CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina National Guard was deployed as the state prepared for the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby, Gov. Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday.
Cooper said about 350 soldiers were deployed with 17 water rescue teams stationed in eastern and central parts of North Carolina. While officials are paying close attention to the coast, Cooper said people in western North Carolina should be aware of flooding risks.
"All North Carolinians across our state need to be prepared for deluge, more rain than most of us see in a month or several months," Cooper said during a storm briefing.
Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich says Debby could dump up to 7 inches of rain on the Charlotte metro, with higher totals expected east of Interstate 77. Up to 10 inches of rain is possible in areas like Anson and Richmond counties as the slow-moving Debby crawls over the Carolinas this week. The good news, according to Panovich, is that drier air is being pulled into the system, cutting some rainfall totals.
Cooper declared a state of emergency Monday due to Debby's potential impacts. President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that federal disaster assistance will be available to the state starting from Aug. 5. Biden's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts caused by Debby. Biden also declared a state of emergency in South Carolina.
"A slow-moving tropical storm can sometimes be even more deadly than a quick-moving hurricane," Cooper said. "That means, even without the constant high winds, we must be on high alert."
Cooper said voluntary evacuations are underway in eastern North Carolina, but the governor cautioned everyone to be aware of Debby's fury. Charlotte Motor Speedway opened its campgrounds for Debby evacuees on Wednesday. This has been a common practice for the speedway during hurricanes and other tropical systems.
The Charlotte Fire Department's Swift Water Rescue Team will be in Bladen County, North Carolina to rescue people, as needed, from flood waters. The Mooresville Fire-Rescue's Swiftwater Rescue Team is deploying to Harnett County, North Carolina to assist communities impacted there by flood waters.
North Carolinians can call 211 for instructions on sheltering options during Tropical Storm Debby. Click here for a list of state 211 resources.
As the storm approaches, families have been gathering supplies and searching for a silver lining. In Richmond County, John Phillips spent part of his afternoon playing guitar by the Pee Dee River, after work was disrupted by the rain.
"We’re doing some work over here at an asphalt plant and so I was just waiting on some equipment to be delivered. Got some delays because of the storm, so I’m just killing a little time," Phillips said. "Whenever I’m having a stressful day this kind of helps me out, you know? So, it’s a good time."
Meanwhile, Adam Ennis hoped the weather would lead to a big catch of fish along the river. Calm conditions now for a body of water soon expected to flood.
"I’m waiting for it to start raining, so we can maybe catch something out here," Ennis said. "We’re just going to ride it out. Hope everything goes well.”
What you can do before the heavy rain moves in:
- Clean drains, gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs
- Mow your yard. You might not get another chance until Sunday
- Keep rain gear handy. Boots, jackets and umbrellas may be needed if you have to evacuate.
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