Hurricane Preparedness Week 2026: Why Preparing Now Matters for Rowan County

Hurricane season may still be weeks away, but preparation starts now.

This week (May 3–9) marks National Hurricane Preparedness Week, with North Carolina and Georgia following a daily theme format, while South Carolina is recognizing the entire month as Hurricane Preparedness Month.

Even here in Rowan County — well inland — tropical systems can and do impact us. From heavy rain and flooding to damaging winds and power outages, it only takes one storm to make a lasting impact.

May 3 & May 4 Focus: Know Your Risk + Prepare Now

Since we’re combining the first two days of the week, here’s what they focus on:

Know Your Risk: Wind & Water (May 3)

Hurricanes are not just a coastal threat.

In our area, the biggest risks often come from:

• Heavy rainfall and flash flooding
• Downed trees from strong winds
• Extended power outages

It’s also important to remember:
Impacts can occur far outside the center of the storm
Dangerous conditions often extend well beyond the forecast cone

Prepare Before Hurricane Season (May 4)

The best time to prepare is before a storm is in the forecast.

Key steps to take now:

• Build or update your emergency kit (water, food, batteries, medications)
• Review your family emergency plan
• Know how you’ll receive weather alerts and warnings
• Check your insurance coverage, especially for flooding

Preparation now means less stress and better decisions later.

Why This Matters Locally

Rowan County and surrounding areas are no strangers to tropical impacts.

We’ve seen firsthand:

• Inland flooding from tropical rain bands
• Wind damage from weakened — but still impactful — systems
• Power outages lasting multiple days

And with more people moving into our area each year, not everyone has experience with hurricanes.

That’s why this week is so important.

What’s Ahead This Week

Each day throughout the week will highlight a new topic:

• May 5: Understand Forecast Information
• May 6: Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
• May 7: Stay Protected During Storms
• May 8: Use Caution After Storms
• May 9: Take Action Today

I’ll be sharing these themes and helpful information throughout the week on Rowan County Weather.

Final Takeaway

Hurricane preparedness isn’t just for the coast — it’s for all of us.

• Every storm is different
• Impacts can reach far inland
• It only takes one storm to change everything

Take a few minutes this week to prepare — it can make all the difference.