Sunday marks the first day of the 2019 Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina. All week the National Weather Service will provide information to help us prep for this upcoming season which begins officially on June 1. Topics will include storm surge, winds, inland flooding, and rip currents, as well as others.
North Carolina is one of the most heavily impacted states from hurricanes. In fact, the entire state from the sea to the mountains is susceptible to hurricane damage. So, because hurricanes can impact a large area in a variety of ways, it's important to determine the risks based on where you live. That's why Sunday (day 1) is the day to "Determine Your Risk". But, what does that mean? According to the the National Weather Service, "find out today what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live, and then start preparing now for how to handle them". That said, if you live near the coast be more in tune with destructive winds, storm surge, and coastal flooding. If you're located through central NC, have a plan for inland & river flooding. Tornadoes can often impact much of the interior part state as well. Finally, if you live in the Foothills and High Country, flash flooding and landslides may pose more of a risk for you.
Bottom line, it's important to take appropriate preparedness action. Also, have an emergency plan long before any storm threatens our state. Keep in mind hurricane season runs from June 1-November 30 with the most active part of the season typically in late August & September. However, hurricanes have wreaked havoc as early as June and as late as November. So, be sure to constantly monitor the latest weather information throughout this upcoming hurricane season.
For more information about hurricane preparedness, please visit the following websites:
- http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare
- http://www.readync.org