Flood Watch Issued for Cumberland County as Tropical Storm Debby Approaches

Fayetteville, NC — A flood watch has been issued for Cumberland County as Tropical Storm Debby nears, bringing with it the potential for heavy rainfall and flash flooding. The watch is in effect from 9 AM today through Friday evening, with excessive rainfall expected to pose significant risks to the region.

Forecast

As of 2 PM today, Debby is located approximately 100 miles out. The storm’s impact on the weather in Cumberland County is expected to be substantial:

• Today: Rain with a high of 78°F, expected to bring 1-2 inches of rainfall.
• Tonight: Continued rain with a low of 74°F, contributing an additional 0.5 inch of rain.
• Tomorrow: Heavy rain is forecasted with a high of 80°F, potentially resulting in 2-3 inches of rain.

Warnings

Residents are urged to prepare for significant weather disruptions:

• Flash flooding is a considerable risk, particularly in low-lying areas, near rivers, and creeks.
• Cumulative rainfall totals could reach 8-13 inches by Friday night, exacerbating the flood threat.
• The Governor of North Carolina has declared a state of emergency to ensure resources and funding are available to mitigate the storm’s impact.

Tropical Storm Debby Details

As of the latest update at 5am, Tropical Storm Debby was positioned at 31.9N 81.3W, approximately 20 miles southwest of Savannah, Georgia, and around 200 miles (now less than 100 miles as of 2pm) from Fayetteville, NC. The storm is moving northeast at 6 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. The primary concern remains the potential for major flooding across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia over the coming days.

Safety Tips

Authorities are advising residents to take several precautionary measures:

• Avoid driving through flooded roads: Floodwaters can be deceptive and dangerous, even at low levels.
• Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with local weather reports and alerts.
• Prepare emergency kits and plans: Ensure that your household is ready for potential evacuations or prolonged disruptions.

For the latest updates and information, stay tuned to FayToday and WatchOut Cumberland County on Facebook. Community members are encouraged to share updates and information to aid in collective safety efforts.

Kres Thomas, FayToday News