Rivers in North Carolina
Tar River at Greenville
Below flood stage
5.34ftStage
Observed Thu, Sep 24, 12:00 AM EDT
- Flood stage
- 13.00 ft
- Record crest
- 29.74 ft1999
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 19.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 17.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 13.00 ft |
| Action | 12.00 ft |
- 30.00 ftDevastating flooding similar to Hurricane Floyd. Numerous homes adjacent to the river in the city of Greenville are inundated. All roads in and around Greenville are flooded and impassable. Tributaries back up and flood homes, businesses, and roads in areas that are miles away from the river.
- 24.00 ftWidespread flooding for all areas adjacent to the river and tributaries. Water floods the Pitt-Greenville Airport and terminal. Many homes and apartments north of First Street in Greenville are flooded. Some major roads around the city of Greenville are impassable.
- 22.00 ftWater overflows into numerous areas within the city of Greenville. Several secondary roads are also flooded. Some homes along the river are inundated. Water threatens several housing developments along the south side of the river. Homes and businesses are inundated along Mumford Road. Numerous tributaries flood roads that are miles away from the river.
- 20.00 ftWater floods some homes near the river. Water overflows into several streets in the City of Greenville, surrounding numerous homes. Many acres of farmland flooded.
- 19.00 ftSecondary roads adjacent to the river are flooded. The river inundates portions of Pitt-Greenville Airport. Water reaches a few homes near the river. Most of River Drive and the end of Warren Street, in Greenville, is impassable, with several houses surrounded by water.
- 17.00 ftWater inundates some secondary roads near the river. Much of River Park North is flooded. Water approaches and surrounds homes at the east end of River Drive in Greenville.
- 16.00 ftWidespread low land flooding adjacent to the river. Some farmland flooded across Pitt County.
- 13.00 ftMinor flooding of low lying areas adjacent to the river can be expected.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 10% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 15, 2026.
Crest history
37 crests on NOAA’s list since 1887.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 21, 1999 | 29.74 ft |
| 2 | July 28, 1919 | 24.50 ft |
| 3 | October 14, 2016 | 24.46 ft |
| 4 | October 6, 1928 | 23.50 ft |
| 5 | November 7, 1887 | 22.30 ft |
| 6 | August 22, 1940 | 22.07 ft |
| 7 | September 25, 1928 | 21.90 ft |
| 8 | November 17, 2020 | 19.89 ft |
| 9 | March 14, 1958 | 19.70 ft |
| 10 | October 8, 1929 | 19.70 ft |
| 11 | September 2, 1908 | 19.40 ft |
| 12 | September 25, 1945 | 19.24 ft |
| 13 | March 11, 1922 | 19.10 ft |
| 14 | December 8, 1934 | 18.80 ft |
| 15 | March 23, 1975 | 18.80 ft |
| 16 | January 29, 1954 | 18.77 ft |
| 17 | February 3, 1937 | 18.70 ft |
| 18 | September 5, 1939 | 18.60 ft |
| 19 | March 9, 1929 | 18.60 ft |
| 20 | October 10, 1964 | 18.53 ft |
| 21 | June 19, 1910 | 18.50 ft |
| 22 | August 24, 1967 | 18.50 ft |
| 23 | May 3, 2017 | 18.28 ft |
| 24 | September 17, 1996 | 18.20 ft |
| 25 | April 14, 1936 | 18.13 ft |
Most recent crests
- August 16, 2024: 16.39 ft
- July 30, 2024: 14.04 ft
- January 18, 2024: 14.72 ft
- December 22, 2023: 14.72 ft
- November 17, 2020: 19.89 ft
- November 21, 2018: 13.63 ft
- May 3, 2017: 18.28 ft
- October 14, 2016: 24.46 ft
- March 14, 2014: 13.18 ft
- July 8, 2013: 13.38 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
Forecasts by the Southeast River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.
Sources
Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.