As Hurricane Florence closes in on the east coast. The threat is increasing that the storm will have an impact on Rowan County. There are several things you need to do to prepare for this storm. I have placed some tips below. Please read all the way through and at the end I will have an update on the current track and timing. 

Keep a list of contact information for reference.

Emergency Management Offices

County Law Enforcement

County Public Safety Fire/Rescue

State, County and City/Town Government

Local Hospitals

Local Utilities

Local American Red Cross

Local TV Stations

Local Radio Stations

Your Property Insurance Agent

Plan & Take Action

Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. Your friends and family may not be together when disaster strikes. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe? You may have to evacuate or be confined to your home. What will you do if water, gas, electricity or phone services are shut off?

Build A Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

Flashlight

First aid kit

Extra batteries

Whistle to signal for help

Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Manual can opener for food

Local maps

Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

Prescription medications

Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives

Glasses and contact lens solution

Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream

Pet food and extra water for your pet

Cash or traveler's checks

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water

Fire extinguisher

Matches in a waterproof container

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

Paper and pencil

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Be alert for:

Tornadoes – they are often spawned by hurricanes.

Damaging winds

Localized flooding

The 11am Advisory for Monday September 10th, 2018

Florence is expected at this point to make landfall near Wilmington NC Thursday evening. The storm has the possibility of being the strongest Hurricane to ever make landfall in North Carolina with forecasted winds of 140 miles per hour. As the storm moves inland we will start to feel impacts here in Rowan County Thursday into Friday. The storm is forecasted to be a depression as the center of circulation reaches the northwest corner of North Carolina. This storm will likely still be a Hurricane or Tropical Storm as it closes in on the Piedmont of North Carolina. 

With current forecast data Rowan County has a 60% chance of feeling Tropical Storm Florence Winds from Florence as the storm moves closer to the area. This chances could increase as we move through the remainder of the week.

It is likely we will start to feel Tropical Storm Force Winds around the county by Thursday morning. These winds will be out ahead of the storm and could intensify as the center of the storm moves closer to the Piedmont. This is why you should prepare for power outages. Keep in mind for safety reasons once the power goes out. Linemen can't go out and repair the damage until the storm conditions diminish. 

I will keep you updated right here and on social media throughout the week and during the storm if Florence holds the projected forecast track. Please prepare now and stay weather aware!