North Charlotte Today

Charlotte-Mecklenburg will observe Severe Weather Preparedness Week from March 2-8, aligning with North Carolina's statewide initiative. During this period, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and the Emergency Management Office are urging residents to stay informed about flood risks and be ready for emergencies.

In 2024, the region faced over four feet of rain. Hurricanes Helene and Debby led to significant flooding in the area. These events highlight the need for preparedness against severe weather and potential flooding, which have become more frequent.

Residents are advised to remain informed as severe weather can occur year-round, with heightened risk in spring and summer. Thunderstorms and flash floods pose significant threats. Flooding can happen anywhere, not just in designated floodplains; six inches of water can knock a person over, while 12 inches can move a car.

To determine if their home is in a floodplain, residents should visit StormWater.CharMeck.org and use the 3D Floodzone Maps tool.

Preparedness involves signing up for CharMeckAlerts for emergency updates, creating household plans for flooding scenarios, and staying updated via local weather channels. Traditional insurance policies typically exclude flooding; however, the National Flood Insurance Program is available regardless of floodplain status. More information is accessible at Floodsmart.gov.

"One of the ways we can protect our loved ones is to be proactive in taking actions before a flood event,” stated Don Ceccarelli, Mecklenburg County’s Storm Water Services director. He suggested measures such as storing important documents above ground level, elevating appliances, using flood-resistant materials during renovations like tile instead of carpet, purchasing flood insurance, and even elevating homes.