Wake Forest preparing for Tropical Storm Debby

Monday, August 5, 2024 - 1:33pm

Town officials are monitoring the threat posed by Tropical Storm Debby which could bring up to 10 inches of rain to central North Carolina between Tuesday and the end of the week. Community members are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Town Operations

All Town facilities are expected to remain open and operate according to their normal schedules. Town officials are following the storm’s track and speed to assess whether any closings or other schedule changes may become necessary.

In the meantime, Public Works personnel will soon begin clearing obstructions from storm drains along local streets and roadways. You can assist in this effort and help prevent flooding by clearing debris from storm drains along your streets.

Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR)

PRCR maintenance crews are rolling up and securing the netting at all Town-owned batting cages. Crews will also temporarily remove the trash cans from Smith Creek Soccer Center and other low-lying areas along the Sanford Creek Greenway.

Friday Night on White

Friday Night on White is still on as scheduled for Friday, Aug. 9. Town officials will monitor the storm and provide an event update by 5 p.m. Thursday.

Reporting Downed Trees

If you encounter fallen trees on roads, sidewalks, or other public areas, contact the Town rather than trying to handle them on your own. In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, trees and limbs often come into contact with dangerous, live electrical wires which can cause serious injury or death. To report downed trees, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/report-problem or call 919-554-6150.

Also, please do not call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property.

Reporting Power Outages

To report power outages:

  • Wake Forest Power customers call 919-435-9478;

  • Wake Electric customers call 919-863-6499 or 800-743-3155;

  • Duke Energy Progress customers call 800-419-6356.

Street Flooding Hazards

The following Wake Forest-area streets are prone to flooding and should be approached cautiously during significant rainfall events:

  • Durham Road/NC-98, Richland Creek

  • East Juniper Avenue near North Allen Road

  • East Juniper Avenue near North White Street

  • Forestville Road, Toms Creek

  • Forestville Road, Sanford Creek

  • Harris Road, Richland Creek

  • Heritage Heights Lane, 1300 Block

  • Jenkins Road, Horse Creek

  • Ligon Mill Road, Smith Creek

  • Ligon Mill Road, Toms Creek

  • North Main Street, Walnut Avenue to Cedar Avenue

  • North White Street, Juniper Street to Flaherty Avenue

  • Oak Grove Church Road, Dunn Creek

  • Purnell Road at Jackson Road, Horse Creek

  • Purnell Road, Mud Branch

  • Rogers Road, Sanford Creek

  • Rogers Road, Smith Creek

  • West Oak Avenue, Richland Creek

  • Wait Avenue, Dunn Creek

  • Wall Road, Wallridge Drive to Harris Road

  • Watkins Farm Road at Young Street

Important Reminders

Residents are reminded not to call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property.

Similarly, residents should not report flooded road conditions via SeeClickFix. All non-emergency calls, including reports of hazardous road conditions and immediate needs for service, should be placed to 919-554-6150.

Be Prepared

Town officials are urging residents to stay informed, have emergency plans in place and be prepared for the possibility of heavy rain, flooding, power outages and strong winds. In anticipation of the storm, residents are also encouraged to consider the following:

  • Inventory hurricane emergency supplies and restock if necessary.

  • In case of power outages (and credit cards cannot be used), secure adequate cash to operate for several days.

  • Be sure medications (including oxygen tanks) are filled.

  • Tie down or bring indoors any objects that might be blown around by hurricane winds (outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, display racks, signs and any other loose objects that are normally left outside).

  • Secure all items that cannot be brought inside, including rollout trash and recycling carts.

  • Ensure that all vehicles are serviced and fueled. Determine where they can be stored during the storm.

  • Be sure to have needed supplies for your pets.

  • Have a flashlight and extra batteries within reach. Flashlights provide the safest emergency lighting source.

  • Charge smartphones, cell phones, power packs, and tablets.

Stay Informed

In the event severe weather occurs, the Town will issue regular updates through a variety of means. To stay informed residents can: