Hurricane FAQs

There are some questions that come up with every storm, so we tried to get the answers.

Will my community be evacuated?

This isn't a cut and dry answer. Each county has a different policy, but they all involved weighing different factors of the storm, like wind speeds and expected rainfall. If a mandatory evacuation is issued for the beach towns, there are plans to get people out in under eight hours.

Will major bridges shut down if the storm gets bad?

The answer is no for bridges like the Cape Fear Memorial and Isabel Holmes, but officials warn to travel at your own risk. On the other hand, Snow's Cut Bridge will shut down if wind speeds exceed 45 mph sustained.

What can you do to keep pets safe during the storm?

You can always privately board your animal, but if a county state of emergency is declared, New Hanover County's main animal shelter will be open 24/7 for you to drop off your pet. Once the order is lifted, you have three business days to pick them up. Another option is head to a county co-location shelter where you can say with your pet. Keep in mind, only dogs and cats are allowed.

What should I do if my car gets stranded in flood waters?

If you're inside the vehicle, emergency services will respond to make sure you are safe. It is, however, your responsibility to get your car out.

How should I use sandbags?

Fill the bags half full with sand or soil. When stacking the bags, make a barrier around or beside where you're trying to keep water away. REMEMBER - sandbags are for small water flows up to two feet. You'll need to have a plan in place to protect your belongings for major flooding. You can pick up supplies at a home improvement store.

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