Fuquay-Varina tries to recover from tornado as Tropical Storm Debby approaches

As Tropical Storm Debby closes in on central North Carolina, a Wake County town is still recovering from storms over the weekend.

On Saturday, an EF-1 tornado barreled through Fuquay-Varina. In the process, it damaged a church, Fuquay-Varina High School, and uprooted several trees.

Multiple trees came down in Vicci Stremel’s backyard. Her and her partner Jason Teramae told WRAL News they didn’t know how to prepare for the impending storm, as they worked to clean up from the previous one.

“The number of large old trees, yellow poplar trees are my biggest concerns. They are very close to my house,” Stremel said.

The couple is deaf. WRAL News talked to them about the impending storm through the Notes app on her phone. Stremel said the trees are around 90 years old.

A creek also snakes through their yard.

“My concern is the storm channel may be blocked from debris and then the flood can get worse from there,” Stremel said.

WRAL meteorologists say flooding is one of the largest threats from Tropical Storm Debby.

Fuquay-Varina Mayor Blake Massengill encourages residents not to panic.

“The Fuquay-Varina mayor encourages residents not to panic,” he said.

Massengill said crews are trying to be proactive.

“Departments are out patrolling, looking for any areas that might be flooding that affect our water or sewer systems,” he said.

With flooding expecting to be widespread, Massengill warned residents to be sure to turn around if they see water in the road and never drive around barricades.

He also said 911 calls should be reserved for urgent emergencies.

“Don’t clog up 911 lines or the police department, because you don’t have power at your house,” Massengill said.