CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (August 5, 2024) – Carteret County Emergency Management (CCEM) officials are advising residents to prepare for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Debby, which is moving slowly across northern Florida and into southern Georgia today and tonight. The storm is expected to move very slowly across or just offshore the Southeast United States through the rest of the week.
While the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast track remains uncertain beyond Tuesday, CCEM is in close communication with state and local partners to monitor the storm's development. The primary threat to Carteret County is expected to be flash flooding due to several days of heavy rainfall. Current forecasts predict 5 to 10 inches of rain across the county, with localized areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches over the next seven days. Additionally, dangerous rip currents and hazardous marine conditions are expected to develop and persist throughout the late week.
"We encourage residents to take this opportunity to prepare their homes and families for potential flooding," said Stephen Rea, Director of CCEM. "This includes having a plan, assembling an emergency kit, and staying informed about the latest weather updates."
CCEM officials emphasize the following safety precautions during flooding:
- Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Even shallow water can mask strong currents and conceal hidden dangers.
- Find alternate routes. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and take another route. Don't follow vehicles that may have successfully navigated the water.
- Don't rely on your vehicle for safety. High water can quickly stall cars and trucks. Even SUVs and four-wheel drive vehicles are susceptible to being swept away.
- Abandon a stalled vehicle immediately. If your car becomes stuck in floodwaters, climb to higher ground and leave the vehicle behind.
- Keep children away from flooded areas. Standing water can be deceptively dangerous, and even strong swimmers can be swept away by fast-moving currents.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local news for updates and heed all warnings from the National Weather Service and local officials. In addition, residents should sign up for CodeRED, Carteret County's free emergency alert system, to receive location-specific notifications: https://bit.ly/CarteretCodeRED.
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