Expecting Stormy Weather: Tropical Storm Debby Approaches Kitty Hawk
Kitty Hawk, N.C. — With the winds picking up and dark clouds looming, the lovely town of Kitty Hawk is bracing itself as Tropical Storm Debby makes its way toward the Outer Banks. Residents and visitors alike are starting to feel the tension in the air, as North Carolina has officially declared a state of emergency. It’s one of those moments where we all need to pull together to stay safe!
Preparations in Full Swing
As the storm heads north, Dominion Energy is already in preparation mode. Early Tuesday morning, the energy company had its crews packing up their trucks and securing all their equipment for the weather ahead. Jason Kimble, a supervisor at Dominion, expressed the gravity of the situation: “We have crews working around the clock; when a storm comes in like this, we usually have people working 24 hours a day. It’s an all-hands-on-deck kind of situation.”
About 40 dedicated men and women are stationed in the Outer Banks, ready to respond to whatever Debby may throw their way. But they’re not alone—additional crews are on standby in Virginia, which is also facing some stormy weather. Kimble, recalling his experience during Hurricane Irene in 2011, reminded everyone to take this storm seriously. “Those who do not can often get in the way of energy crews and first responders,” he explained.
Safety First: Local Authorities Weigh In
In addition to energy workers, local authorities in Kitty Hawk are throwing up their own caution flags, urging anyone nearby to clear the beaches and stay updated through OBX alerts. Lauren Garrett, a spokeswoman for the town, emphasized the importance of preparedness: “Most families should have a hurricane prep plan in place for situations just like this.” It’s comforting to know there are systems in place to keep the community informed.
Garrett also reminded residents that the storm’s category is determined purely by wind speed, which might not account for its deadly impacts such as storm surges and flooding. The message is clear: staying home and safe is the best plan of action during a storm like this.
Staying Safe in Hazardous Conditions
As the storm nears, there’s a gaining concern about flooding and power outages, both of which could affect many families. With heavy rain expected, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Joshua Gray from Dominion Energy shared a word of caution, “We see people out wading in the water or on surfboards in the streets. It’s crucial that you stay out of that water because you don’t know what’s underneath it. There could be a power line out there, and it can be extremely dangerous.”
If you happen to spot a downed power line, make sure you assume it’s live and report it right away to 866-366-4357. It’s important for the community to work together during times like these, especially when it comes to personal safety and public utilities!
Take Action Today
For all the individuals and families out there, now is the time to check your emergency kits and ensure you’re prepared for whatever Debby may bring. It’s good to take a step back, gather some supplies, and keep in touch with local updates. You can track outages and report issues via the Dominion Energy app or online, with notifications that can conveniently be adjusted in your settings.
So let’s all do our part in staying informed, staying safe, and looking out for one another as Tropical Storm Debby heads our way. This storm serves as a reminder of the power of nature and how we can best navigate through challenges as a community. Take care, Kitty Hawk!
