Hurricane Preparedness Week what you need to know inland

I’ve learned over the years, many people here in the Great Smoky Mountains know about hurricanes but aren’t familiar as I was living on the coast. So, I thought I would share information and terminology to be aware of this summer when traveling to the coast.

(SEVIERVILLE, Tenn.) SMOKIES.LIVE – The most recent hurricane many of us remember too well impacting the mountains was Hurricane Helene. The flood waters were devastating to the North Carolina and Tennessee.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.

In the mountains, we have to be prepared for remnants of storms that come through. That creates the potential for flooding and tornadoes.

Here’s a few notes about hurricanes to remember this season which starts on June 1st.

Be ready for hurricane season. Take action Today to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you have multiple ways of receiving forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm.

• Nearly 90% of all hurricane-related deaths involve water: storm surge, inland flooding, rip currents/rough surf
• Hurricanes can also spawn tornadoes, even in the outer bands far from the center
• Hazardous conditions can occur well ahead and well after a hurricane’s arrival

All storms are different; impacts are different and threats of storm surge to inland freshwater flooding all differ depending on the coastline and approach of the storm.

• Impacts can be much worse for some hurricanes compared to others, even of similar strength, due to differences in landfall location, size, and forward speed
• The storm’s scale only tells you about the strongest winds near the center of the storm and does not tell you about potentially life-threatening flooding from rain or storm surge
• Stay informed of the latest forecasts as changes in track, intensity, and landfall location can result in changes in potential impacts

Living on the coast, every year before hurricane season started, we got ready. I think a lesson we can all take from what happened during Helene, we all need to be ready to move at a moment’s notice.

I would have an emergency “Go-Kit” ready with a change of clothes, important documents, food and water. You never know when we have a flood, severe thunderstorm, tornado, or even wildfire where you need to leave. I mean what would you take with you if you had 5 minutes?

Plan to have enough for at least three days, and don’t forget about your pets. 

FEMA READY GO KIT