DAMAGE MINIMAL

Train derailment, flooding hamper travel around campus

The East Carolina University community awoke April 30 to news of campus flooding and a train derailment at the corner of 14th Street and Charles Boulevard, following a series of heavy thunderstorms that came through the Greenville area April 29.

The derailment presented no immediate danger and no calls were made for evacuation, according to officials from Greenville Fire-Rescue. However, residents were advised to avoid standing water because chemicals from damaged train cars may have leaked into the water.

Officials warned that contact with the skin could cause irritation.

Heavy rainfall from Tuesday evening storms led to flooding in streets and parking lots near or on campus. The College Hill lower lot was closed due to flooding. Fourteenth Street near the ECU Steam Plant and the intersection of Ficklen Street and Charles Boulevard were closed as well.

Two tornado warnings were issued for Pitt County during the Tuesday evening storms, but no significant damage was reported in the area. The National Weather Service has noted a possibility for additional severe storms on Wednesday.

(Photos by Cliff Hollis)