PENDER COUNTY, NC–Tropical Storm Debby made landfall in the Bulls Bay area of South Carolina earlier this morning. The storm is currently sustaining maximum winds of 50 mph and is moving northwest at 5 mph. Debby is expected to continue moving northwards, eventually tracking through central North Carolina tonight and pushing into the Mid-Atlantic on Friday.
Key Points:
- Heavy Rainfall: Pender County has already received between 3 to 7+ inches of rain overnight, causing ditches, creeks, and low-lying areas to reach or exceed their banks. An additional 2 to 5 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts, is expected today, further compounding flooding in some areas.
- Flooding: Many roads across the county are flooded, creating dangerous driving conditions due to ponding water and covered roadways. Please avoid travel if possible and exercise extreme caution if you must drive.
- Tornadoes: The threat of tornadoes across southeast North Carolina is gradually diminishing. There were a couple of tornado warnings overnight, but no reported damages.
- Winds: Gusty winds reaching tropical storm force are expected throughout the day.
Power Outages:
- Duke Energy: 10 outages in the Rocky Point area.
- Four County EMC: 274 outages, primarily in the Willard/Watha area.
- Jones Onslow EMC: No reported outages.
Shelter Information:
- Topsail Elementary: No occupants.
- Cape Fear Elementary: No occupants or pets.
Warnings and Watches:
- Flash Flood Warning until 12:15 PM
- Flood Watch until 8:00 AM Friday
- Tropical Weather Statement until 1:15 PM
Residents are urged to stay safe, take all necessary precautions, and remain informed. For the latest updates, please download the Pender County EM App on your cellphone.
Stay tuned for further updates from Pender County Emergency Management.