Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management announced on Apr. 30 that they are encouraging residents to take steps to protect themselves and their property during North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week, which runs from May 3 to May 9.
The announcement comes as Atlantic hurricane season is set to begin on June 1 and run through Nov. 30. Researchers expect between six and nine hurricanes this season, with up to three potentially becoming major storms. Officials say that flooding remains the greatest risk in the area during these events, noting that just six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person over, while a foot of rushing water can move a car.
Current dry conditions have increased the likelihood of localized flooding because hardened soil may cause rainwater to run off quickly instead of soaking in. Residents are urged by local agencies to plan ahead by knowing their flood risk, making an evacuation plan that includes pets, clearing storm drains before storms arrive, securing outdoor items, and signing up for CharMeck Alerts for emergency information.
Officials also recommend checking if homes are located in floodplains using the StormWater.CharMeck.org website’s 3D Flood Zone Map tool. They advise considering flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program since standard homeowners or renters policies do not cover flooding.
As reported by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, enrollment at Mecklenburg County schools dropped by 0.4% in the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year according to state data. The county’s schools enrolled a total of 153,537 students during that period according to official figures.
The agencies stress staying informed throughout hurricane season by following updates from local media and the National Weather Service.
