NC · State guide

North Carolina emergency preparedness

FEMA's National Risk Index puts North Carolina's expected annual loss from natural hazards at about $4.4 billion, rated Relatively Moderate. The hazards with the largest expected losses are inland flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Weather alerts in North Carolina right now

Live

1 warning and 0 watches in force. 6 advisories.

Coastal Flood Warning until Oct 22, 2026, 8:00 PM ETHatteras Island

National Weather Service data, updated Oct 22, 2026, 7:46 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →

North Carolina's biggest natural hazards

FEMA's expected annual loss for each hazard, in dollars a year, and FEMA's rating, from the National Risk Index (December 2025).

Inland floodingRelatively High$2.1 billion a yearHow to prepare →

HurricaneRelatively High$1.3 billion a yearHow to prepare →

TornadoRelatively High$342 million a yearHow to prepare →

Cold waveRelatively High$191 million a yearHow to prepare →

EarthquakeRelatively Low$99 million a yearHow to prepare →

Heat waveRelatively Moderate$94 million a yearHow to prepare →

Strong windRelatively High$89 million a yearHow to prepare →

LightningRelatively High$59 million a yearHow to prepare →

Get ready for inland flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes and cold waves

Inland floodingFlood preparedness: flood watch vs warning, what to do and how flood insurance worksGear: Sump pump battery backups · Fireproof document safes

HurricaneHurricane preparedness checklist: what to do before, during and after a stormGear: Generators · Water storage containers

TornadoTornado preparedness: watch vs warning, where to shelter and what to do afterGear: Weather radios

Cold waveHow to stay warm without power in winter, safelyGear: Emergency blankets and sleeping bags · Hand warmers

Official help in North Carolina

State emergency management: Emergency Management
Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and sign up for your county's local alerts. Make a family plan.
More North Carolina government services: USA.gov

Build a kit for your household

Ready.gov's checklist, sized to who lives with you, with extras for the hazards you face.

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Other states where inland flooding tops the list

Alabama Arizona Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Georgia

Seasonal checklists for North Carolina

One calm email before the season's hazards arrive. No spam.

Sources (4)