Ocean Isle Beach announces voluntary evacuation due to Tropical Storm Debby

OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Many people in the Cape Fear are getting ready for more rainfall and one Brunswick County town has announced a voluntary evacuation.

The Town of Ocean Isle Beach announcing a state of emergency and voluntary evacuation due to the probability of flooding on the coast and inland. Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Smith said it’s all about getting residents and visitors safe.

“We did that out of an abundance of caution. We do have a lot of vacationers here this week still. So, without knowing exactly what the storm is going to do, we did issue that to give them some warning,” Smith said.

Property owners have been asked to remove golf carts and vehicles from underneath their homes. Electrical components in flooded vehicles can start a fire. The town is also asking residents to drive slowly on island roads and avoid pushing flood waters into nearby homes, and to also make sure their homes are prepared as well.

“Secure anything that’s loose on the outside; decks, downstairs, whatever. If you’re in a flood prone area, you need to prepare for that and either elevate it or move it,” Smith said.

While some people will be leaving the island, not everyone can. Joelle Cerneka, who works at Beach life Resort Wear in Ocean Isle Beach, said she will be riding out the storm.

“I think we’ll be fine, I don’t think it’s going to be anything too crazy. We just get really crazy wind speeds so there might be a few palm trees flying, but nothing crazy.”

You can find more information about the voluntary evacuation here.