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 from flooding during North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week, which runs from May 3 to May 9.
The agencies say that the Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 through Nov. 30, with researchers predicting between six and nine hurricanes this year. Of those, two or three could become major hurricanes. Flooding is considered the biggest risk for the area during these storms. Officials note that as little as six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person down, while one foot of rushing water can move a car.
Current dry conditions in the region may increase the chance of localized flooding because hardened soil causes rainwater to run off more quickly during heavy rainfall events.
Residents are advised to know their flood risk by using resources such as the StormWater.CharMeck.org website’s 3D Flood Zone Map and consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, since standard homeowners or renters policies do not cover flooding. Making an evacuation plan that includes all household members and pets is recommended, along with clearing storm drains and securing outdoor items before a storm arrives. Staying informed by signing up for CharMeck Alerts and monitoring local media or National Weather Service updates is also suggested.
While schools are not directly mentioned in preparedness efforts, recent data shows enrollment at Mecklenburg County dropped by 0.4% in the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year according to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Mecklenburg County schools enrolled a total of 153,537 students in that same period as reported by North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Officials continue to encourage residents to stay alert throughout hurricane season and use available tools and information sources.
