Hurricane Preparedness Week Wraps Up: Take Action Today Before The Season Begins

As Hurricane Preparedness Week comes to a close, the biggest message heading into the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season is simple:

Take action now — not when a storm is already approaching.

The official Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1st, and while the Carolinas are not always directly impacted by hurricanes every year, history has shown that tropical systems can still bring significant impacts well inland across Rowan, Davie, and Davidson Counties.

From flooding rainfall and damaging winds to isolated tornadoes and extended power outages, tropical systems can create serious problems far away from the coast.

That is why preparation before the season starts is so important.

Why Preparedness Matters Inland

One of the biggest misconceptions about hurricanes is that impacts only happen along the coast.

In reality, inland counties across central North Carolina often experience:

• Flash flooding
• Flooded roads
• Fallen trees
• Power outages
• Tornado threats from outer rain bands
• Prolonged heavy rainfall

Even weaker tropical systems can produce major flooding issues if they slow down or repeatedly move rain over the same area.

Recent hurricane seasons have repeatedly shown that inland flooding is often one of the biggest threats across the Carolinas.

What You Should Do Now

Preparedness does not have to happen all at once. Even small steps taken now can make a major difference later.

Build or Refresh Your Emergency Kit

Make sure you have:

• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Phone charging options
• Medications
• Important documents stored safely
• Pet supplies if needed

Review Your Severe Weather Safety Plan

Ask yourself:

• Where would your family shelter during a tornado warning?
• Do you have multiple ways to receive warnings overnight?
• Do you know alternate travel routes if roads flood?

Having those answers before a storm arrives removes a lot of stress during an actual emergency.

Pay Attention To Flooding Risks

Remember:
“Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Flooding causes more deaths in tropical systems than wind in many cases. It only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle away.

Never drive across flooded roadways — especially at night when water depth is harder to judge.

Don’t Wait Until Watches Are Issued

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until a storm is already approaching to begin preparing.

By that point:

• Store shelves may already be empty
• Fuel lines may become longer
• Forecast uncertainty may increase stress and anxiety

Preparing early gives you time to make smart decisions calmly.

Rowan County Weather Will Be Here Throughout Hurricane Season

As hurricane season begins in just a few weeks, Rowan County Weather will continue providing:

• Tropical outlook updates
• Forecast discussions
• Flooding concerns
• Inland impacts
• Timing updates
• Live severe weather coverage if needed

Even when storms stay near the coast, I will continue monitoring any potential impacts for Rowan, Davie, and Davidson Counties.

Final Thoughts

Hurricane Preparedness Week may be ending, but preparation season is just beginning.

Now is the time to:

• Review your plans
• Restock supplies
• Prepare your home
• Stay weather aware

Taking action today can make a huge difference later this summer and fall when tropical systems begin developing across the Atlantic Basin.