ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) – Tropical Storm Debby is bringing mixed emotions to the residents of Elizabeth City.
“Very concerned. Concerned about my family, my friends, concerned about everybody,” said Dennis Overton.
“I’m not too concerned. I can get through it, I’m pretty sure,” said Jake Port.
10 On Your Side was there Thursday and saw off-and-on rain for much of the morning, even seeing a portion of road under water near the Museum of the Albemarle.
Pasquotank-Camden-Elizabeth City Emergency Management predicts the storm could bring three to four inches of rain, wind and cause tidal flooding. However, the department’s coordinator isn’t too concerned.
Elizabeth City resident Dennis Overton told WAVY 10 the weather can be unpredictable.
“I’m 69 years old and I’ve seen weather like this before, and you don’t ever know what it’s going to do,” he said.
Overton and Port are among several shoppers buying goods at a Food Lion near Elizabeth City State University.
“I’m already prepared, that’s why I’m at the store going to get a loaf of bread,” Overton said. “I got everything else. I got candles. I got lights. I’m just taking it one day at a time.”
Shopper David Mason said if the weather becomes dangerous he’ll need some essential items.
“Bread, milk and beer,” Mason said. “[The beer] helps pass the time while you can’t go outside.”
But he’s not worried about the weather getting bad.
“This is a mild tropical storm right now, and if it was a hurricane, a [category] 1 or 2 I’d stick around,” Mason said. “If it gets up to a cat 3 or 4, I may consider going somewhere.”
All three shoppers have lived in Elizabeth City for decades and say they’ve been through some scary weather conditions.
“Oh, Lord. Matthew was pretty bad,” Mason said. “Dennis, I remember it stayed off the coast a while doing loops out in the ocean and then coming back in. There’s been a lot. I can’t keep up with all the names.”
Overton said, despite his worries, he’s leaning on a higher power to get through any harsh weather.
“We don’t know that’s God’s work. Whatever God does we’ll be alright,” he said.
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