From flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes to snow and ice storms, our area experiences all types of severe weather throughout the year. And as we all know, it can change at any time.

To make sure you and your family remain safe, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services is sharing important information during Severe Weather Preparedness week, March 1-7, 2020.

Here are a few facts to help you stay in the know:

• Thunderstorms occur across NC about 40 days of every year, 10 percent are classified as severe.

• Severe thunderstorms do at least one of the following:

• produce hail at least an inch in diameter

• create winds of 58 miles per hour or stronger

• produce a tornado.

• Six inches of moving water can knock a person over, one foot of moving can move a car.

• Typical homeowner and renter insurance policies do not cover flood damage, but the National Flood Insurance Program is available to all (even if you don't live in a floodplain).

• Plan ahead because there is typically a 30-day waiting period from when you purchase flood insurance to when it takes effect.

Check out these additional reminders from our friend, Pam, the driving instructor who REALLY cares about flood safety.

Youtube: Three Point Turn (Turn around don't drown)

Youtube: Obstacle Course (Turn around don't drown)

You can learn more about severe weather and how to stay prepared by following Storm Water Services on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.