
Tropical Storm Debby still hasn’t arrived, but she has already brought plenty of rain ahead of her Tuesday.
Heavy rain is expected to continue Wednesday and Thursday as the storm nears, bringing potentially life-threatening and catastrophic flooding in areas of Bladen County and southeastern North Carolina.
As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, Debby was about 190 miles south-southwest of Wilmington or about 130 miles south-southwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, moving northeast at 5 miles per hour. Winds reached 45 mph.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Bladen County through Friday morning. The watch area also includes Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, Columbus and Robeson counties along with several counties in northeast South Carolina. The forecast calls for up to 10 inches of rain over much of the area, with higher amounts in isolated areas, according to the National Weather Service.
Bladen County officials announced Tuesday afternoon that its Emergency Operations Center will activate Wednesday at 6 p.m. in anticipation of impacts from Debby.
Three shelters will open at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the following locations:
• West Bladen High School, 1600 NC 410, Bladenboro. This is the only designated shelter for residents evacuating with pets.
• East Arcadia Primary School, 21451 NC 87, East Arcadia.
• Centerville Baptist Church, 18577, NC 53, Kelly.
Back-up preparations should be made for any oxygen concentrators or medical devices dependent on power for a minimum of 48 hours in case of a power outage, Bladen County Emergency Services said.
Bladen County Schools will be closed Wednesday and Thursday for staff.
Emereau Bladen Charter School has delayed its opening until Monday.
Bladenboro has declared a state of emergency and set a curfew of 11 p.m. beginning Wednesday at ending at 7 a.m. Friday.
As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, Tropical Storm Debby is currently off the coast of Savannah, Georgia and moving slowly to the east. As it slowly turns and moves closer to southeastern North Carolina, heavy rain will continue over the area. The very slow progression of the storm could result in considerable amounts of rainfall across northeast South Carolina and southeast North Carolina, which would result in life-threatening flash flooding, including moderate to major river flooding.
The National Weather Service cautions that rivers and streams may overwhelmingly overflow their banks with deep moving water. Creeks and ditches will become severely flooded and contain strong currents.
Flood waters may enter numerous structures. Road scours or complete road failure is likely in many locations, along with the potential for sinkholes. Many streets and parking lots will flood, and may be impacted by swift, flowing water. Numerous road and low-lying bridge closures are likely with some weakened or washed away. Driving conditions will be very dangerous.