The National Weather Service Raleigh bureau reported today there has been a slight westward shift in the track of Tropical Storm Debby across the Carolinas late Thursday and into Friday.

The NWS also reported there has been a steady increase in forward speed throughout the area.

“The areas most likely to be hit hardest by the rain will be highly dependent on the track of the storm’s center,” the NWS said. “Widespread heavy rainfall of 5 to 10 inches will lead to considerable flooding across central North Carolina with the greatest threat expected tonight through Friday.”

The primary threat continues to be prolonged heavy rain that will likely result in widespread flash flooding beginning as early as late today through Friday. “People living along rivers and creeks should make preparations for possible moderate to major river flooding as early as Thursday and lingering into next week.”

Wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour could lead to scattered power outages and downed trees, mainly late Thursday and into early Friday, especially along and east of the I-95 corridor.

Isolated tornadoes are possible through early Friday, mainly along and east of I-95.

Based on the current track winds of 25 to 40 miles per hour are expected mainly in the Sandhills and Coastal Plain. Flash flooding and eventual river flooding is expected across central North Carolina.

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Governor Roy Cooper and state leaders today urged people to beware of drenching rains and flooded roads as Tropical Storm Debby begins to impact the state. 

The governor declared a state of emergency on Monday to speed preparations for the storm’s arrival.

The state is expected to experience intense rainfall starting today and continuing over the next few days, with some areas forecast to receive up to 15 inches of rain, plus gusty winds, and life-threatening inland flooding. 

“We expect this storm to continue its slow, gradual approach, bringing multiple days of heavy rainfall and the potential for widespread and severe flash flooding,” Cooper said. “We encourage all North Carolinians to closely monitor weather especially in low-lying areas, have reliable ways to receive weather alerts and information, and to have an emergency plan for your household.”

Potential impacts from Tropical Storm Debby include tornadoes, heavy rains, rivers overflowing their banks, flash floods, and possible storm surge near the coast, with severe impacts already reported in neighboring states. 

Tropical storm warnings and watches are in effect for much of eastern North Carolina, and some voluntary evacuations are underway.

More than 350 soldiers and airmen from the North Carolina National Guard have been activated, and swift water rescue teams are on standby throughout the state. 

The State Emergency Response Team has pre-positioned people and equipment to expedite help to local communities, including supplies such as water, sandbags, tarps, and water pumps.

Roanoke Rapids City Manager Kelly Traynham said during Tuesday night’s city council meeting, “We’re all keeping our eyes on Tropical Storm Debby. It’s been something we’ve been looking at every day.”

City departments started Monday with storm prep activities. “We do expect to have a lot of rain. Public works has already started with reducing the water levels at Rochelle Pond in anticipation of receiving additional water,” she said. “We are aware of areas that experienced flooding during the last flood.”

Those areas include Tenth Street and Georgia Avenue near the former AAA building and Vine Street near the hospital. “I just want to encourage citizens to use caution if you go out. If you see flooded streets turn around, don’t drown.”

Traynham said the public works department is clearing storm drain inlets of yard waste and debris as well as checking generators.