Author: WeatherPreppers

Updated Sept. 15, 9:45 a.m. Groups offering shelter may email metroeds@newsobserver.com. Wake County ▪ 1 p.m. at Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road, Wake Forest ▪ 2:30 p.m. at Middle Creek High School, 123 Middle Creek Park Ave., Apex ▪ 4 p.m. at Sanderson High School, 5500 Dixon Drive, Raleigh Wake County reported Wednesday night that the following shelters, previously opened, are now full. ▪ Shelter for New Hanover County residents (priority) at Southeast Raleigh…

By Rosalia Fodera, WRAL reporter Lumberton, N.C. — The floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 flooded Lumberton’s water plant backup generator and the control room. On Wednesday, crews were working to protect the water plant with a berm and sandbags. People who live in the areas that were hit hard by those floodwaters said they’re not taking any chances with Hurricane Florence coming. Linda Brewer Norris’ home was damaged by Hurricane Matthew. After spending thousands…

By Janine Bowen, WRAL.com editor Raleigh, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation on Tuesday was helping to evacuate coastal residents and preparing emergency supplies ahead of Hurricane Florence’s arrival. According to the DOT, more than 2,100 people and 1,074 vehicles had been evacuated from Ocracoke Island, Cedar Island and Swan Quarter. Following the final ferry departure Wednesday morning, all operations have been suspended and ferries will be secured until weather conditions improve. Although…

Putting together a hurricane “survival kit”? Here are three-day and 14-day checklists of items you’ll want to include. Be sure to check out the WRAL video of some items you might not be aware you will need if you’re without food, clean water or electricity. Three-day supply kit Start with an easy to carry, watertight container – a large, plastic trash can will do, or you can line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple…

By Monica Laliberte, WRAL executive producer/consumer reporter In the hours you have before the rain and winds move in, homeowners can take steps to limit any damage Hurricane Florence might do. Check the trees in your yard. Prune dead branches that are weak enough to break off when the wind picks up. Clear debris from storm drains, and do a quick check of your rain gutters. Any clogs there will back up onto your property,…