Monroe Residents Prepare for Heavy Rain and High Winds
CHARLOTTE, NC — As more rain, high winds and the threat of flooding worries residents, many are preparing for the worst.
“We needed rain but we had a fair share,” says Sandra Carpenter.
And more is expected. Sandra carpenter and her daughter Olivia joined many Monroe residents braving the cold wet weather to stock up on water, flashlights, food and more.
“I think it’s really wet and it’s going to be as serious as when we have ice storms with all the trees falling down and power outages, the wind. It’s going to be tippin’, topping over, there go power lines,” says Carpenter.
As residents prepare for the worst, many told us that some of the areas like the train station just across from downtown usually retain a lot of water.
Areas like that train station, Charlotte Avenue and Five Points have flooded before. Monroe Emergency Coordinator and Fire Chief Ron Fowler says they are tracking the storm.
“Weather service is predicting gusty winds, can bring trees and power lines down,” says Chief Fowler.
Bringing in extra crews, testing boats, water rescue equipment, and have chainsaws ready in case of fallen trees. But they also say residents need to be smart.
“If you see water running across the road, remember the old saying: turn around, don’t drown,” says Chief Fowler.
