Charlotte officials will promote early hurricane preparedness ahead of a likely above-average 2025 season.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As hurricane season approaches, Mecklenburg County officials are urging residents to prioritize preparedness to mitigate the impact of potential storms. During a hurricane preparedness event along the Catawba River on Monday, officials highlighted the importance of planning and readiness.
Historical Context and Recent Experiences
Reflecting on past hurricanes, officials emphasized the severe damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which devastated western North Carolina and left 87 homes in Mecklenburg County severely damaged. Hurricane Hugo, which struck Charlotte as a Category 1 storm in 1989, serves as a stark reminder of the potential devastation, especially considering the city’s population has since doubled in the decades since.
Preparedness Recommendations
Residents are encouraged to prepare for up to 72 hours without power or access to stores. This includes making a plan, setting aside supplies, and ensuring family members are aware of the plan in case of lost communications. The importance of having multiple sources for weather updates, such as the National Weather Service and local meteorologists, was stressed to ensure timely and accurate information.
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Community and Government Efforts
Charlotte Mecklenburg Emergency Management works daily to plan for catastrophes that stretch local resources. Coordination with state and federal agencies is crucial during disasters, as seen during Hurricane Helene when resources were insufficient to meet the historic demand. The county’s stormwater program is actively involved in hazard mitigation, including buying out and restoring flood-prone properties.
Water Safety and Infrastructure
Ensuring access to potable water during storms is a priority. Charlotte Water has robust mechanisms to maintain clean water and prevent flooding risks. The importance of signing up for Char-Meck Alerts was highlighted to keep residents informed about water system impacts during emergencies.
Insurance and Resilience
Proper insurance, including flood insurance, is vital for individual preparedness. Government assistance, such as FEMA, cannot replace personal insurance coverage. Mecklenburg County’s emergency management program, involving all six towns, the county, and the city, is dedicated to resilience and preparedness through continuous training and coordination.
Flood Risk and Mitigation
Flooding remains a significant concern during hurricanes. Freshwater flooding, which caused 78 deaths in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene, is the most common and costly natural disaster. Residents are advised to understand their flood risk and consider flood insurance, with potential discounts available through the national flood insurance program.
RELATED: Helene’s historic wrath: Key stats and facts
Technological Advancements
Mecklenburg County is developing a product to project stream and creek levels 24 to 48 hours in advance, enhancing forecasting and preparedness. The county’s flood information notification system (FINS) provides real-time data on flood stages across various streams and creeks.
As hurricane season looms, Mecklenburg County officials are committed to ensuring the community is well-prepared to face potential storms. Residents are urged to take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and families, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience.
Seasonal outlook
Researchers are predicting a slightly above-average hurricane season. North Carolina State researchers predict 15-20 named storms while Colorado State University predicts 23. The average number of named storms is 14 while 2023 saw 20, including Hurricane Helene.
RELATED: NC State researchers predict above-average hurricane season
Mecklenburg County residents experienced impacts from Helene when excessive flooding from the Catawba River damaged homes along Riverside Drive.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also releases an annual outlook. In recent years, that official government outlook was published in late May.
Earlier this year, NOAA issued a La Niña watch predicting a change in the global weather pattern. During an active El Niño pattern, wind shear is often reduced. A reduction in wind sheer, combined with the warm ocean surface temperatures, allows more tropical systems to form in the Atlantic basin.
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