FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Emergency Services urges residents to prepare for potentially dangerous flooding as Tropical Storm Debby lands in central and eastern North Carolina.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has declared a State of Emergency.
Cumberland County buildings and offices will close today at 2 p.m. and will remain closed Thursday. Cumberland County will evaluate any additional closures based on weather conditions.
Additionally, the Department of Public Health Food Safety Forum initially planned for August 8, 2024, will be postponed. The Food Safety Forum will be rescheduled and announced for a future date. Questions about the Forum can be directed to FoodLodging@cumberlandcountync.gov.
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. Rainfall of this magnitude can cause extreme and life-threatening flooding. Residents living near creeks and rivers are advised to prepare for flooding.
An isolated tornado is possible today and this evening as waves of storms move northward. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph could lead to scattered power outages and downed trees late Thursday and into Friday, especially along and east of the I-95 corridor.
Those experiencing an emergency should call 9-1-1. The non-emergency phone line is 910-600-7299. Communicare has opened their crisis line, 910-229-5198, for any citizen experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
Cumberland County will open five locations as emergency shelters starting today at 4 p.m. A “Find Your Shelter” map too, and other pertinent storm information and updates, can be found here: https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/stormupdates.
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.
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.