News Flash

UPDATE for Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024 (11 a.m.) – The Town of Carrboro Public Safety and Public Works teams are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby to respond to potential impacts from severe weather.  

There is a threat for excessive rainfall and localized flooding in Orange County starting Tuesday, Aug. 6, and going into the weekend as Tropical Storm Debby moves slowly over the area. A flood watch means that flooding is POSSIBLE. A flood warning means that flooding is HAPPENING. Be sure to sign up for OC Alerts, the public alert and warning system for Orange County at www.readyorange.org  

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES 

Weather Information 
Check for news and weather updates at weather.gov/rah/ 

Carrboro Ready 
Access emergency information from agencies serving Carrboro at https://townofcarrboro.org/2633/Emergency-Resources-Carrboro-Ready

Emergency Notifications 

• OC Alerts is Orange County's mass notification system. Sign up at https://member.everbridge.net/453003085611768/login ;
• Get Ready Now
• Have an emergency kit prepared in advance in case there is a utility outage: www.Ready.gov/kit  (English) and https://www.ready.gov/es/kit (Spanish) 

If you experience flooding:

•  Seek higher ground
• Do not walk through moving water. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving.
• Do not drive through flooded areas. (If you find yourself in floodwaters, leave your car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.)

Keep yourself and your property safe

• Assemble sandbags if your building is prone to leaks from flooding. 
• Prepare your business’ flood barriers in case of flooding.
• If you have a stream or ditch in your yard, remove any obstructions, including foot bridges, before any rain starts.
•  If you see debris on top of storm drains, remove it only if you can do so safely.
• Drain rain barrels and cisterns to provide storage for additional rain. Direct overflow hoses into rain gardens, vegetation, or onto rock splash pads to help spread out the flow and prevent erosion. 
•  Keep your children out of streets and away from storm drains. 

Community Closures and Event Announcements 

• The Carrboro Police Department’s Neighborhood Night Out scheduled for Tuesday evening has been canceled. 

Reporting Flooding 

The Town of Carrboro’s Public Works and Stormwater Management teams are clearing many culverts and storm drains to reduce flooding. Just as crews check for issues on public property, residents can help ensure the drainage systems in their yards and neighborhoods continue functioning properly during and after a storm.

• If you experience flooding, use the online reporting form at https://tocgis.ci.carrboro.nc.us/Carrboro/FloodReport/ If it is an emergency situation contact 911.
• Contact the Stormwater Hotline at 919-913-2999 or stormwater@carrboronc.gov 
• Stormwater Service Requests can also be requested online at https://www.carrboronc.gov/FormCenter/Public-Works-Department-23/Stormwater-Service-Request-134 

Reporting Power Outages 

A power outage is NOT an emergency. Please call your local power company to report an outage. To report any life-threatening emergency, call 911. 

Duke Energy - https://www.duke-energy.com/outages ;

• If you experience a power outage, report it on the Duke Energy website or through their mobile app. https://www.duke-energy.com/home/products/duke-energy-app ;
• You can also text OUT to 57801 or call 866-582-6345 
• Stay informed – make sure you and members of your organization are signed up to receive Outage Alerts and bookmark the Outage Map to stay updated on estimated restoration times. https://outagemaps.duke-energy.com/#/home ;

Piedmont Electric 

• Call 800-449-2667 or 800-222-3107. 
• Voice instructions will direct you through the system. 
• Online: https://pemc.smarthub.coop/Login.html Text “pemc” to 800-222-3107. Then text “#out” to report an outage. For outage updates, text “#status”.