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Flooding a concern for residents in the NC foothills

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Residents in the foothills of North Carolina are bracing for flooding, with rainfall totals forecast to match a storm that caused devastating damage in Catawba County in 2013.

Janice Gagnon's apartment on Boston Road flooded in that storm.

"I lost just about everything I had," she said.

She’s worried she’ll experience the same loss because of Hurricane Florence.

Karyn Yaussy is the emergency management coordinator for Catawba County. She shares similar concerns about potential flooding as Florence is projected to make its way through Western North Carolina this weekend.

"Our forecast for rain was increased overnight," Yaussy said.

"We're now looking at 6-10 inches, possibly a higher amount."

County data shows more than 800 homes and businesses were damaged in the 2013 storm. According to Yaussy, some parts of the county received 8 to 14 inches of rain.

"It was devastating," she said.

The creek behind Gagnon's apartment rises during rainfall, allowing water to creep up to the building.

"The water inside the apartments got halfway up the walls," Gagnon said.

[Family emergency supply kit must-haves]

Rex Parker lives in the same building two doors down from Gagnon. He moved in after the 2013 flood, and says he knows the risk. He has a plan and a bag packed if he does have to get out quickly.

Yaussy said the county can't do much to prevent the flooding but urged all residents to have a plan.

She said the neighbors who were flooded in 2013 know better than anyone why it's important to get ready for Florence.

"They're some of our best-prepared citizens right now," Yaussy said.

Gagnon has bags packed as well. She’s moving her valuables to higher places and packing her car with items she can't afford to replace.

"I have been putting everything I can on top shelves," she said.

"I told Rex and everyone else they better be prepared just in case," she added.

"It's better to be safe than sorry."

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