How to Prepare for Debby Amid State of Emergency for North Carolina
State officials have officially placed North Carolina under a state of emergency due to Tropical Storm Debby Monday afternoon. Tropical Storm Debby first hit the coast of Florida and the Lowcountry of South Carolina on Monday and is expected to continue its travel through the Carolinas as a Tropical Storm.
Tropical Storm Debby
It is expected that record-breaking rainfall to reach South and North Carolina throughout the week into the weekend. Tropical storm winds are expected to hit North Carolina by Wednesday evening. State officials say winds are expected to reach up to 40 mph in North Carolina.
“The governor and NC Emergency Management officials are urging North Carolinians to be safe and cautious during heavy rainfall and winds, and to expect flooding and power outages as a strong weather system will impact the state starting Tuesday through the end of the week,” a press release from the governor’s office read Monday. “Damaging winds and saturated soils might also lead to blown down trees and power lines, causing possible scattered to widespread power outages.”
Lighter rain is expected Tuesday in the Charlotte Metro, while heavier rain, flooding, and torrential downpours will become possible Wednesday and most likely on Thursday as well. Heavy rain is still likely Friday, but may not be torrential. The forecast also shows the possibility of rain on Saturday as well but is not expected to be detrimental.
We will continue to monitor the weather and report any updates we see. Check out local news stations as well for further information.
Preparing for Debby
- Have multiple ways to receive emergency info, including watches and warnings.
- Have an emergency plan. Know where you would go if you need to evacuate.
- Gather some emergency supplies or refresh your emergency kit.
- Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades.
- Check to see if your community offers emergency alert services for its residents.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
