(Danville) — Emergency service teams are getting ready for the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby.
The storm will bring rain beginning Thursday and continuing on Friday, with pockets of heavy downpours. Danville Public Safety Director Tim Duffer says the National Weather Service expects five-to-six inches of rain in the Danville area. The latest update shows the storm tracking a bit more to the west than originally forecast. “That could mean more river flooding. It also moves us into a slight risk of a tornado spawning during the storm,” Duffer said.
Danville is under a flood watch through Friday evening. The Dan River is projected to crest at 29 feet at 2 p.m. Friday. During Tropical Storm Michael in 2018, it crested at 30 feet. Duffer says forecasted winds of 20 miles per hour locally could pose an issue as well. “With the rain we had last week the ground is already saturated. That means high winds could knock down trees and lead to power outages,” Duffer said.
Danville Public Works Director Rick Drazenowich says they’ve set up water pumps on River Street to keep the S-curves open. They’ve also loaded barricades on trucks to send out if street closures are needed. A Public Works Department crew will monitor streets overnight. They’ve also provided sand for the public to use as needed. “We put a tandem load of sand right across from our Public Works office on South Boston Road, next to the recycling bins,” Drazenovich tells River City TV.
The Fire Department will have an extra fire engine crew on duty on both the north and south sides of the River to handle calls. Water rescue teams are on standby on both sides of the river. “We’re going to have two additional boat crews staffed for two additional operational periods the next few days,” said Duffer.
The Danville Fire Department is also prepared to open and staff a shelter should that be needed.
Because of impending weather, Danville and Pittsylvania County Schools will be closed Thursday. Danville opened their school year on Wednesday, the county’s first day was originally set for Thursday. Pittsylvania County offices will also be closed Thursday.
