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NC HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK

This week is North Carolina’s 2020 Hurricane Preparedness Week – a time for everyone to make weather-readiness a priority.

Even with the current pandemic we cannot lose site that we could be dealing with COVID-19 while involved in a hurricane. This can bring about unique set of circumstance as we plan for potential  evacuation of coastal areas that could bring an influx of individuals into one area. Now is the time to look at plans and see how we can ensure safety of residents and visitors while ensuring the proper isolation distancing.

The entire state is susceptible to impacts from a tropical cyclone. The first step to preparedness is determining what types of wind and water hazards occur where you live and work. High winds, storm surge, inland flooding, and tornadoes all pose a significant threat to life and property from the mountains to the coast. Even when hurricanes stay out at sea, the North Carolina coast can still be impacted by large swells and deadly rip currents, thus making it important to stay aware of the tropics and weather forecasts all throughout the hurricane season.

The most active months for tropical systems in North Carolina are August, September and October. However, hurricanes have wreaked havoc as early as June and as late as mid-November. The peak tropical activity usually occurs in a six week period from mid-August to late September. During active cycles in hurricane activity, North Carolina can experience multiple hurricanes and tropical storms within weeks of each other.

Make a pledge to prepare for this hurricane season by completing an emergency preparedness plan and creating or updating your emergency kit. An informed and motivated public will transform the way North Carolinians respond to hurricane seasons and, ultimately, save more lives and livelihoods.

For more information about hurricane preparedness, please visit the following sites: