FRANKLIN
Hurricane Matthew’s visit this past weekend certainly made itself remembered in Western Tidewater. The Blackwater River crested high enough to cover the roadway on Second Avenue before the bridge.

Both the fishing pier and steps at Barrett’s Landing were underwater, as was a large portion of Broad Street near South Street.

The Route 58 interchange at Armory Drive closed due to flooding on 58E. Road blocks were set up and traffic was being rerouted.

“VDOT was gracious enough to do that,” Franklin Police Department spokesman Capt. Tim Whitt said about the Virginia Department of Transportation’s response.

North High Street going into Southampton County has been closed at the city limits. The officer said the shoulder collapsed.

The Franklin Department of Public Works has announced it will be closing North High Street to through traffic starting at 7:30 a.m. today, Oct. 12. The street should re-open by close of business on Thursday.

Please follow all posted detour signs.

There had been no reported accidents in either Franklin or Southampton, but vehicles had become stranded.

Further, there have been no reports of fallen trees, only signage and limbs, but nothing significant.