Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to run along the eastern portion of the United States after it passes through Florida. Current projections show the storm impacting North Carolina on Thursday. City and county officials are working to prepare for the storm.

City of Kinston’s Public Services Director Rhonda Barwick said, “At this time we are reviewing the weather updates from the National Weather Service which are being shared by Lenoir County Emergency Management as well as Kinston Fire and Rescue.”

“Lenoir County is continuing to monitor the storm track,” said Lenoir County Emergency Services Director Jerri King.

As with any other storm during this time of year, Lenoir County encourages individuals to have a hurricane kit. Items for that kit can be found on these websites: www.ready.gov and/or www.listo.gov.

Recommended items include: flashlights and batteries; fully-charged cell phones; battery-powered, hand crank or solar radios such as an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert; non-perishable food for at least three days; and water (1 gallon per person, per day for several days).

“During power outages, citizens are encouraged to contact their utility provider to advise of the outage and to receive restoration notifications,” said King.

Flooding is a primary concern when a storm brings heavy rains.

“Our stormwater team checks the areas of town that are more susceptible to street flooding for clogged drains in advance,” said Barwick. “In the case of heavy downpours stormdrains in low areas may become overrun with the increased flow.”

If a street should become flooded during the event, city staff works with the Police Department to block the area until the water subsides.

An important reminder with flooding: Turn around, don’t drown.