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We just moved to North Carolina a few months ago. We are from Michigan and we are wondering what to expect. Faye that wasn't even a hurricane was trouble enough and now I hear about another strom that will be a hurricane coming but doesn't look like this way. I was wondering when the last hurricane came to this area ot tropical storm. I watched a show last week that was talking about people not having hurricane kits ready and waiting to the last min. to prepare. What are they talking about as far as kits. Also I had heard that August really can be the hottest month , but so far it hasn't been bad. What could that mean for Sept.
Where in NC do you live?
Do you live in an area prone to flooding?
If you are near the coast, well that should be obvious.
Charlotte was hammered by Hugo a number of years ago, and places in that area went weeks without power.
The Raliegh Area has suffer similar fate from storms that went that way.
Asheville and the mountains has not had the hurricane force winds, but it has still received gale force which combined with inches of rain brings down trees, and there goes the power, sometimes for days. 2004 brought two hurricane reminents in a week, and we had some problems.
From a post I just made in the Coastal NC Forum. I live on the coast and was responding to someone who had hurricane/flooding concerns:
Are you saying folks who don't live there think the hurricane/flooding situation is worse than it actually is?
Yes!!! I am always amazed at the expert advice that is coming from folks who have either A) Never lived on the NC coast or B) Did so briefly.
No two hurricanes are alike. Each one is unique in of itself. Ex: It is quite possible that a strong hurricane can cause less damage than a weaker hurricane. Flooding may or may not be an issue, etc.
There are so many variables.
But many people speak of hurricanes as if they were a Constant-Like each one is like the other.
They are not.
They also speak as if all areas will be affected universally by the wind and water.
They will not.
Let's use Beaufort as an example. It has every flood zone designation there is. So the potential of somewhere in Beaufort getting flooded during a severe storm event is pretty great.
But we know where these areas are and know it will more than likely happen.
Please remember this-There are more inland deaths due to storm related flooding than coastal. And I can't think of how many times that we here on the coast have gotten past a storm while 10-50-100 miles inland continues to suffer for weeks afterwards.
Someone here at CD posted a site that showed a photoshopped example of where the water levels would be in downtown Morehead City and Beaufort during different category of storms. At Cat 1 it was shown at "X" level. Cat 2 at "XY" level. Cat 3 at "XYZ" level and so on. One of the great fallacies of this photoshopped scare tactic was that they assumed that winds always blew water in. Sometimes the wind blows water out!!!! I have been left high and dry by more than one hurricane.
I can spend all day on the subject of hurricanes, but I'll leave you with this. Hurricanes are serious business-Never to be taken lightly. They do have the potential for tremendous damage. But news accounts generlly show the worst and web site posters have a tendecy to do likewise.
When it comes to real estate-It is easily determined what flood zone designation a property is in, the elevation, proximity to water and what type of soils are present. All four or a combination there of, are the most important elements in determing floodability.
Hmm. Most years storms arent a major issue. Just be prepared whenever hurricane season comes up June-October (August-October being the peak) and have a supply of storm supplies ready, batteries, water, food, blankets, flashlights etc.
Most years most of the big storms miss us and prove nothing more than a nuisance of heavy rain for a day or two. But once in a great while something wicked this way comes as in the case of Hugo which came ashore in Charleston, SC and then raced northwest through columbia and Charlotte bringing 85 mph winds downing trees and cutting power (That was in 1989), and then in 1996 Hurricane Fran came ashore in Wilmington and then barreled into the Raleigh/Durham area with 80+ mph winds and a foot of rain in one night. Cutting power to over a million. So all in all its nothing to lose sleep over, but just something to be aware of.
I just hope this new storm which will be they said a possible hurricane 3 doesn't hit New Orleans like it looks like it could. These people don't need another hurricane
I believe what you would need to be concerned about in Elizabeth City w/ hurricane activity would be more likely flooding around rivers, streams and tributaries. It would be possible that you could have a hurricane cause wind damage but you would have a few day's notice. It is just wise to have emergency supplies in case your power goes off, for example. Also, know your evacuation route should you need to use it. Also, know what arrangements you would need to make re: any pets and have a plan for your important documents, in case you have to evacuate due to flooding. You would want to take your important docs w/ you.
Hurricanes don't come out of nowhere, so if you are following weather reports, you will have enuff time to get your family out if it appears your region will be in the path of a hurricane.
Thank you!!
I think folks (especially those from "off") confuse hurricanes with tornados. They (tornados) can and do just "appear" anywhere, anytime and without warning.
Hurricanes are big, fat and slow and take time to develop.
Bill
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