Be Ready Before the Storm
Hurricanes and tropical storms can bring damaging winds,
storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes and extended power
outages to Eastern North Carolina. Preparing before a storm
threatens can make a significant difference in your safety
and recovery.
Understand the Hazards
A hurricane’s category describes its maximum sustained winds,
not the storm’s overall danger. Significant flooding and
other life-threatening impacts can occur even with weaker
tropical systems.
Storm Surge
Storm surge is an abnormal rise in water pushed toward
the coast by a storm’s winds. It can flood coastal
communities and extend inland along rivers and
tidal waterways.
Inland Flooding
Heavy rainfall can produce flash flooding, river
flooding and prolonged road closures well away
from the coast. Flooding can continue after
the storm passes.
Damaging Winds
Strong winds can damage roofs and buildings,
topple trees, send unsecured objects airborne
and cause widespread power outages.
Tornadoes
Tropical systems can produce tornadoes, particularly
in their rainbands. Tornadoes can develop quickly
and occur far from the storm’s center.
When to Prepare
Hurricane preparation should begin before a storm
approaches. Use this timeline as a general guide
alongside official forecasts and local emergency instructions.
Make Your Emergency Plan
Review your insurance coverage, identify evacuation
routes, assemble emergency supplies and plan for
pets, medications and household members with
special needs.
Review Supplies and Forecasts
If a storm may threaten your area, review official
forecasts, purchase needed supplies, check emergency
equipment and discuss your household plan.
Forecast uncertainty may still be significant.
Secure Your Property
Bring loose outdoor items inside, protect appropriate
openings, charge devices, prepare your vehicle and
finalize evacuation arrangements. Complete outdoor
work before conditions become hazardous.
Finish Preparations
Complete essential preparations while conditions
remain safe. Follow local evacuation orders promptly.
Do not wait for the storm to arrive before leaving
an area under an evacuation order.
Remain in a Safe Location
Stay away from windows, monitor official alerts
and avoid traveling. Do not go outside during a
temporary lull in conditions. Move to higher
ground if flooding threatens.
Emergency Supply Checklist
Prepare for at least three days of self-sufficiency,
with additional supplies when possible. In Eastern
North Carolina, having enough essentials for up to
seven days is worth considering because flooding
and power outages can delay access to services.
Food and Water
- At least one gallon of water per person per day.
- Nonperishable food.
- Manual can opener.
- Infant formula or special dietary foods.
- Pet food and additional water for pets.
Lighting and Communication
- Flashlights and spare batteries.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio.
- Portable phone chargers.
- Charging cables and vehicle chargers.
- Written emergency contact information.
Health and Personal Needs
- First-aid kit.
- Prescription medications.
- Copies of important medical information.
- Personal hygiene and sanitation supplies.
- Glasses and essential medical items.
- Clothing, blankets and sturdy shoes.
Documents and Essentials
- Identification and insurance information.
- Cash in small denominations.
- Fuel for your vehicle.
- Waterproof document storage.
- Emergency travel bag.
- Pet carriers, leashes and vaccination records.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Include pets in your evacuation and shelter plans.
Identify pet-friendly accommodations in advance
and keep food, water, medications, carriers and
identification ready. Never leave pets behind
during an evacuation.
Know Your Evacuation Zone
North Carolina’s Know Your Zone program identifies
areas that may require evacuation during hurricanes
and other emergencies. Evacuation zones reflect
local hazards, including storm surge and flooding.
Local officials determine when an evacuation is necessary.
Make an Evacuation Plan Now
- Look up your evacuation zone using your address.
- Identify a safe destination and an alternate location.
- Plan more than one travel route.
- Keep your vehicle fueled when a storm threatens.
- Arrange transportation if you do not have a vehicle.
- Plan accommodations for pets and medical needs.
- Follow evacuation instructions from local officials.
Living outside a designated evacuation zone does not
mean your home is free from risk. Freshwater flooding,
damaging winds and tornadoes can affect locations
far from the coast.
Understand Watches and Warnings
Hurricane Watch
Hurricane conditions are possible. Watches are
generally issued about 48 hours before
tropical-storm-force winds are anticipated.
Review your plan and complete preparations.
Hurricane Warning
Hurricane conditions are expected. Warnings
are generally issued about 36 hours before
tropical-storm-force winds are anticipated.
Finish preparations and follow local instructions.
Storm Surge Watch
Life-threatening inundation from rising coastal
water is possible, generally within 48 hours.
Storm Surge Warning
Life-threatening inundation from rising coastal
water is expected or occurring, generally
within 36 hours.
Preparing for Power Outages
Power outages may last for an extended period
following a major hurricane. Prepare alternative
lighting, charge communication devices and
make arrangements for essential medical equipment
that requires electricity.
Before an Outage
- Charge phones and backup batteries.
- Check flashlights and emergency radios.
- Refrigerate or freeze appropriate food.
- Make a backup plan for powered medical equipment.
During an Outage
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- Use flashlights instead of candles.
- Follow food- and water-safety advisories.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
Never operate a portable generator inside a home,
garage, enclosed porch or partially enclosed space.
Operate portable generators outdoors, well away from
windows, doors and vents, following the manufacturer’s
instructions. Never connect a generator directly
to household wiring without properly installed
transfer equipment. Maintain working carbon monoxide
detectors.
Staying Safe During the Storm
High Winds
Stay inside a sturdy building and move to a
small interior room away from windows.
Select a location that is not flood-prone.
Remain sheltered until conditions are safe.
Flooding
Move to higher ground when flooding threatens.
Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater.
Avoid flooded bridges and follow official
road closures.
Tornado Warnings
Seek shelter immediately in a small interior
room on the lowest floor that is not at risk
of flooding. Put as many walls as possible
between yourself and the outdoors.
Emergency Communications
Keep Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled on
your phone. Monitor official National Weather
Service warnings, NOAA Weather Radio and
local emergency management instructions.
Never drive through a flooded roadway.
Water may be deeper or moving faster than
it appears, and the road underneath may
have washed away.
After the Storm
Dangerous conditions can continue for days
after a hurricane passes. Floodwaters may
continue rising, roads may remain impassable
and damaged utilities can present serious hazards.
Recovery Safety Checklist
- Wait for officials to confirm when evacuated areas are safe to reenter.
- Avoid standing water, downed power lines and unstable structures.
- Do not enter buildings at risk of structural collapse.
- Follow drinking-water advisories.
- Wear protective clothing and sturdy footwear during cleanup.
- Photograph damage before beginning repairs.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Check on neighbors when it is safe.
- Continue monitoring official forecasts and emergency information.
Official Hurricane Resources
Use these trusted sources for tropical forecasts,
watches, warnings, evacuation information and
emergency preparedness.
National Hurricane Center
Official tropical cyclone forecasts, track forecasts,
storm surge products and tropical weather outlooks.
NWS Morehead City / Newport
Local forecasts, warnings and hurricane
preparedness guidance for Eastern North Carolina.
North Carolina ReadyNC
State emergency preparedness guidance and
resources for North Carolina residents.
Know Your Zone
Look up your North Carolina evacuation zone
and learn how evacuation zones are used.
Ready.gov
Federal guidance covering hurricanes,
household emergency kits and safety planning.
ENC Weather National Radar
Monitor precipitation using ENC Weather’s
interactive national MRMS radar.
This page provides general preparedness guidance.
Always follow the latest instructions from the
National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center
and your local emergency management agency.
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.