Cumberland County Emergency Services issued a press release Friday afternoon ahead of possible severe weather that could impact the region this weekend and next week. 

Invest 94L is currently categorized as an Atlantic tropical wave — an elongated band of low pressure that carries thunderstorms, showers and wind across the Atlantic Ocean. These systems can turn into tropical depressions and tropical storms as they pick up speed, fueled by warm surface waters off the coast. 

This invest is currently near the Caribbean islands of Hispaniola and Turks and Caicos, and is forecast to become a tropical depression or tropical storm near the Bahamas this weekend, according to Cumberland County’s press release. 

The National Weather Service forecasts many scattered showers, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms throughout Friday and Saturday in Cumberland County, with the potential to bring several inches of rain and isolated flooding — especially in low-lying areas. The weather authority is not currently predicting direct landfall of this storm system in the area, but Cumberland County officials say that hazardous conditions due to rainfall remain possible. 

Get prepared

In their Friday press release, Cumberland County Emergency Services provided safety recommendations ahead of the potential severe weather:

  • Prepare your homes and property
    • Review and restock emergency kits like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights and batteries. 
    • Clean out gutters, downspouts and drains. Water that doesn’t drain can damage your roof or flood your home. 
    • Remove unstable tree limbs.
    • Secure or bring in loose outdoor objects like chairs, tables, trash cans and decorations.
  • Know flood risks
    • Identify areas that are prone to flooding. These include low-lying streets, underpasses or areas near creeks or rivers. Don’t know which areas might flood? Visit the NC Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network to check areas and see real-time water levels. 
    • Make a “go bag” for each member of your household — and don’t forget to prep for your pets. Move to higher ground quickly if flooding occurs. 
    • Don’t drive on flooded roads or through any flooded areas. 
  • Stay informed
    • Enroll in Cumberland Alerts, a free emergency notification system for Cumberland County. 

Monitor the National Weather Service, the National Hurricane Center and other weather authorities for updates.

Trey Nemec is a reporter for CityView. He is a Fayetteville State University alumnus, and holds a bachelor's degree in communication and media studies.