Preparing for Hurricane Hazards in your Concord Home

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure you are prepared for hurricane hazards during the next storm.

Hurricane season has already begun and several named storms have developed in the Atlantic, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico. Hurricanes can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property damage. Most recently the coast of North Carolina experienced just that as Hurricane Isaias, a Category 1 hurricane that caused extensive damage across the Caribbean and the East Coast of the United States.

The National Weather Service lists the following as potential “hurricane hazards.”

Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast. Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers and estuaries.

Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.

Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.

Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.

Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone’s strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.

Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Plan an evacuation route and your emergency plan, take inventory of your property and take steps to protect your home or business. For more information on recovering from water damage caused by weather-related disasters, be sure to contact SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove at 704-939-1944. We will be glad to help you and your business when dealing with storm flooding or damage.