River Conditions
Illustrated map of Lake Norman

River stage

Grimesland, Tar River

River level
1.05 ft
Status
Below flood stage
Action stage
5.00 ft
Flood stage
7.00 ft
Record crest
11.74 ft

Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS GRMN7

Record crest
11.74 ft
Flood stage
7.00 ft
Moderate flood
10.50 ft
Major flood
13.50 ft
Crest date
2016-10-15

In brief

The Tar River at Grimesland, NC read 1.05 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 3.95 ft below action stage.

Source: National Weather Service gauge GRMN7

Stage threshold profile

Action stage 5.00 ftMinor flooding 7.00 ftModerate flooding 10.50 ftMajor flooding 13.50 ft CURRENT 1.05 ft

Highest crests on record

RankCrestDate
1 11.74 ft 2016-10-15
2 7.42 ft 2017-05-04
3 6.93 ft 2018-09-14
4 5.41 ft 2011-08-27
5 4.77 ft 2013-05-03
6 4.77 ft 2014-04-30
7 4.45 ft 2006-11-22
8 4.39 ft 2013-07-13

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

What happens at each level

  1. 7.00 ft

    Water surrounds residences on Seine Beach Road. Farmland behind Alvin Road is inundated.

  2. 10.50 ft

    Many acres of farmland behind Alvin Road are flooded on the south side of the river. Water inundates residences on Seine Beach Road and a few properties on Grimesland Bridge Road. Water backs up into Chicod Creek, and threatens a few businesses on HWY 33. Water threatens homes in Majettes Mobile Home Park, and on nearby Willow Lane.

  3. 12.00 ft

    Water backs up into Chicod Creek and floods the HWY 33 bridge as well as Majettes Mobile Home Park, and nearby Willow Lane. Grimesland Bridge Road is flooded north of the bridge, as are some residences along the road. Residences on Seine Beach Road are significantly inundated. Houses on Dean Drive in the Marva Villa subdivision in Washington are threatened by high water.

  4. 13.50 ft

    Inundation of some homes in the Marva Villa and Rivercreek subdivisions in Washington. Many roads on the north side of the river are impassable. Major inundation of homes on Seine Beach Road. Some homes along Grimesland Bridge Road are flooded. Water threatens homes on the south side of the river near Grimesland Bridge Road. Homes and businesses on Alvin Road are inundated.

  5. 15.00 ft

    Devastating flooding in Marva Villa and Rivercreek subdivisions in Washington, with many homes inundated, and roads impassable. Widespread flooding occurs along, and to the north of HWY 33 on the south side of the river, with many homes and businesses inundated. This flooding will be similar to that which occurred with Hurricane Floyd.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the Tar River flooding at Grimesland?

No. The Tar River at Grimesland is at 1.05 ft, 3.95 ft below action stage.

What is the flood stage at Grimesland?

The National Weather Service sets action stage 5 ft, minor flooding 7 ft, moderate flooding 10.5 ft and major flooding 13.5 ft.

What is the highest the Tar River has been at Grimesland?

The highest crest on record is 11.74 ft, on 2016-10-15.

Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge GRMN7). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.