Flooding in Charlotte, NC, is affected by several key factors:
- **The geography**: Charlotte's location in a total storm zone leads to an abundance of heavy rainfall, the kind most harmful to home and hearth.
- **The climate**: National climate change has a local effect, and our weather is getting more intense. Evaporation is up, and so are the chances of a deluge.
- **Urbanization**: Much of the new development in Charlotte is concentrated near the center of the city. Moore's Creek and its tributaries have seen development not only at the creek level but well above it, too. This means more concrete and asphalt, leading to far less absorption and a roof over the floodplain.
These factors combine to create a perfect storm for annual flooding.
The condition of your home and how well it stands up to flood threats are vital to your home's overall safety. You must conduct regular maintenance inspections. Look at your roof, walls, and foundation for anything that might allow water to get inside. If you've got any drainage systems—like gutters, downspouts, or any other type of structure that directs water away from your home—make sure they're in good shape, and clear of any debris. I also recommend re-evaluating your landscaping. If you have any flood defenses that might be landscaping, ensure they're in good shape and working as intended. Consider getting flood insurance. At the very least, do a bit of research on how likely it is that your home will flood.
Flood preparedness in Charlotte is not just about having a plan and the proper resources in place; it's also about being involved in your community and staying updated. Paying attention to the local weather and actually heeding the warnings that come from the National Weather Service are obviously crucial to being prepared for any kind of disaster. But it's just as important to pay attention to what your local emergency management office is saying. They will have the most pertinent information, and it can be life-saving to follow their instructions. That goes doubly for any preparations or evacuations they might tell you to do. Anything you can do to figure out what your local authorities are up to in the way of flood mitigation projects will aid you in your planning efforts. Finally, investing in actual flood insurance can really take some of the worry out of the whole situation.