CNN reporter reacts to big change at flood press conference . 05:42 . Now playing

Several rivers across North Carolina remain flooded on Thursday, including one river that was measured at 45 feet, amid torrential rains that have battered the East Coast for days. The flooding threat across the region could persist into the weekend as slow-moving thunderstorms continue to dump rain on the region,

A retired nurse, her son and a family friend say they were lucky to survive last week's flash floods in Texas that killed more than 100 people, including many summer campers.

The Department of Homeland Security says it's making FEMA less "bloated." Opponents say that cost people their lives in Texas.

People living in flood-prone areas along parts of the East Coast were told to be ready to act if flooding intensifies.

Daniel Morales, assistant chief of the Comfort Volunteer Fire Department, believes that long, flat tone the morning of July Fourth saved lives.

In the last nine years, federal funding for a system has been denied to the county as it contends with a tax base hostile to government overspending.

Flash floods surged through in the middle of the night, but many local officials appeared unaware of the unfolding catastrophe, initially leaving people near the river on their own.

My heart goes out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives," Sheriff Sally Hernandez said. "We will not waver in our efforts support the community during this difficult time.”

A flash flood warning is in effect until 9 a.m. for Boston and several communities south of the city, including Brockton, Quincy, and Randolph, officials said Thursday morning. The National Weather Service also issued a flood watch that will remain in effect until 4 p.m. for Rhode Island and eastern portions of Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Recent flash flooding in Texas​, New Mexico​ and North Carolina​ is highlighting the extreme danger of these natural disasters and the need to be prepared.