Statesville Residents Assess Flood Damage

STATESVILLE, NC — City crews will be checking the storm water drainage system in Statesville after Wednesday’s flash flood. The drainage system took in massive amounts of water as Free Nancy Creek overflowed due to rain.

Swift water rescue teams with fire stations around the area searched for victims stranded in flood waters. Residents assessed the damage to their homes.

Fire crews warned Gabrielle Ricciardi to leave her home on Oakdale Dr. and Hartness Rd. as flood waters rose Wednesday afternoon.

“It got really bad really quick,” said Ricciardi.

Rescue teams took her neighbors away on rafts. Fire departments rescued a total of nine children and 12 adults from homes and cars.

“It was either keep going or float away,” said Andy Breon.

Breon showed his cell phone footage of driving through waters.

“Water was coming inside the floorboard,” said Breon.

A mother and children were floating in a car near the Greenway.

“It was rushing water,” said Barry Carter. “It was definitely rushing water.”

Police closed 15 roads as heavy rain caused Free Nancy Creek to overflow throughout the city. Sullivan Rd. at I-40 was blocked for nearly four hours.

“I was very terrified,” said Kara Johnson. “And I tried to get away. but every area I went to, it seemed they blocked it off.”

Statesville High School’s property was flooded. Buses were flooded up to their headlights. The water quickly receded.

Residents say they’ll prepared next round.

“Make sure you have a plan to get out, and don’t wait around,” said Ricciardi.