Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management announced on Apr. 30 that residents should take steps to prepare for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. The announcement comes as North Carolina observes Hurricane Preparedness Week from May 3 to May 9.
Researchers predict there will be six to nine hurricanes this season, with two or three possibly becoming major hurricanes. Local officials say flooding is the greatest risk during these storms, noting that just six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person over and one foot of rushing water can move a car.
Officials also warn that current dry conditions in the area could increase the likelihood of localized flooding because hardened soil causes rainwater to run off quickly instead of being absorbed. They encourage residents to assess their flood risk by visiting StormWater.CharMeck.org and using the online flood zone map, consider purchasing flood insurance since standard policies do not cover flooding, and make evacuation plans for their households—including pets—before storms arrive.
Residents are urged to clear storm drains and gutters ahead of severe weather and secure outdoor items such as furniture or ornamentals. To stay informed during emergencies, officials recommend signing up for CharMeck Alerts and monitoring local media as well as updates from the National Weather Service.
In related community news, enrollment at Mecklenburg County schools dropped by 0.4% in the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year according to state education data. The county’s schools enrolled a total of 153,537 students during that period as reported by state sources.
