In the Midst of the Storm
The center of Tropical Storm Debby is now moving on out of South Carolina toward central North Carolina, leaving a trail of wind damage, downed trees, and localized flooding in its path.
There are many reports of tornadoes, flooding, and fallen trees on roads and buildings across the Carolinas. Tens of thousands of power customers are, or have been, without power. Many of us are under official guidance to stay home. If you must be out, be cautious and do not drive through standing water.
Remember to Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
If you must be out, check for road closures and conditions at these sites:
For NC https://drivenc.gov/
For SC https://www.scdot.org/travel/stormResources.aspx
We are monitoring weather forecasts and reports from across both NC & SC and have reached out to Lutheran pastors serving in areas with reported tornadoes or flooding. If we haven’t reached out to you, but you have concerns or damage to your church, please contact your conference dean or us directly!
We are frequently sharing updated information about the storm on our Facebook page LDR Carolinas, including current weather forecasts, reports of damages, and available resources.
We will be meeting with both the NC and SC VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) leadership again tomorrow. If you have resources to share, please let us know so that we can share that information. If your congregation has damage, please contact us at LDR Carolinas and your Synod Office. If you need assistance with tarps or debris removal, we can help you make connections. If you have personal damage, contact your local emergency manager.
Please remember that while most of the storm has passed through SC by now, the worst is yet ahead for much of NC and states to the north of us!
Please join us in prayer for all in the path of this storm. We pray for those who are without power, whose homes are damaged, or who are stranded due to flooding. We pray for all those providing emergency services, including emergency managers, police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical responders. We pray for all those providing essential services, especially medical facilities and nursing care facilities. We pray for the safety of all in the path of this dangerous storm as it moves on up the East Coast.
