We’ve all heard the saying, “Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.”
That’s good advice to follow as hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, nears.
Scientists are predicting a below average to normal hurricane season this year, with some thinking a potential El Nino formation could result in fewer hurricanes and named storms.
N.C. State University researchers predict hurricane season will be in line with recent averages.
They forecast six to nine hurricanes (the average is seven) and 12 to 15 named storms (the average is 14).
It just takes one storm to wreak havoc on a region of our state. Hurricane Florence made landfall in coastal North Carolina in September 2018, dropping more than 30 inches of rain in parts of our state.
Hurricane Helene, which had tropical storm winds when it hit North Carolina, dropped a similar amount of rainfall in the western part of the state. We’re still trying to recover from Helene.
Tropical Storm Chantal, which hit the Carolinas in July 2025, caused significant flooding even though its rainfall numbers were only a fraction of those felt from Florence and Helene.
Preparation before a storm makes landfall is a key to preserving lives and protecting property during a storm. It will also put you in better shape to recover after the storm passes.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare for a storm:
- Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Know what your insurance policy covers and doesn’t cover. Homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover damage from flooding, although mobile homeowners’ and comprehensive automobile policies do. If you’re renting, your landlord’s insurance will not cover your personal property. You’ll need a renters’ insurance policy to protect your personal items.
- Compile important documents. It’s a good idea to gather important paperwork, including insurance policies, medical records and prescriptions, in advance of a storm. Be prepared to bring copies with you if you are forced to evacuate your home. Also, know how to get in touch with your insurance agent or company if you need to file a claim.
- Create a home inventory. Go room to room in your home and write down the brand name, description, estimated value and date of purchase of items in your home. It’s helpful if you have receipts, appraisal documents and serial numbers of your belongings. Take videos or photographs of your belongings. Store your home inventory and related documents in a safe, easily accessible place online, on your smartphone, on your computer or in a fire-proof box or safe deposit box.
- Identify potential hazards around your home. Hanging tree branches, loose shingles, patio furniture and other outdoor objects can cause damage or injuries in a storm. Make repairs or secure large objects to reduce the threat.
- Check your emergency toolkit and to-go bag. Update items such as food (check the expiration dates), medicine and batteries. Make sure to include items for every member of your family, including pets.
- Electricity may go out; make sure you have extra drinking water. Also, fill the bathtub with water for bathing and flushing the toilet.
For more information regarding storm preparation, please visit www.ncdoi.gov/disaster or call the NCDOI Consumer Services Division at 855-408-1212.
