Efforts to reduce flooding help Durham through this week's storm
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Heavy rainfall continued to pepper central North Carolina on Tuesday, drenching the ground for a second-straight day.
The ABC11 viewing area experienced heavy rain and gusty winds, causing some flooding and power outages.
Flood warnings were issued for several counties across central North Carolina, including Wake, Harnett and Johnston counties.
In Durham, a city program designed to help reduce flooding is working.
Casey Lunceford Blivin cleaned seven stormwater drains where she lives right before heavy rainfall moved in Monday. On Tuesday, the water was flowing through the cleared out drain successfully.
Stormwater cascaded along the curb Tuesday into the drain that was clear of debris in her neighborhood near Ellerbe Creek.
"Just get all the debris out and clean the litter out and make sure it gets thrown away," Lunceford Blivin said.
She is one of more than 100 volunteers who signed up to clear drains once a week.
"I didn't even know that like, things getting in the storm drains was a problem or them getting clogged up," she said. "But when it does rain a lot, you can see the ones that are clogged up and how it like backs up onto the road...so it feels like a good way to contribute."
Volunteers can name the adopted storm drains and that name is displayed on the map. The city also sends a vest and gloves to volunteers.
"It feels like a fun way to help take care of my neighborhood," Lunceford Blivin said.
Road Conditions and Power Outages
Tuesday morning's commute was littered with crashes due to the wet road conditions.
The rain and wind also knocked out power Tuesday in the Triangle. In Orange County alone, Duke Energy worked quickly to restore power for over 1,000 customers at one point.
People living along Wade Avenue told ABC11 their power went out at 11 p.m. on Monday. Some still without power.
City crews are working to remove a big tree that hit down some power lines meanwhile others work to restore the power.
Spokesman Jeff Brooks said thousands of line and power workers were on standby ready to help if needed. However, the company's new self-healing technology was expected to help reroutes power to homes quicker than previous outages.
Weather Safety Tips
Here are some useful resources:
You can use the Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network to track water levels near you and which areas may be impacted by flooding.
You can report a power outage at 57801, use the Duke Energy app or their website.
You can check for road closures due to the storm.
Over 100 people have volunteered with Durham's Adopt-A-Drain program to help prevent flooding and keep neighborhood drains clean. Learn more here.
Looking Ahead
Unsettled conditions will remain through Thursday. There's only a slight change of a shower from Friday through Sunday.
Highs look to be in the upper 70s to low 80s this weekend.
