Debby prompts warning to avoid swimming along NC coast until further notice

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — As Tropical Storm Debby makes it way through the Carolinas, state recreational water quality officials are advising the public to avoid swimming in coastal water even after the storm passes.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental quality is issuing the warning for beaches from Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk south to the South Carolina state line.

Recent excess rain has caused flooding of streets, yards and housing that have resulted in some municipalities having to pump floodwaters into the ocean and sounds. As a result, the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program is advising that people avoid swimming near ocean outfalls, including the wet sand where the floodwater is pumped, even if no sign is posted.

“Severe weather events like tropical storms and hurricanes bring excessive amounts of rain, storm surge and cause extreme flooding. These conditions increase levels of harmful bacteria in our coastal waters that can cause illness,” said Erin Bryan-Millush, manager of the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program. “The sources of bacteria can vary and include failing septic systems, sewer line breaks and overflowing manholes.”

While state officials do not have immediate laboratory confirmation that disease-causing organisms are in the water, storm impacts increase the chance that contamination is present. This increases the risk of adverse health effects from swimming in these waters.

Residents and visitors should avoid swimming in these waters until testing indicates bacteria levels are within the state’s and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standards. Testing will begin as soon as conditions are safe, and areas are accessible.

The advisory will be lifted in part or in whole as test results become available.

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