Pender County Emergency Management officials are advising residents to prepare for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. The Category One hurricane made landfall today in the Big Bend region of Florida. The storm is expected to approach the Georgia/South Carolina coast by Tuesday and will likely drift very slowly near the South Carolina coast on Wednesday and Thursday before moving north.

Pender County Emergency Management officials are advising residents to prepare for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. The storm is currently moving slowly across northern Florida and into southern Georgia and is expected to move very slowly across or just offshore of North Carolina later this week.

While the National Weather Service forecast track remains uncertain beyond Tuesday, Pender County Emergency Management is closely communicating with state and local partners to monitor the storm's development. Due to several days of heavy rainfall and river flooding, the primary threat to Pender County is expected to be flash flooding. Current forecasts predict 8 to 16 inches of rain across the county over the next seven days. Additionally, dangerous rip currents and hazardous marine conditions are expected to develop and persist throughout the late week.

"We urge all residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions as this storm approaches," said Tommy Batson, Pender County Emergency Management Director. Flooding can occur rapidly, and it's important to be prepared for the potential impacts."

Emergency Management Staff are Monitoring and Preparing

Weather Impacts:

• Rainfall: Current forecasts predict possibly 8 to 16 inches of rain across the county over the next seven days. 
• Flood Risk: Life-threatening flash flooding is likely.  Avoid driving through flooded areas. Significant rainfall of 8 to 16 inches is possible.
• Rivers: People living along rivers and creeks should prepare for possible moderate to major flooding later this week. The risk of major flooding appears highest along the following rivers: Lumber River, Little Pee Dee River, Black Creek, Northeast Cape Fear River, and Waccamaw River.
• Driving Risk: Do not drive across flooded areas. The current may sweep your vehicle off the road, or the weight of your vehicle may collapse the road. Cars can be swept off the road in as little as 6 inches of water. 
• Tropical Storm Force Winds: These winds are likely to reach northeast SC on Wednesday and southeast NC on Wednesday night into Thursday morning. The probability of these winds has increased, particularly along the coast.
• Tornado Risk: Isolated tornadoes are possible, primarily across northeast South Carolina, with the risk extending to coastal areas on Wednesday.
• Coastal Conditions: Expect rough surf, dangerous rip currents, storm surge, and hazardous marine conditions throughout the week.

Preparation Tips:

• Continue preparing for severe weather impacts, including potential flooding and power outages. Due to flooding, some areas may be temporarily cut off. 
• Prepare for possible significant flooding.
• Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas. Six inches of water can wipe out a car. 
• Stay updated on weather conditions and follow local advisories.
• Go to Ready.gov to check your hurricane preparedness.
• Stay informed through our website and social media channels, including Facebook and X. We will keep you updated on Hurricane Debby and post the latest information as it becomes available.

Signup for Emergency Alerts

Sign up for Nixle Alerts or text 888777 from your phone.

You can sign up for the Pender County Emergency Management App on your phone by searching for Pender County EM, in the App Store or by scanning the QR code below.