WILSON, N.C. — With the possibility of heavy rains from tropical storms Bonnie and Charley, Wilson is preparing for possible flooding. Since Hurricane Floyd, the city has had problems coping with heavy rains.

Whenever a tropical system threatens the area, the city works to make sure water has room to rise.

"Anytime it rains, we're concerned in Wilson," said Donna Hendrix of the Wilson City Stormwater Division. "Wilson is very flat. It doesn't take a lot to cause us problems here."

In mid-May, parts of the city got 8 inches of rain in just two hours. The weekend storm stranded drivers, filled low-lying parking lots and flooded some homes and businesses.

The most severe flooding happened in 1999 during Hurricane Floyd. Hundreds of homes were damaged; 400 homes were removed from flooded areas through a buyout program.

After Floyd, stormwater crews were assigned to keep things moving. Crews are busy this week making sure any ongoing projects are secure and that drains are clear of debris.

The city says homeowners and businesses can do their part to help by making sure outdoor drain grates are free of debris such as pinestraw and rocks.