Multiple City and County agencies held a news conference urging residents of Charlotte-Mecklenburg to take caution with the potential for heavy rain and flooding that is expected in the region over the weekend. For information and updates, visit http://charmeck.org.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management issued the following safety recommendations:
- Do not walk through flood waters. Six inches of water can sweep you off your feet.
- Do not drive through flood waters. A foot of water will float many vehicles and two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.
- Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water and debris may not be visible that could strand or trap you.
- Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way. Turn Around, Don't Drown.
- Do not try to take short cuts. They may be blocked. Stick to designated evacuation routes.
- Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
- Stay tuned to local news for weather-related information
- Stock an emergency preparedness kit with water, flashlights with batteries, first aid kit, prescription medications, copies of bank account and credit card information and list of emergency phone numbers at home and in your car.
Additional Information
- Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)
- CATS Bus Operations will have supervisors evaluating road conditions and will adjust bus routes if needed for safety
- CATS Rail will also be evaluating standing water conditions. All service disruption will be on ridetransit.org and twitter.
- Please visit www.ridetransit.org for inclement weather alerts.
- You can also follow CATS on Twitter (@CATSridetransit) for up to date information and alerts.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport
- The Airport recommends that passengers check with their airlines regarding flight status before coming to the Airport.
- 311
- 311 is prepared to activate staff and extend hours over the weekend, if necessary.
Sign up for CharMeck Alerts at www.charmeckalerts.org to receive location based alerts. The CharMeck Alerts Notification System relays accurate and timely notifications of the information you want and need to know—straight from your local leaders. With CharMeck Alerts you control how you're contacted—whether it's on your cell, work or home phone, via text, email or voice message. You will receive up-to-the-minute notifications about events and emergencies that may affect your home, workplace, or other points of interest—anywhere in Mecklenburg County.
Refer to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Facebook and Twitter (@CharmeckEM and @CharMeckAlerts) feeds for additional information throughout this weather event.
For the latest emergency information
Web: http://emergency.charmeck.org
