Duplin, Sampson, Cumberland, Nash counties urge residents to be ready for flash flooding

By Brett Knese and Leslie Moreno, WRAL multimedia journalists

Mount Olive, N.C. — At leastthree North Carolina counties will open shelters Monday, but the state is urging residents to use these as a last resort due to coronavirus concerns.

Duplin County is planning to open two shelters, but evacuees are asked to bring your their own bedding, food and other personal care items. Sampson County shelters will open if needed.

In Cumberland County, the Salvation Army will open a shelter on Alexander Street. The capacity will be limited to 22 people due to COVID-19 precautions.

Anyone who seeks shelter will be screened for COVID-19, and anyone who shows symptoms will be isolated and separated from the rest of the shelter.

Duplin shelters:

• North Duplin Elementary School – 157 N Duplin School Road, Mt. Olive, NC 28365
• James Kenan High School – 1241 NC 24 and 50 Hwy, Warsaw, NC 28398

Face coverings will be required while at the shelters.

Counties along the Interstate 95 corridor are expected to be some of the hardest hit when Isaias drops heavy rainfall on the area Tuesday morning.

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson says the city is preparing for not just for flash flooding, but high wind and tree damage as well.

He explains it’s still too early to tell how severe this storm will be, but preparation is key, especially since Rocky Mount is prone to flooding.

Roberson says several utility crews are already on standby.

He says people should make sure they have enough water and food for at least the next 48 hours or until the storm has passed. He also asks that people stay indoors and away from windows.

“This is a dangerous situation, and just because we went through so many hurricanes in the past, every one is unique and presents lots of dangers. We shouldn’t ever look over the potential impact it can have, so stay safe, stay inside and be careful as you are able to,” said Roberson.

For now, the utility workers are on standby for any possible power outages.

City officials will have a briefing Monday to determine whether the city will declare a state of emergency.

A curfew on Monday is possible to keep people safe and get cars and people out of the street for utility crews.

City officials say plans will be adjusted as damage is assessed.