Post-Tropical Storm Debby has moved out of North Carolina and is heading northeast. However, the storm left behind flooding and multiple tornadoes across the state on Wednesday and Thursday.
The National Weather Service confirmed nine tornadoes, ranging from EF0 to EF3, as of Saturday afternoon, and that number could still increase.
Two people lost their lives in the storm in North Carolina. A 60-year-old man died in Wilson County on Thursday when a tornado caused a house to collapse. In Rockingham County, a 78-year-old woman was killed when a tree fell on her mobile home.
A National Weather Service team found EF3 tornado damage in Lucama, Wilson County, with winds up to 140 mph. This tornado caused the fatal house collapse and damaged three other homes, a school, and a church.
Another tornado in Pender County likely crossed into Sampson County, where it tore the roof off a home.
Between Tuesday and Thursday, North Carolina saw 86 tornado warnings, mostly in coastal and central areas. Heavy rain and flooding affected much of the state, with Wilmington receiving nearly 10 inches of rain, Shallotte just over 11 inches, and Cary nearly 7 inches.
Several rivers are at moderate to major flood levels as the weekend ends, leading to many flood warnings. The wet ground could still cause trees to fall, potentially causing more damage, road closures, and power outages.
Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins urged people not to drive around barricades, which are there for safety and are illegal to bypass. Transportation officials are working with power companies to reopen roads once they are safe.
As recovery begins, Attorney General Jeff Stein warned residents about scams. He reported 13 complaints of price-gouging on items like gas, groceries, hotel rooms, and rental cars, which are under investigation. Stein promised to take strong action if price-gouging is confirmed.
Debby is now expected to move over the northeastern U.S. and reach eastern Canada by Saturday.