FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Emergency Services is urging residents to prepare for potentially dangerous flooding as slow-moving Tropical Storm Debby continues its northeast track toward the Carolinas.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has declared a State of Emergency.
A Flood Watch is in effect for most of central and eastern North Carolina Tuesday morning through Friday evening. Tropical Storm Debby will bring a threat of heavy rain of 10-15 inches through Friday, with locally higher amounts possible, especially across the eastern Sandhills and coastal plain counties. Rainfall of this magnitude can cause extreme and life-threatening flooding.
Cumberland County will open five locations as emergency shelters starting Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 4 p.m. The shelters are:
- Mac Williams Middle School: 4644 Clinton Rd., Fayetteville
- Pine Forest High School: 525 Andrews Rd., Fayetteville
- Smith Recreation Center: 1520 Slater Ave., Fayetteville
- South View High School (Pet Friendly): 4184 Elk Road, Hope Mills
- Westover Recreation Center (Pet Friendly): 267 Bonanza Dr., Fayetteville
Pet owners who use a pet friendly shelter are responsible for the care of their pets while at the shelter. They should bring pet food, medication and any other needed pet supplies. Animals will not be housed in the same area of the shelter as people.
- Residents going to shelters should bring blankets, pillows, toiletries, any medications and several changes of clothes. Snacks should be non-perishable and not require refrigeration or heating.
- Caregivers should accompany any residents who have special needs.
- Bring formula, baby food and diapers for infants. Do not bring any food requiring refrigeration or that needs to be heated.
A “Find Your Shelter” map tool can be found here:
https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/emergencyservices/emergency-management/response/shelters
Visit https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/emergencyservices to review storm preparedness information.
Cumberland County Emergency Services is carefully monitoring Tropical Storm Debby and working with partners to solidify emergency preparedness measures. Tropical Storm Debby is forecasted to bring significant impacts to central North Carolina as early as Tuesday. The primary threat from Debby is heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Residents are encouraged to prepare now for potential impact.
Be sure to sign up for Cumberland Alerts and download the MyCCNCGov mobile app to stay informed. Cumberland Alerts is a free alert system that allows residents to receive critical information related to incidents such as severe weather, evacuations, protective actions and more. Visit the county’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov and click on the Cumberland Alerts icon to sign up.
In addition to signing up for Cumberland Alerts, you can stay informed during Tropical Storm Debby and any other time by visiting the County’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov or County social media pages at facebook.com/CumberlandNC, facebook.com/CumberlandCountyNC911 and twitter.com/CumberlandNC.