EMERALD ISLE, N.C. (WITN) – Tropical Storm Debby brought heavy rain and flooding to the North Carolina coast on Thursday, and with that flooding also comes water contamination.
State officials are asking people not to go into the water along the coast from Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk to the South Carolina state line. In a press release, officials say that the biggest concern is bacteria contamination, which can be harmful to people’s health.
“Where we introduce bacteria into the sound especially where we swim,” said Erin Bryan-Millush, Recreational Water Quality Program Manager. “That’s when they are face to face with the bacteria that can make people sick.”
As Tropical Storm Debby makes its way north, Eastern North Carolina is still dealing with the aftermath. Waves bigger than usual were seen at Emerald Isle on Friday with scattered showers.
“I was thinking ‘let’s not go in there,’” said Emily Dourski, a beachgoer. “There were a bunch of people in the water. It was really cool to see them, but from a distance.”
One resident said that the rain was heavy at her house all day Thursday.
“It was torrential down poring at my house,” said Swansboro resident Patty Reid. “I pretty much stayed home most of the day because I was afraid of the flooding.”
Dourski visits Emerald Isle yearly, and says she knows how to stay safe when it comes to the water.
“We aren’t going deep in the water,” said Dourski. “We are staying by the lifeguards just in case too.”
Officials say it is important to follow safety guidelines and to stay out of the water until it safe and the bacterial levels are normal.
“Avoid swimming in these flooded waters for now,” said Samantha Krop, Neuse Riverkeeper with Sound Rivers. “At least until we can ensure that bacterial levels have come down to acceptable levels. We want to make sure there aren’t serious hazardous conditions out there.”
Testing will take place early next week at 215 different locations along the coast. It is suggested to stay out of the water for 24 to 48 hours after a storm.