ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — A 78-year-old woman was killed after a tree fell on a Rockingham County home during a severe storm connected to Tropical Depression Debby, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. at Clearwater Lane, said Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. The woman’s daughter called the guy next door to inquire about her mum and one of the neighbours discovered the downed tree on the house that had caught fire.
The victim was the only resident and was confirmed dead at the scene. The storm has been dumping heavy rain and flooding the area. The National Hurricane Center has reported that the heaviest winds are likely occurring near the coast and just offshore of Southern North Carolina.
My Mother Had a Painful Death – She Said
Storm Conditions and Impacts: My Mother Had a Painful Death
As of early Thursday afternoon, the centre of Tropical Depression Debby was located over the central border of North and South Carolina and is forecast to turn northward across the southern and western Piedmont of North Carolina by Thursday night.
The National Weather Service warned of an isolated tornado threat for eastern North Carolina that could reach into the Piedmont this Thursday afternoon and go on into this evening.
Rainfall amounts will average between 4 and 6 inches throughout the Piedmont Triad, but isolated areas could receive as much as 9 inches in the west part of the region. Some of the southeastern locations of North Carolina will be approaching total rainfall of 15″—very significant and with much flooding.
Tens of thousands in the Triad are without power and numerous roads across the area are reported as closed due to flooding.
Duke Energy has mobilised more than 1,000 workers in the Triad since early Thursday to continue Tropical Depression Debby response. An additional 200 personnel arrived Thursday afternoon; more are expected throughout the evening.
The Williamsburg Fire Department and the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Clearwater Lane incident. The woman’s death is being investigated.
In the meantime, authorities advise everyone to stay safe by not travelling until it is essential in the severe weather.
