Hurricane Helena NC track | Sandhills communities are preparing for possible flooding from a major storm

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — People in the Sandhills have been preparing for the weather, especially those near lakes and in low-lying neighborhoods prone to flooding.

Some homeowners who spoke to ABC11 said they are still dealing with the effects of the last major storm, Tropical Storm Debby, and are working together to protect themselves from Hurricane Helene.

Residents of the Rayconda community are wary of what could happen to Helene because a lake road there is still open due to Debby’s flooding last month.

“It doesn’t really matter if it’s a storm. If it’s raining hard, the amount of water and rainwater that gets into this lake is enormous,” said resident Judy Lee.

So one of Lee’s neighbors, Alice Sosa, got into the water with her husband to remove the underwater planks. By doing so, you can help reduce water levels and minimize the risks of potential flooding, which could affect more than 200 households in their area.

“It’s getting clogged and we’re afraid the back wall will collapse like it did during Hurricane Matthew, and we won’t have the lower lake — what we have left of it. So then we would lose both lakes,” Sosa said.

However, Cumberland County Emergency Services isn’t just warning of possible flooding.

“Today would be a good day to prepare for possible power outages tomorrow. Make sure you have some cash, gas, chargers and medications,” said Gene Booth, director of the county’s emergency services.

Madison Urbina in Arran Lakes – another area vulnerable to flooding – said she was lucky to live on one of the higher streets there. Still, she said her family wasn’t taking any chances.

“I think we’ll just stay inside and not go anywhere,” she said.

Cumberland County officials are encouraging residents there to pay attention to official warnings so they can stay informed about conditions in their neighborhood.