As Tropical Storm Idalia approaches, residents urged to brace for possible flooding  

Member for

7 years 9 months
August 30, 2023

As Tropical Storm Idalia approaches, Wake County is one of several counties in central and eastern NC under a Flood Watch through 12 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1. According to the National Weather Service, Idalia could bring 1-4 inches of rain to our area which could cause flooding especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas.


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

Be a Good Neighbor

In anticipation of Idalia’s arrival, residents are encouraged to consider the following:

  • 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.

Reporting Downed Trees

If you encounter fallen trees 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. To report downed trees, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/report-problem or call 919-554-6150.

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


Reporting Power Outages

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.

Stay Informed

Town facilities will operate on a normal schedule unless announced otherwise. To stay informed residents can: