According to the National Weather Service, “Debby is finally lifting away from the area today but the heavy rain threat will continue to bring a threat of flash flooding through the weekend, especially with already saturated soils. Several rivers have risen to flood stage or will reach flood stage shortly. “

Kinston/Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Dept. reported the following about the nature center, “Our facilities will be CLOSED in preparations for the upcoming flood waters. Please feel free to share.”

Lenoir County Emergency Services shared, “Although rain showers have subsided for now, over-washed roads, falling trees and downed power lines remain a very real and significant risk. We strongly encourage residents to drive carefully and remain extremely alert on roadways.

Remember, NEVER drive through flooded streets or roadways. If you encounter a water-covered road and cannot clearly see the painted yellow lane stripes from one side of the washout to the other, PLEASE “Turn-Around and Don’t Drown.” It only takes 6 inches of moving water to sweep a typical passenger vehicle away.

Lenoir County Emergency Services staff also are keeping a watchful eye on Neuse River conditions. As of 5 p.m. today, river gauges show the Neuse at 11.6 feet and rising. Current forecasts provided by the Flood Prediction Center in Georgia predict the Neuse will crest at just under 21 feet early next week. This forecast is extremely fluid and is expected to change as additional rainfall data from this afternoon and evening’s storm progression is received.

Residents living in low-lying or flood-prone areas should actively review their home readiness plans and prepare in case the need for evacuation arises over the next several days. Please don’t forget to include family pets in your readiness-planning as well. Helpful information regarding pet preparedness and evacuation planning can be found at this Red Cross link:

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html

As always, we urge everyone to stay weather-aware over the next few days and ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather and emergency warnings including battery powered radio, cell phone, and NOAA Weather Radio.

Lenoir County will continue to share emergency information and storm updates on all our social media platforms.”