Hurricane Preparedness Week 2025: Get Moving When a Storm Threatens

As Hurricane Preparedness Week continues, today’s focus highlights one of the most urgent aspects of storm readiness: knowing when—and how—to act when a hurricane threatens. While Rowan County is located well inland and will never experience a direct hurricane landfall, the impacts of tropical systems can still be serious, including flooding rains, damaging winds, and long-duration power outages.

Why Taking Action Early Matters

Hurricanes can change intensity and direction quickly. Even if a storm isn’t expected to directly impact our area, remnants of tropical systems can cause flash flooding, downed trees, and hazardous travel conditions throughout central North Carolina. Waiting too long to make decisions—such as securing your home, checking your supplies, or relocating if necessary—can put you and your family at risk.

What to Do When a Storm Threatens

• Stay Weather-Aware: Pay close attention to updates from the National Hurricane Center and local sources like Rowan County Weather.

• Follow Emergency Guidance: If local emergency management officials advise you to move to higher ground, avoid specific roads, or prepare for power outages, follow their directions promptly.

• Prepare Your Home: Remove loose outdoor items, charge devices, and ensure your storm kit is stocked with water, food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.

• Know Your Flood Risk: Rowan County has areas that are flood-prone during heavy rain events. If you live near creeks, streams, or low-lying areas, have a plan in place in case flooding becomes a threat.

• Communicate Plans with Family: Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do if conditions worsen. Choose a meeting place and establish emergency contacts.

Local Impacts Require Local Readiness

While coastal evacuations may not apply to Rowan County, hurricanes can still bring local emergencies to our region. Tropical Storm Michael and Hurricane Florence are examples of past systems that brought widespread inland damage to North Carolina. Rowan County residents should remain vigilant whenever tropical weather is in the forecast—even if we’re hundreds of miles from the coast.

Final Reminder

Getting prepared is only the first step. When the forecast turns serious, it’s time to take action. That means trusting official warnings, making safe choices early, and protecting your family with a solid plan.

As we move through Hurricane Preparedness Week, take time today to review what you would do if a storm threatened our area. A few simple steps now can make a big difference when every minute counts.