Hurricane Ian is expected to make a direct hit on Florida, and late this week the storm will impact eastern North Carolina.
Meteorologist Olivia Cahill with the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City said when it gets to ENC, Ian is expected to include high winds, heavy rain, and the possibility of coastal flooding, river flooding and an isolated tornado.
She added that it’s important to be ready before the storm hits.
“No matter whether the storm is headed for us or not, you know, living in this area it’s great to have that kit prepared at all times,” she said, “So, food, water, any necessary medicine and anything essential that anyone needs to survive for several days would be great to include in their preparedness kit.”
There is expected to be an easterly wind coming off the ocean during a higher astronomical tide cycle when Ian arrives, and Cahill said those two things combined make flooding the greatest concern.
The Red Cross Cape Fear Chapter is prepared, with people and supplies on standby in case they’re needed during and after the storm, and Executive Director James Jarvis echoed Cahill’s statement – saying said people and families should be ready, too. He said there are three steps to preparedness, and the first is to have that hurricane kit at the ready.
The second, he said, is to draw up a plan – if you have to evacuate, where will you go? How will you get there? Where will you stay?
And the third is to identify several ways to be informed during and after the storm.
For those that refuse to leave behind their furry family members, Jarvis said there is a new resource.
“There’s a great new website called redrover.org,” he said, “Where there is a list of pet friendly evacuation shelters and tips.”
A link to more information about hurricane preparedness is available here: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html
