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Mudslide shuts down both directions of I-40 in McDowell County

A mudslide has hit parts of I-40 in McDowell County, trapping people and cars near the area on Tuesday night, according to Brad Panovich.

The southbound/outbound lanes of the 3300 block of South Boulevard between Greystone Road and Clanton Road will be closed through rush hour Monday. (WCNC)

McDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. -- A mudslide forced both directions of I-40 to shut down in McDowell County Tuesday night, reports First Warn Storm Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich.

Panovich said the mudslide happened near Mile Marker 67, trapping people and cars near the area.

BREAKING NEWS.. A Mudslide has hit I-40 in McDowell County near mile marker 67 with people and cars trapped. Both sides of the interstate are closed avoid this area. #ncwx #@wcnc #wncwx #flood pic.twitter.com/ZHPPw7QiQt
— Brad Panovich (@wxbrad) May 30, 2018

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said drivers should seek an alternate route until the road reopens -- possibly by 7 a.m.

A mudslide has shut down I-40 in both directions between mile markers 66 and 72 in Old Fort. Motorists should seek an alternate route until the road reopens, estimated to be by 7 a.m. Wednesday.
— NCDOT I-40 (@NCDOT_I40) May 30, 2018

McDowell County Schools will be operating on a two-hour delay Wednesday due to severe weather and potential for more flooding in the area.

Stick with WCNC.com for the latest on this developing story.