SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association has predicted an above-average hurricane season, taking place every June 1 through Nov, 30.
2024 is expected to include anywhere between 17 and 25 named storms, with up to 13 forecast as hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher). From four to seven could become major — categories 3, 4 or 5, with 111 mph or higher winds.
NOAA’s historical hurricane track tool can be found here as the season picks up, to keep readers abreast. The hurricane season reaches its highest point in September as the Atlantic Ocean waters warm, providing fuel for storms.
Along with high winds and heavy rainfall, hurricanes bring tornadoes and flooding, which can result in damage to property and leave families without electricity and access to fuel or groceries. To prepare, southeastern North Carolina residents should put together an emergency kit, to include:
- First-aid kit
- A week worth of food, particularly nonperishables, and manual can-opener
- Weather radio and batteries
- Battery-powered light sources
- Prescription medicines
- Sleeping bag or blankets
- Change of clothes
- Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
- Cash
- Pet supplies including food, water, bedding, leashes, muzzle and vaccination records
- Face masks and hand-sanitizer
It’s also important to secure home and outdoor items and cut back trees and foliage ahead of a storm’s arrival. Also, double check the home’s flood zone in the county of residence and make sure insurance is up to date. Stow away and protect important papers and documents — deeds, passports, birth certificates — with photos and other items.
If evacuating, clean out all freezers and refrigerators in the event the power goes out and ruins food items; this will help combat messy (and stinky) cleanups.
North Carolina Emergency Management suggests below tips to keep individuals prepared as well:
- Pay close attention to your local weather forecast, and be aware of conditions expected in your area.
- Have a way to receive weather watches and warnings, like a weather app on your cell phone.
- Follow directions from your local emergency officials.
- Do not drive on flooded roads – turn around, don’t drown.
- Be prepared for the possibility of power outages. Use battery powered light sources – avoid candles.
- If your power goes out, never use generators or barbecue grills in your home or garage – they create deadly carbon monoxide fumes that can kill.
- Stay away from any downed power lines and report them to your power company.
- Visit ReadyNC.gov for instructions on how to prepare and assemble your family emergency kit and templates for an emergency plan.
- Visit DriveNC.gov for information on road closings from NC Department of Transportation.
Resources
Below are resources to keep on hand and refer back to in the event a storm hits the southeastern region in 2024.
National Weather Service Wilmington
Up-to-date weather information
- Website
- National Hurricane Center webpage (information, alerts)
ReadyNC
News and information from the state of North Carolina Emergency Management
New Hanover County
Pender County
Brunswick County
Power outages
Duke Energy Progress
- Call 1-800-419-6356 or text OUT to 57801 from the phone associated with your account.
- Online outage form (Suggested if Internet is available)
- Power outage map (View a full, area map of power outages)
Brunswick Electric Membership Cooperation
Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation
- 919-735-2611 or 1-800-548-4869 (to report a power outage)
- Online outage reporting
- Outage updates via the website
- Outage updates via Facebook
- Storm Center (tips, information)
Dominion North Carolina Power
- 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357)
- Online Outage Center (reporting, maps, FAQs)
- Report and check outages online
Water utilities
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer (H2GO)
- 910-367-1537 (After hours water emergencies)
- 910-367-2084 (After hours sewer emergencies)
- 910-371-9949 (Business line)
- Website
Brunswick County Utilities
- 910-253-2655 (Customer service)
- 910-253-2657 (administrative offices)
- Webpage
Pender County Utilities
- 910-471-1041 (for water or sewer emergencies)
- Utilities webpage
- Code Red registration (Emergency notifications by phone)
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