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A flood watch and wind advisory will be in effect for the city of Franklin, Southampton County and Isle of Wight County from 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, until the early morning hours of Wednesday, Jan. 10, according to the National Weather Service’s Wakefield office.

The wind advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. Tuesday to 1 a.m. Wednesday, and what is expected are south to southeast winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph.

The flood watch is in effect from 1 p.m. Tuesday until 4 a.m. Wednesday

The NWS reported that flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible, adding that excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

“You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings,” NWS officials stated. “Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.”

Franklin City Manager Amanda C. Jarratt stated during the Franklin City Council’s Monday evening, Jan. 8, meeting that the city was expecting “very severe weather tomorrow” and asked that people prepare their home and property.

“We are expecting very high winds throughout the day moving into tomorrow evening, and so it’d be in everyone’s best interests to procure anything they may need,” she said. “If we had any short-term power outages, charge medical devices, charge cellphones and make sure that you take a survey of your property to make sure that anything that may blow away in the wind is properly secured.”

Franklin Mayor Robert “Bobby” Cutchins echoed these thoughts at the conclusion of the meeting.

“Don’t forget to batten down the hatches tomorrow,” he said. “It’s going to be very windy. Be safe.”