waiting out the floodwaters.
George Bruce said he?s been at work since early Monday morning, a job that requires him to work in the rain.
He said all he wants is to go home, take a hot shower, and go to bed.
?I had no idea. I knew it was raining really hard, but I had no idea it would be this bad,? Bruce told WECT. ?So, I guess I?ll sleep in the car tonight.?
Another driver, Tyler Thompson, said he would wait as long as it takes to get home to his pregnant wife and children.
?I can?t leave them by themselves...my wife is due in a couple of weeks. I have three kids. I?m about to do some off-roading if I need to,? Thompson said.
A spokesperson for the Brunswick County Sheriff?s Office said there have been ?multiple rescues countywide,? but could not specify how many or where those rescues happened as of Monday.
First responders now ask that neighbors have patience, stay safe, and stay home if they can, as they sort through the lingering impacts of the storm.
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