North Carolina Has Been Hit By Nearly 30 Tropical Storms and Hurricanes Over the Last Decade
Michael A. Sprayberry, Director, Emergency Management, North Carolina Department of Public Safety
(Raleigh, North Carolina, Thursday, October, 19, 2017) – Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria are tragic reminders of the devastating impact flooding can cause, even for residents who are not in high risk flood zones. FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program are making sure North Carolinians are aware of the importance of having flood insurance to protect themselves from the financial impact that the flooding from hurricanes can bring.
North Carolina has been hit by nearly 30 tropical storms and hurricanes over the last decade. Last year, Hurricane Matthew alone caused nearly $5 billion in damage in North Carolina, much of which unexpectedly occurred along the state’s river basins, versus the coastlines.
Floods and hurricanes are becoming more intense in North Carolina, and flooding is the state’s second most common natural hazard, occurring every 7.6 days on average. Between 2000 and 2015, 17 Federal disasters and emergencies were declared for floods, hurricanes, and severe storms in North Carolina.
Flood insurance is an easy and affordable way for residents to protect their homes and their possessions.
North Carolinians shouldn’t be caught unprepared. Purchasing flood insurance is an easy way for people to make sure they can protect the things they have worked hard for and recover more quickly the next time a storm comes. FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program are encouraging North Carolinians to call their insurance agent, or to visit fema.gov/nfip/nc-flood to find a flood insurance agent, and learn more about the flood insurance options available to them.
It can take up to 30 days for a flood insurance policy to go into effect, so even though a storm isn’t brewing now, FEMA wants to make sure people have the information they need to take action and protect themselves today.
Facts on Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina:
- 28 lives lost
- Estimated $4.8 billion in damage
- Flooding continued a week after the storm was over; some areas got as much as 18 inches of rain over a two-day period
- Economic cost: $5 billion, $1 billion insured