RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — This week is hurricane preparedness week in North Carolina, with Sunday and Monday's themes being knowing your risk and developing an evacuation plan.
Here in Central North Carolina, we luckily don't have to deal with the deadliest of all hurricane hazards, storm surge.
Still, we know very well the fierce, sometimes hurricane-force, winds that can accompany storms even this far inland. Prolonged heavy rains dumping inches of rain and tornadoes also come with landfalling tropical systems.
The coastal areas deal with direct landfall, the strongest winds, and the surge that can reach upwards of 8 to 10 feet, more than enough to carry a house away.
In terms of developing an evacuation plan, it's incredibly rare to have to evacuate this far inland, but if you're in a flood prone area and several inches of rain are in the forecast, it's a good idea to leave.
If you stay and lose power, before the storm, make sure to have at least three days of supplies, a battery powered radio and flashlights. In this day in age, solar-powered chargers for your electronic devices like phones and laptops can be crucial to have as well.
CBS 17's Storm Team will be keeping a close eye on everything in the tropics this year to keep you and your family safe.