Preparing for Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian
Britt Clampitt
Britt.Clampitt@charlottenc.gov
9/29/2022
Hurricane Ian

UPDATE Sept. 30, 2022, 1:10 p.m. Additional city service impacts and other helpful information.

  • ️311 will be open Saturday, Oct. 1, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Call 911 if a fallen tree or part of a tree is obstructing or completely blocking a street. For non-emergency public tree issues call 311 or report the issue online. The downed tree service request form and a map of active and completed requests is available online.

  • The Charlotte Area Transit System lost and found and the pass sales and information office at the Charlotte Transportation Center is closed due to inclement weather. Riders can still purchase tickets via the CATS-Pass app and Ticket Vending Machines, or pay bus fare on the bus.

  • ️Charlotte is a flood-prone community. If you hear of a flood warning in your area, stay away from rushing waters, and never attempt to drive through a flooded street or go around road barricades.

  • Register for CharMeck Alerts to get notifications directly to your phone.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 29, 2022) — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management and other City of Charlotte departments and partners are monitoring Hurricane Ian and preparing for potential impacts to the Charlotte area.

The hurricane could bring strong winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms to Charlotte by Friday afternoon, potentially damaging power lines and trees, and causing extended power outages and — the biggest concern — flooding. Local officials encourage residents to plan ahead and be prepared. Here are a few tips for weathering the storm.

Safety in Flooding

Flooding is the most common natural hazard in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. An inch of rain in an hour can cause flash flooding.

  • Turn around, don't drown. Never try to walk or drive through floodwater.

  • Know your flood risk. Find out if you are in a floodplain by typing your address into Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services' 3D interactive map.

  • Get flood insurance. Standard homeowners' insurance does not cover flooding. Renters should get flood insurance for their possessions. Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period after purchase.

  • Clear your storm drains now, before it rains. Pick up and bag leaves, mulch, trash and other debris. It is not safe to clear your drain while it's raining or if stormwater runoff along the street is moving fast.

  • Stay out of stormwater and floodwater; stormwater picks up pollution as it flows directly to streams, rivers, and lakes.

  • Call 311 to report drain blockages and minor flooding, to go to charlottenc.gov/stormwater.

  • Call 911 to report major flooding and trees and limbs in the road, especially if lives or property may be at risk.

Stay Tuned to Important Safety Information

  • Watch and listen to local weather forecasts for severe weather updates.

  • Register for CharMeck Alerts to get direct phone, text and e-mail alerts.

  • Follow @CLTgov and @CharMeckEM on social media.

  • Go to www.ready.gov for hurricane preparedness tips

Build a Preparedness Kit
Build an emergency kit with the essentials you will need including water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, cash, medications, extra batteries and alternate power, toiletries, a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, flashlights, pet supplies, and other supplies you may need.

Make a Communications Plan

Make a plan for how you will communicate with your family if you get separated, the power is out, and normal communication methods are unavailable. Make sure all members know what to do.

Also check in on other family, friends and neighbors and encourage them to take preparedness steps.