Stay Protected During Storms: Hurricane Preparedness Week 2026 Continues

As Hurricane Preparedness Week continues across the country, today’s focus is on one of the most important parts of storm safety: knowing how to stay protected when severe weather threatens.

While hurricanes are often associated with coastal communities, the impacts can extend well inland across North Carolina — including Rowan, Davie, and Davidson Counties. Heavy rainfall, flash flooding, tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, and prolonged power outages can all occur well away from the coast during tropical systems.

Knowing what to do before and during a storm can make a major difference when dangerous weather moves into the area.

Have Multiple Ways to Receive Warnings

One of the most important preparedness steps is making sure you can receive weather alerts quickly, especially during overnight hours.

Ways to stay informed include:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts on your smartphone
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Local television and radio stations
• Trusted weather apps
• Rowan County Weather social media platforms and website updates

Never rely on just one source for weather information during hurricane season.

Know the Difference Between a Watch and Warning

Understanding weather terminology is critical during tropical events.

• Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch: Conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
• Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning: Conditions are expected within the next 36 hours.

The same applies to tornado and flash flood alerts that can develop within tropical systems:

• A watch means conditions are favorable.
• A warning means the hazard is occurring or imminent.

Safest Place During Severe Weather

If severe storms or tornado warnings develop during a tropical system:

• Move to the lowest floor of your home.
• Stay away from windows.
• Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
• Interior bathrooms, closets, or hallways are often safest.

Mobile homes are not safe during tornado warnings or high wind events. Have a nearby sturdy shelter identified before storms arrive.

Flash Flooding Is a Major Inland Threat

Flooding remains one of the deadliest hurricane-related hazards in North Carolina.

Never drive through flooded roadways. It only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep away a vehicle. Remember:
Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Heavy tropical rainfall can quickly overwhelm creeks, streams, and low-lying roads even hours after the heaviest rain ends.

Prepare for Power Outages

Tropical systems can produce prolonged power outages from saturated ground and strong wind gusts.

Preparation tips include:

• Charge phones and backup batteries ahead of storms
• Keep flashlights and extra batteries ready
• Have bottled water and non-perishable food available
• Fuel vehicles before storms arrive
• Review generator safety rules if using one

Hurricane Season Begins June 1

The official Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. Long-range outlooks continue to suggest another active season may be possible across the Atlantic Basin.

Now is the time to review emergency plans, refresh supplies, and prepare before the first tropical threat develops.

Rowan County Weather will continue sharing Hurricane Preparedness Week information throughout the week to help our local communities stay weather aware and ready for the 2026 hurricane season.