Hurricane Preparedness Week Starts May 4: Why Inland Impacts Matter Too

May 4–10 is both North Carolina and National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and all of May is recognized as Hurricane Preparedness Month in South Carolina. At Rowan County Weather, we want to use this time to stress a simple but critical reminder:

Every storm is dangerous — no matter where the cone is.

Inland Impacts Are Real and Often Overlooked

Here in Rowan County and across the Piedmont, it's easy to think of hurricanes as "coastal problems." But time and again — including just last year — we’ve seen how far-reaching the effects can be. Even weaker tropical systems or remnants can produce:

• Flash flooding

• Tornadoes

• Extended power outages

• Washed-out roads

• Downed trees and property damage

It doesn’t take a landfalling hurricane to cause major issues here. Preparation isn’t just for the coast — it’s for all of us.

It Only Takes One

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a “busy” season or a “quiet” one — it only takes one storm to change your life. One storm to damage your home. One storm to threaten your family’s safety. One storm to leave a lifelong impact.

That’s why being prepared every year matters.

How to Get Ready: Daily Topics All Week Long

At Rowan County Weather, we’ll be presenting daily preparedness themes throughout Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 4–10) and continuing coverage throughout May in support of South Carolina’s Hurricane Preparedness Month.

Each day will highlight a different way to get ready:

• Sunday: Determine your risk

• Monday: Develop an evacuation plan

• Tuesday: Assemble disaster supplies

• Wednesday: Strengthen your home

• Thursday: Ensure insurance coverage

• Friday: Help your neighbors

• Saturday: Complete your written plan

We’ll break each topic down into simple, local steps to help you take action ahead of time.

What’s Ahead: NOAA Hurricane Outlook Coming May 22

Looking further ahead, the official NOAA Hurricane Outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be released on May 22. We’ll review and share those details with you right here and through our media partners.

Stay Ready, Not Reactive

We’ll be here throughout the season to help you stay weather-aware and hurricane-ready. Let’s work together to protect our homes, neighborhoods, and community this season — no matter what it brings.

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