River Conditions
Illustrated map of Lake Norman

River stage

Oriental, Neuse River

River level
1.16 ft
Status
Below flood stage
Action stage
2.00 ft
Flood stage
4.00 ft
Record crest
9.20 ft

Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS ORLN7

Record crest
9.20 ft
Flood stage
4.00 ft
Moderate flood
6.00 ft
Major flood
7.00 ft
Crest date
2018-09-14

In brief

The Neuse River at Oriental, NC read 1.16 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 0.84 ft below action stage.

Source: National Weather Service gauge ORLN7

Stage threshold profile

Action stage 2.00 ftMinor flooding 4.00 ftModerate flooding 6.00 ftMajor flooding 7.00 ft CURRENT 1.16 ft

Highest crests on record

RankCrestDate
1 9.20 ft 2018-09-14
2 4.45 ft 2015-10-05
3 4.09 ft 2023-09-23
4 4.07 ft 2023-08-31
5 3.52 ft 2022-09-30
6 3.46 ft 2023-04-09
7 2.80 ft 2021-11-07

Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.

What happens at each level

  1. 4.00 ft

    Minor inundation (1 ft or less) is likely for areas near the Oriental Marina, South Avenue, and areas surrounding Raccoon Creek along Hodges, Main, and Factory Streets. Homes and businesses along Smith Creek and Greens Creek will begin to experience minor to moderate inundation. Minor inundation, 1 to 2 feet, expected throughout Lowland, Hobucken and Vandemere. A few primary and secondary roadways may become impassable in areas.

  2. 4.50 ft

    Flooding of Water Street, White Farm Road, and Oriental Road.

  3. 6.00 ft

    Widespread flooding is expected throughout Pamlico County. In Oriental, locations south and east of Hwy 55 will see inundation of 2 to 4 feet. Homes and businesses adjacent to Greens Creek, Raccoon Creek, Smith Creek, Whittaker Creek, Camp Creek, and Pierce Creek will see significant inundation of 2 to 4 feet, including the River Dunes, Whittaker Harbor and Sea Vista communities. Many primary and secondary roads will become impassable. Some evacuations may be needed.

  4. 7.00 ft

    Widespread and significant inundation expected throughout the eastern portions of Pamlico County, including: Oriental, Hobucken, Vandemere, and Lowland. In Oriental, most homes and businesses south and east of Hwy 55 will see significant inundation of 3 to 6 feet. Many roads in the eastern portion of the county will become completely impassable. Evacuations will be required.

Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Neuse River flooding at Oriental?

No. The Neuse River at Oriental is at 1.16 ft, 0.84 ft below action stage.

What is the flood stage at Oriental?

The National Weather Service sets action stage 2 ft, minor flooding 4 ft, moderate flooding 6 ft and major flooding 7 ft.

What is the highest the Neuse River has been at Oriental?

The highest crest on record is 9.2 ft, on 2018-09-14.

Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge ORLN7). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.