Western NC here, Charlotte area. We missed Hugo (living up north at the time). Serious question: I know they have us in a state of emergency, but would we need to evaluate this far inland?
I would prepare to shelter in place - have water, non-perishable food, batteries, pet food, books and cards, etc. You might be facing a power outage that could run weeks, given the potential magnitude of the situation. Hint - get an LCD headlamp for everyone, a couple of LCD lanterns as well, if you don’t have that already. And extra batteries. LCDs run a long time off of one battery set.
We’re in WNC too. Expect to lose power. Could be overnight or several days. At worst Trees down and limited travel for a day or two.
Could be some flash flooding along the creeks or rivers but that happens a few times a year anyway.
Wind could be tropical storm force. Go out now if you need supplies. I was out yesterday and the run has started. Nothing like what’s going on in FL but some things were being depleted from the shelves.
Forgot to add, secure any loose stuff in the yard or on the patio/deck. Furniture, grills, hanging pots, bird feeders, etc.
Fayetteville, NC here. You’re fine Hurricane wise.
You may have the normal flash floods (know what floods in your area), power outage, downed trees etc - typical storm stuff.
But you do need a basic three day survival plan that covers the basics - food & how to prepare it, water, lights, batteries, etc.
It’s the same stuff you’ll need for an ice storm.
The worst damage in Charlotte from 1989 Hugo occurred due to big old trees toppling—especially the oak trees. Inland hardwoods and pines do not handle gusty winds, expecially when the clay ground is soaked. If you have big trees that could breach your structure...have a contingency plan in place.
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If you have any leaning trees or old trees with dead limbs, weak limbs or large limbs overhanging the roof, you might consider removing them. Take a good long look at any tree that could fall on your house, particularly considering the likely path of the storm and the wind direction that the storm path would lead to in your location. Loose shingles, clogged gutters? Now’s the time. Put up lawn chairs and other objects that could be blown into the house or blown away. Not as severe as a hurricane but still potential projectiles even in a tropical storm. Due to downed trees, power outages will be likely and widespread, preparations for several days to a week without electricity would be in order.