Hurricanes - We Take Them Seriously

Hurricane Season
June - November

Emergency Radio – 16.10 am – Provides residents with calendar of events, as well as emergency information and guidance in the event of natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

Daily Updates

Click here to access daily updates on hurricanes.

This page is maintained by a member of the Hurricane Volunteer Committee.

To volunteer during the hurricane season click on application.

What does it mean? - Hurricane season (June 1 through November 30) means the possibility of a weather emergency, which bears the potential for heavy property loss and distinct life threatening conditions. Conditions affecting the community will be high winds, high tides, storm surge, downed wires, blowing debris, torrential rainfall and the possibility of tornadoes. Storm surge is the greatest life-threatening factor. Accept the fact that the entire town of Carolina Beach is vulnerable to storm surge and coastal flooding.

Hurricane Watch – A “Hurricane Watch” is an announcement from the National Hurricane Center, which is made when a hurricane poses a threat to a community within 24 to 48 hours. You should act immediately upon the initial receipt of watch. Commence pre-storm activity by securing loose items, boarding up windows and stocking up on water and non-perishable food. Monitor all weather advisories and be sure to have plenty of flashlights, batteries and candles.

Hurricane Warning – A “Hurricane Warning” means that one or both of the following dangerous effects of a hurricane are expected in a specified area with 24 hours or less: sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (64 knots) or higher, or dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves, even though winds expected may be less than hurricane force. If a hurricane warning is announced, prepare to evacuate the area. Do not wait to be told to do so. Before leaving, turn off all electricity, gas, and fuel lines.

Evacuation – Decision to evacuate are made from information and recommendations received from state and federal authorities. National Weather Bureau, National Storm Center, National Hurricane Center, State Emergency Management, and County Emergency Management.
When evacuation is necessary, teams of firemen and policemen will relay evacuation announcement. Hotels, motels and high-rise condominium management will be notified of Hurricane Watch, Hurricane Warning and any evacuation. Persons who are on the Special Call List will be contacted for any special assistance needs. This is for people in Carolina Beach who are handicapped, ill or unable to help themselves. If you or some you know needs to be on this list please notify the Police Department at 458-2540 (notify early in the Hurricane Season).
Once notification is complete, efforts will be maintained to patrol the community as long as safely possible. The evacuation will be complete when the last emergency workers are ordered in to take shelter. It is important to know that the hurricane may threaten during the darkness of night. Early notification, cooperation, and alertness will be even more critical should evacuation be required at night. High winds, blowing debris, downed wires, and torrential wind driven rain should be expected. Your personal plan of action will lessen the danger and uncertainty of the situation. ACT NOW.

Hurricane Tips for Boaters
New Hanover County’s coastline and waterways make us one of the boating capitals of the world. When a hurricane threatens our area, all marine interests must take protective action, ranging from moving large cargo ships from the Port of Wilmington, to putting the small outboard in the family garage.

No place in New Hanover County is totally safe from the ravages of a catastrophic hurricane and no protective measures for your boat will ensure its absolute safety. Make your boat protection plan before the hurricane season and be ready to implement it at the hurricane watch. You are responsible for taking precautionary measures to protect your boat for two reasons:

1. The marine authorities such as the U. S. Coast Guard will not be in a position to offer assistance prior to the storm.

2. You may be held responsible for damages caused to other persons or property by your boat.

Trailer Boats
PLAN A – Boats at a Marina – Boats stored on a trailer at a marina should be moved to a safer location such as your home. If possible, remove a “stack stored” boat and store inside or on a trailer inland from the coast. If the boat must stay on dry stored rack, tie securely. Coordinate securing procedures with marina management.

PLAN B – Boats at Home – Small trailered boats should be stored in warehouses or the family garage if possible. When boats are left outside, they should be removed from their trailers, placed on the ground and partially filled with fresh water. The extra weight of the water will help keep the boat from being damaged by strong winds. Do not leave the water filled boat on its trailer as the extra weight could damage the springs. Place your boat in a sheltered area next to a wall, etc. to provide added protection from falling tree limbs and debris.