NC coast braces for Debby's worst amid tornado watch, tropical storm warning; storm surge, 15 inches of rain possible

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BOLIVIA, N.C. (WNCN) — As a tornado watch and a tropical storm warning are both in effect from Tropical Storm Debby, various beaches on the North Carolina coast are already flooding and receiving impacts from the storm.

Most island communities in Brunswick County have issued a voluntary evacuation order and warned residents about the upcoming storm — which could bring isolated amounts of 20 inches of rain, the National Weather Service said.

With up to 15 inches of rain expected in Brunswick County there is also storm surge flooding of 2 to 4 feet likely in tidal areas of the county, officials say.

At the North Carolina line at Little River, 4.5 inches of rain have fallen since Sunday night, the weather service said. On Tuesday evening, U.S. 74/76 at the on-ramp from U.S. 17 is flooded, according to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.

Other flooded roads include Bellamy Road in Longwood and Danford Road near George II Highway, the sheriff’s office reported.

With flooding from torrential rain and storm surge, Holden Beach officials warned residents to remove batteries from lawnmowers or golf carts parked under a home — which could flood and spark a fire.

The flooding risk will increase Tuesday night into Wednesday and Thursday.

In an obvious move, beaches have suggested against swimming with Oak Island putting up double red flags along their beach.

In nearby Wrightsville Beach Tuesday, Johnnie Mercers Pier recorded a sustained wind of 40 mph with a gust of 50mph.

Sustained winds of 40 to 45 mph will be possible with higher gusts along the coast at the Brunswick islands, which include Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Caswell Beach.

Southport is located along the entrance to the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway.

A public shelter for Brunswick County is set up at Town Creek Middle School in Winnabow to open Wednesday at 9 a.m.

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Rodney Overton

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