Ernesto Prompts Watch for Flash Flooding 08/30/06

Holly Springs is on watch for flash flooding as weather forecasters warn the remnants of Tropical Storm Ernesto could dump 3 to 6 inches of rain Thursday and Friday.

The heaviest rain is expected Thursday evening and Friday morning. The center of the storm's remnants is forecast to pass over Holly Springs about 8 a.m. Friday if Ernesto stays on track.

Winds are expected to be 10-20 mph with gusts of 30 or 35 mph. The rain should diminish Friday afternoon as the system pulls out of the area.

Wake County Emergency Management warns that conditions could be very similar to those on June 14, when what was left of Tropical Storm Alberto passed through the area.

On June 14, floodwaters submerged much of the parking lot at Bass Lake Park and came perilously close to entering the retreat center. The channel beneath the concrete spillway turned into a raging river. Part of the parking lot had to be replaced, and repairs were needed in the spillway.

Flooding forced temporary closures of several streets in Holly Springs after the storm in mid-June. However, no injuries were reported.

Ernesto's approach prompted Holly Springs police to ask that parents keep children away from storm drains and other places where the water may be high or moving swiftly.

Motorists should avoid driving on roads that are submerged, even if the water does not seem especially deep.

"It only takes about 2 inches of water to sweep most cars off the roadway," Police Chief John Herring said, adding that the water can conceal broken pavement or obstructions.

Wake County Emergency Management's Hurricane Preparedness Checklist has more advice on what to do before, during and after storms.

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Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us