Neuse River at Kinston
North Carolina — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Lenoir County, North Carolina on the Neuse River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 02089500, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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Flood Stages
Major Flood
21 ft
Moderate Flood
18 ft
Minor Flood
14 ft
Action Stage
13 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
27 ft
Catastrophic flooding. Comparable to the floods from Hurricanes Matthew and Floyd. All major roads on the south side of Kinston are flooded. Numerous businesses and homes have significant inundation. Most creeks in Lenoir County are backed up and cause widespread flooding, with many homes and businesses inundated.
25 ft
Devastating flooding. Countless homes and businesses are flooded mostly south of the river in Lenoir county. Water floods the intersection of Highway 258 and 70, as well as most of the businesses on this stretch of road south of Kinston. All major highways on the south side of Kinston are impassible, especially Highways 70 and 11. East of Kinston, Highway 55 is impassable at low spots around the bridge with some homes flooded.
23 ft
Many homes and businesses on the south side of the river from Seven Springs to Kinston are flooded. Highway 11 and numerous secondary roads are impassable. Water floods the Rivermont area.
21 ft
Some homes and businesses southeast of Kinston are flooded. Water floods several secondary roads southeast of Kinston as well as Highway 11. Small streams across Lenoir, southern Pitt and northern Craven Counties flood secondary roads and may affect some homes.
18 ft
Widespread lowland flooding adjacent to the river. Water approaches some secondary roads over the southeast sections of Kinston. Campgrounds and picnic areas at the Nature Center in Kinston are inundated.
16 ft
Flooding of the campground at the Nature Center is expected. Water encroaches onto other properties along the south side of the river.
14 ft
Water overflows into lowlands adjacent to the river. Water access docks are also affected.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 14, 2016 | 28.31 ft | 38,200 cfs |
| Oct 14, 2016 | 28.31 ft | 38,200 cfs |
| Sep 22, 1999 | 27.71 ft | 36,300 cfs |
| Sep 22, 1999 | 27.71 ft | 36,300 cfs |
| Sep 21, 2018 | 25.78 ft | 31,662 cfs |
Flood Inundation Map
NOAA has mapped what areas flood at different water levels for this gauge. View the interactive flood inundation map →
About This Gauge
Get Flood Alerts for Neuse River
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Neuse River at Kinston?
The Neuse River at Kinston gauge is maintained by USGS (site 02089500) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Neuse River at Kinston?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Neuse River at Kinston is 14 feet. Action stage begins at 13 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 18 feet, and major flooding at 21 feet.
How do I get alerts when Neuse River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Neuse River at Kinston to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Neuse River at Kinston gauge located?
The gauge is located in Lenoir County, North Carolina at coordinates 35.2578°N, 77.5856°W. USGS site number: 02089500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey