The Town of Wake Forest continues to monitor Hurricane Michael. Forecasters say the Triangle could receive anywhere from 3 to 6 inches of rain, which could cause flash flooding. Additionally, wind gusts could range between 30 and 60 mph, toppling trees and power lines. A flash flood watch continues through Thursday for the Triangle.
Local streets which could flood and should be approached cautiously during this weather event are:
* Durham Road/NC-98, Richland Creek
* East Juniper Avenue near Allen Road
* East Juniper Avenue near North White Street
* Forestville Road, Toms Creek
* Forestville Road, Sanford Creek
* Harris Road, Richland Creek
* Heritage Heights Lane, 1300 Block
* Jenkins Road, Horse Creek
* Ligon Mill Road, Smith Creek
* Ligon Mill Road, Toms Creek
* North Main Street, Walnut Avenue to Cedar Avenue
* North White Street, Juniper Street to Flaherty Avenue
* Oak Grove Church Road, Dunn Creek
* Purnell Road at Jackson Road, Horse Creek
* Purnell Road, Mud Branch
* Rogers Road, Sanford Creek
* Rogers Road, Smith Creek
* West Oak Avenue, Richland Creek
* Wait Avenue, Dunn Creek
* Wall Road, Wallridge Drive to Harris Road
* Watkins Farm Road at Young Street
Wake Forest residents are urged to bring in rollout garbage and recycling carts and other light-weight items no later than Thursday morning to ensure that those items do not become unintended and harmful projectiles.
In addition, Public Works personnel are clearing obstructions from storm drains along local streets and roadways. You can assist in this effort and help prevent flooding by clearing debris from storm drains along your streets.
If Your Power Goes Out
* To report power outages:
* Wake Forest Power customers call 919-761-7899;
* Wake Electric customers call 919-863-6499 or 800-743-3155;
* Duke Energy Progress customers call 800-419-6356.
* Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food usually stays frozen about 48 hours. A refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.
* Do not connect a generator directly to your home’s electrical system. It is dangerous to you, your neighbors and utility workers. Follow manufacturer’s directions regarding connecting appliances directly to your generator.
* Restoring power after a storm can be challenging, as travel conditions are poor. Before power can be restored, crews first assess damage and determine which crews, equipment and supplies will be needed to make repairs. Because of this, customers may see damage assessors patrolling their neighborhoods before crews arrive to begin work.
* Crews prioritize work to ensure the largest number of customers are restored as quickly as possible. Essential services, such as hospitals and emergency response facilities, are the first priority.
* If you lose power, turn off as many appliances and electronics as possible. This helps with restoration efforts because it reduces the immediate demand on power lines when power is restored.
* Once your power is restored, please wait a few minutes before turning your equipment back on.
Reporting Downed Trees
To report downed trees, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/report-a-problem.aspx<http://www.wakeforestnc.gov/report-a-problem.aspx> or call 919-435-9570.
If you encounter trees downed during storms on roads, sidewalks or other public areas, contact the Town rather than trying to handle them on your own. In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, trees and limbs often come into contact with dangerous, live electrical wires which can cause serious injury or death.
Please do not call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property.
During severe weather events, the Town will issue regular updates through a variety of means. To stay informed residents can:
* Visit the Severe Weather Updates page on the Town’s website at www.wakeforestnc.gov/severe-weather-updates.aspx<http://www.wakeforestnc.gov/severe-weather-updates.aspx>
* Visit the Town’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TownofWakeForest/<https://www.facebook.com/TownofWakeForest/>
* Follow the Town’s Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/WakeForest_NC
* Download the Town’s app at www.wakeforestnc.gov/app.aspx<http://www.wakeforestnc.gov/app.aspx>
* Sign up for Town alerts and email notifications via E-Notifier at www.wakeforestnc.gov/enotifier.aspx<http://www.wakeforestnc.gov/enotifier.aspx>
* Sign up to receive phone call notifications via Blackboard Connect at www.wakeforestnc.gov/phone-notification-system.aspx<http://www.wakeforestnc.gov/phone-notification-system.aspx>
* Call the Wake Forest Weather Line at 919-435-9569.
