Hurricane Helena NC Track | Communities in the Sandhills are preparing for possible flooding from a severe storm

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — People in the Sandhills have been preparing for the weather — especially near lakes and in low-lying neighborhoods that are prone to flooding.

Some homeowners who spoke to ABC11 said they are still dealing with the effects of the last major storm, Tropical Storm Debby, and that they are working together to protect themselves from Hurricane Helene.

Rayconda community residents are worried about what could happen from Helene as a lakefront road is still open due to Debby flooding last month.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a storm. When it rains heavily, the amount of water, rainwater, that goes into this lake is enormous,” said resident Judy Lee.

So one of Lee’s neighbors, Alice Sosa, went into the water with her husband to remove underwater boards. This would help reduce water levels and minimize the risk of possible flooding, which could affect more than 200 households in their neighborhood.

“It’s actually getting clogged, and we’re worried about the back wall collapsing like it did with (Hurricane) Matthew, and we won’t have the lower lake – what we have left of it. With that we would lose both lakes,” said Sosa.

But Cumberland County Emergency Services isn’t just warning about possible flooding.

“Today would be a good day to prepare for possible power outages tomorrow. Make sure you have cash, gas, chargers and medications,” said Gene Booth, the county’s emergency services director.

Madison Urbina in Arran Lakes – another flood-prone neighborhood – said she was lucky to live on one of the higher streets there. Still, she said her family wouldn’t take any chances.

“I think we’ll just stay inside and not go anywhere,” she said.

Cumberland County officials are encouraging residents there to pay attention to official warnings so they can stay informed about conditions in their neighborhoods.