MONROE, N.C. – Union County leaders have declared a state of emergency in anticipation of expected impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. Board of County Commissioners Chairman J.R. Rowell has signed a declaration for Union County that goes into effect Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 8 p.m. This declaration includes a restriction pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 166A-19.31 and Chapter 14 of the Union County Code, which gives the Sheriff’s Office authority to close roads impacted by flooding and issue citations to motorists who disregard emergency barricades. The declaration also allows the County’s administrative team to increase funding allocated for emergency purposes.
Additionally, Emergency Management Director Andrew Ansley will activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 8 p.m. to monitor the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby and direct the County’s response efforts. The storm is expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, flash flooding, downed trees, and possible power outages. The EOC functions as a command center, bringing together numerous partners across the county to share information, make decisions, monitor developments, and coordinate response efforts.
“This storm has already brought torrential rainfall to parts of the southeast,” Ansley said. “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our residents. We’ll be monitoring developments and planning any necessary response efforts in coordination with local and state partners.”
Any closures and impacts to County services will be posted on the Union County website. If severe weather prompts numerous roads to close, those road closures will be available in real-time on the County’s website. Hurricane Preparedness resources are also available on the County’s website. Additional updates will be shared on Union County Government’s Facebook page. For the latest on Tropical Storm Debby, visit the National Hurricane Center’s website.
