Severe Weather Updates

Severe WeatherThis page provides the latest information on Town of Wake Forest operations during severe weather. Announcements about town services are also provided in Town news releases and E-Alerts, through the Town app, and on Facebook.

Please bookmark this page, then during severe weather events check it often for updates as schedules are subject to change.

Be a Good Neighbor

  • Tie down or bring indoors any objects that might be blown around by strong winds (outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, display racks, signs and any other loose objects that are normally left outside).

  • Secure all items that cannot be brought inside, including rollout trash and recycling carts.

  • Help prevent flooding by clearing debris from storm drains along your streets.

Street Flooding Hazards

Street Flooding Hazards

The following Wake Forest-area streets are prone to flooding and should be approached cautiously during significant rainfall events:

  • Durham Road/NC-98, Richland Creek

  • East Juniper Avenue near North Allen Road

  • East Juniper Avenue near North White Street

  • Forestville Road, Toms Creek

  • Forestville Road, Sanford Creek

  • Harris Road, Richland Creek

  • Heritage Heights Lane, 1300 Block

  • Jenkins Road, Horse Creek

  • Ligon Mill Road, Smith Creek

  • Ligon Mill Road, Toms Creek

  • North Main Street, Walnut Avenue to Cedar Avenue

  • North White Street, Juniper Street to Flaherty Avenue

  • Oak Grove Church Road, Dunn Creek

  • Purnell Road at Jackson Road, Horse Creek

  • Purnell Road, Mud Branch

  • Rogers Road, Sanford Creek

  • Rogers Road, Smith Creek

  • West Oak Avenue, Richland Creek

  • Wait Avenue, Dunn Creek

  • Wall Road, Wallridge Drive to Harris Road

  • Watkins Farm Road at Young Street

Important Reminders

Residents are reminded not to call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property.

Similarly, residents should not report flooded road conditions via SeeClickFix. All non-emergency calls, including reports of hazardous road conditions and immediate needs for service, should be placed to 919-554-6150.

Stay Informed 

In the event severe weather occurs, the Town issues regular updates through a variety of means. To stay informed residents are urged to:

 If Your Power Goes Out

  • To report power outages:

    • Wake Forest Power customers call 919-761-7899;

    • Wake Electric customers call 919-863-6499 or 800-743-3155;

    • Duke Energy Progress customers call 800-419-6356.

  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food usually stays frozen about 48 hours. A refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.

  • Do not connect a generator directly to your home's electrical system. It is dangerous to you, your neighbors and utility workers. Follow manufacturer's directions regarding connecting appliances directly to your generator.

  • Restoring power after a storm can be challenging, as travel conditions are poor. Before power can be restored, crews first assess damage and determine which crews, equipment and supplies will be needed to make repairs. Because of this, customers may see damage assessors patrolling their neighborhoods before crews arrive to begin work.

  • Crews prioritize work to ensure the largest number of customers are restored as quickly as possible. Essential services, such as hospitals and emergency response facilities, are the first priority.

  • If you lose power, turn off as many appliances and electronics as possible. This helps with restoration efforts because it reduces the immediate demand on power lines when power is restored.

  • Once your power is restored, please wait a few minutes before turning your equipment back on.

Reporting Downed Trees

To report downed trees, visit our Report a Problem web page or call 919-554-6150.

If you encounter trees downed during storms on roads, sidewalks or other public areas, contact the Town rather than trying to handle them on your own. In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, trees and limbs often come into contact with dangerous, live electrical wires which can cause serious injury or death.

Please do not call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property.

Frozen Pipes 

During periods of extremely cold weather, the Town of Wake Forest and Raleigh Water (formerly City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department) often field calls from customers reporting broken water pipes. When pipes break between the water meter and the home or within the home, the customer is responsible for repairs. Since Raleigh Water operates and maintains Wake Forest's water system, it is responsible for repairing any damage to pipes between the water main under the street and the meter, or in the main itself, which rarely happens since water runs continuously in the mains. 

For more information, call Raleigh Water on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 919-996-4540. On nights and weekends, call 919-829-1930.  

Here are some tips to help keep pipes from freezing:

  • Have regular pipe maintenance done - at least once year.

  • Regularly change filters around the house.

  • Drip a faucet so pipes don't burst. (Drip only one faucet in the house. Choose one close to an exterior wall so pipes don't freeze)

  • Open cabinet doors where pipes are so they can feel the heat from the home.

  • Turn off the outdoor sprinkler system.

  • Detach the water hose from the outdoor faucet.

Severe Weather Updates
Bill Crabtree
Communications & Public Affairs Director
919-435-9421
919-761-3719
Reporting Power Outages

Wake Forest Power
919-761-7899

Duke Energy Progress
800-419-6356

Wake Electric
919-863-6499 or 800-743-3155