Saturday’s Community Celebration of the Arts canceled as Wake Forest braces for Hurricane Ian

Member for

1 year 11 months
September 28, 2022

Saturday’s Community Celebration of the Arts has been canceled due to the threat of inclement weather posed by Hurricane Ian.

The Public Art Commission, Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources, and ARTS Wake Forest – co-sponsors of the event - attempted to reschedule the celebration but were unable to settle on a date suitable for the various participants. Despite this year’s cancellation, organizers have already scheduled the 2023 Celebration of the Arts for Saturday, Oct. 7.

Hurricane Ian

The National Weather Service in Raleigh expects rain to begin Friday morning in N.C., but the heaviest rain will fall Friday night and all day Saturday. Most models call for 2 to 6 inches of rain and could result in localized flash flooding of streams, creeks, urban areas, and other low-lying areas. Wind gusts of 25-35 mph are likely across our area Friday and Saturday. These gusts and saturated soils could lead to downed trees and isolated power outages. Showers and thunderstorms will likely continue into Sunday and possibly Monday.

There is still some uncertainty in the actual path the storm will take over NC, so there is a possibility that our rainfall amounts may change.

Town Operations

For now, all Town facilities are expected to remain open and operate according to their normal schedules. Town officials are following the storm’s track and speed to assess whether any closings or other schedule changes may become necessary.

In the meantime, Public Works personnel will soon begin clearing obstructions from storm drains along local streets and roadways. You can assist in this effort and help prevent flooding by clearing debris from storm drains along your streets.

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.

Be Prepared

Town officials are urging residents to stay informed, have emergency plans in place and be prepared for the possibility of heavy rain, flooding, power outages and strong winds. In anticipation of the storm, residents are also encouraged to consider the following:

  • Inventory hurricane emergency supplies and restock if necessary.
  • In case of power outages (and credit cards cannot be used), secure adequate cash to operate for several days.
  • Be sure medications (including oxygen tanks) are filled.
  • Tie down or bring indoors any objects that might be blown around by hurricane 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.
  • Ensure that all vehicles are serviced and fueled. Determine where they can be stored during the storm.
  • Be sure to have needed supplies for your pets.
  • Have a flashlight and extra batteries within reach. Flashlights provide the safest emergency lighting source.
  • Charge smartphones, cell phones, power packs, and tablets.

Stay Informed

In the event severe weather occurs, the Town will issue regular updates through a variety of means. To stay informed residents can: