N.C. mountains cleaning up after massive flooding

BANNER ELK, N.C. — The rain in the North Carolina mountains didn't stop some of the July Fourth celebrations in Banner Elk, but there have been flooding issues across Avery County.

It won't take much more rain to cause more flooding in the area as the rivers remain high. Already, Eyewitness News has seen a lot of damage in the High Country.

Along Elk River Road, mudslides caused by flash flooding sent sections of the roadway into the river below. Channel 9 saw that flash flooding first hand last night near Newland.

When Eyewitness News reporter Dave Faherty returned Thursday, there was little left of the road

Cody Clausen couldn't believe the damage near his home.

"I would stay pretty far away from it. Because you never know when it is going to slide down more. It didn't take much," Clausen said.

Channel 9 was with North Carolina Department of Transportation crews Thursday morning as they scrambled to make repairs in some of the hardest hit area. During the last 48 hours, they have not gotten much rest.

"We came in at seven this morning. We had guys out until after midnight last night. And then they went in and they were back in at 7 this morning," said Paul Ramsey with NCDOT.

In Banner Elk, the rain stopped long enough for the town to get in its annual Fourth of July parade but even that didn't last long for parade goers including this family who drove up from Atlanta.

"It rained nonstop all the way. We got here about 11 last night. Fortunately, we got new wiper blades on the car," said visitor John Hobbs.

The rain wasn't all bad. Channel 9 saw families venture out to the Elk River Falls to see the power of Mother Nature up close.

"It is cool. I have never seen it this rough. It looks like category five. It is moving pretty quick. I don't want to go in there," said visitor Jacob Lawrence.

One person described being in the mountains this week like someone turning on a faucet every once in awhile.

WSOC