CAMDEN COUNTY, N.C. — On Monday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued a State of Emergency as Tropical Storm Debby is forecasted to move through the state later this week.
The storm is predicted to bring heavy winds and rain to the area.
Kraken Coffeehouse owner Diana Bennett said she feels nervous about the incoming storm. She has two locations, one in Elizabeth City and another in Camden County. Bennett said heavy rain flooded her business in Camden last month.
"It came up, halfway past the building, almost to our backroom," said Bennett.
Although the flooding forced her to close her business for one day, she said she feels prepared this time.
"We've got these water-absorbing mats that we will put at both doors. That seems to be where the water was really coming in, so we'll put them both there," she said.
Meanwhile, Pasquotank, Currituck, and Camden counties' emergency management departments are taking precautions before the storm.
On social media, Pasquotank and Camden counties say they expect to see 5 to 7" of rain through the weekend. Currituck County reminds people to clean their gutters and secure outdoor items.
RELATED: Here's what Hampton Roads, Virginia and northeast North Carolina may see from Hurricane Debby
However, storm supplies are not flying off the shelves at some hardware stores ahead of the storm. If you walked into Taylor's Do-It Center in Moyock, you would find plenty of tarps and sandbags on the store shelves.
"I haven't noticed anything about the storm. I think we sold some bungee cords and one gas can today," said Taylor's Do-It manager Blake Bundy.
One man in Elizabeth City said he is considering ways to prepare for the storm.
"Someone told me that it would be a good idea to get a generator, so I think I might take their advice," said Elizabeth City resident Calvin Boone.
Although Bennett hopes for the best, she has some advice for other business owners.
"Just take all precautions. Definitely, if you have entrances or exits that water can get through, water-absorbing mats are what I would recommend," said Bennett.
