Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management announced on Apr. 30 that they are encouraging residents to prepare for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. The announcement comes in observance of North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week, taking place from May 3 to May 9.
The agencies say that with researchers expecting six to nine hurricanes this season—two or three of which could become major hurricanes—flooding remains the area’s biggest risk during these storms. “Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person off their feet, and a foot of rushing water is powerful enough to move a car,” the agencies said.
Officials warn that current dry conditions have caused hardened soil in the region, increasing the likelihood of localized flooding if sudden heavy rainfall occurs. They recommend several steps for residents: check if homes are in floodplains using the StormWater.CharMeck.org website’s 3D Flood Zone Map; consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program since standard homeowners and renters policies do not cover flooding; make an evacuation plan including pets; clear storm drains and gutters before storms; secure outdoor items; and sign up for CharMeck Alerts for emergency information.
The importance of preparation is underscored by local trends in population and infrastructure use. Mecklenburg County schools enrolled a total of 153,537 students in the 2022-23 school year according to data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Enrollment at Mecklenburg County dropped by 0.4% during that period compared to the previous year according to state records.
Residents are also advised to stay tuned to local media outlets and updates from the National Weather Service throughout hurricane season.
