While the state has implemented important policies to reduce the impact of hurricanes, floods, and other natural events, there is still much work to be done
Caleb Lawson uses an excavator to pull a thick layer of mud out from the Lawson Design Shop in the aftermath of flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Stephen J Heaslip, Stephen J Heaslip-USA TODAY
By Joshua Peters
North Carolina, with its diverse geography spanning from the Atlantic coast to the Appalachian Mountains, has long been a hotspot for natural disasters. Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, winter storms, and wildfires have profoundly impacted the state's history and its people. The frequency and intensity of these disasters have driven policymakers to implement a range of strategies aimed at minimizing damage and supporting recovery efforts. However, as recent events like Hurricane Helene underscore, more action is needed to enhance North Carolina's preparedness and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents in an era of increasingly severe natural disasters.
A History of Devastating Natural Disasters
Natural disasters have been a recurring and devastating part of North Carolina’s history, particularly hurricanes. Hurricane Hazel in 1954, Hurricane Floyd in 1999, and more recently Hurricane Florence in 2018 have all left lasting scars on the state. These hurricanes caused massive destruction, displacing thousands of residents, damaging homes and infrastructure, and costing billions of dollars in recovery efforts.
Hurricane Hazel, a Category 4 storm, struck the state with winds exceeding 140 miles per hour, leaving a trail of destruction in coastal communities. More than 19,000 homes were destroyed, and the economic impact was immense. Decades later, Hurricane Floyd caused catastrophic flooding, particularly in eastern North Carolina, submerging entire towns for days. The event highlighted the vulnerabilities of the state’s river systems and underscored the need for flood management and prevention policies.
Most recently, Hurricane Florence in 2018 demonstrated the state’s continued vulnerability to large-scale storms. Florence brought record rainfall, causing devastating floods that impacted cities like Wilmington and surrounding communities. The storm resulted in damages exceeding $17 billion, underscoring the economic and human costs of these disasters.
Adding to this list, Hurricane Helene in 2023 has been yet another reminder of the urgent need to strengthen North Carolina's disaster preparedness. Helene followed a similar pattern as previous hurricanes, bringing severe flooding and high winds to the region. Though North Carolina was more prepared than in the past, with more coordinated evacuation and emergency response efforts, many communities were still left vulnerable to flooding, property destruction, and prolonged power outages. The rapid succession of major storms like Helene is a sign that climate change is intensifying weather patterns, making it critical for North Carolina to bolster its defenses.
In addition to hurricanes, North Carolina is also prone to other natural disasters such as flooding, tornadoes, winter storms, and wildfires. Eastern North Carolina, in particular, is highly susceptible to riverine flooding, which can occur even with non-hurricane-related storms. Tornadoes, while less common, pose a significant risk, as seen in the April 2011 tornado outbreak that caused widespread damage and loss of life. Winter storms, such as the December 2002 ice storm, disrupt power grids and make roads treacherous, leaving communities paralyzed. Even wildfires, like the 2016 Party Rock Fire, which scorched thousands of acres near Lake Lure, are an increasing concern as the state experiences more extreme weather fluctuations.
Policy Responses and Preparedness Measures
North Carolina’s response to natural disasters has evolved over time as the state has sought to mitigate the impact of these recurring events. In the aftermath of disasters like Hurricane Floyd, the state instituted several key policy changes, particularly regarding floodplain management. The introduction of floodplain buyout programs allowed the state to purchase flood-prone properties and convert them into open spaces or greenways, reducing the likelihood of future damage. This policy, along with stricter building codes enacted after Hurricane Hazel, helped improve the structural resilience of homes and buildings in high-risk areas.
The creation of the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center and the strengthening of the state’s Division of Emergency Management (NCEM) have also improved coordination during crises. Emergency response plans have been streamlined, and real-time communication systems such as mobile alerts have been implemented to keep residents informed about evacuation orders and safety procedures during emergencies.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, these policies were put to the test. Helene’s heavy rainfall and strong winds led to widespread power outages and flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas. While the state’s emergency infrastructure was better prepared than in previous storms, the damages revealed that more investment in flood resilience infrastructure is essential. Helene also brought attention to the gaps in recovery efforts for low-income and marginalized communities, many of whom were disproportionately impacted by the storm.
In recent years, the state has recognized the role of climate change in amplifying these disasters. North Carolina has begun integrating climate resilience into its long-term planning, especially in coastal regions vulnerable to rising sea levels and more intense hurricanes. This includes projects focused on restoring natural coastal barriers like wetlands and marshes, which can absorb storm surges and reduce the impact of floods.
The Need for Urgent Action
Despite the progress made, recent events like Hurricane Helene underscore the urgent need for further action. The frequency and severity of storms hitting North Carolina are increasing, driven in part by the warming climate. As storms like Helene become the new normal, the state must expand its efforts to protect vulnerable communities and invest in resilient infrastructure.
First, North Carolina should increase funding for flood control and water management systems. Many inland areas, particularly those along river systems, remain highly vulnerable to flooding. The state must invest in the construction of flood barriers, enhance drainage systems in cities, and expand floodplain buyout programs to reduce future risks. Hurricane Helene’s impact on areas that had previously been considered low-risk highlights the growing unpredictability of storms.
Second, the state needs to focus on equitable disaster relief. Vulnerable populations, particularly low-income communities and communities of color, often bear the brunt of natural disasters. These groups are less likely to have access to resources like disaster insurance or the financial means to rebuild their homes after a storm. Simplifying access to relief funds, offering targeted financial assistance, and ensuring that disaster relief programs are both equitable and accessible should be priorities for the state moving forward.
Third, North Carolina must double down on climate resilience planning. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is already reshaping the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in the state. Coastal regions, particularly, are at risk of rising sea levels, more powerful hurricanes, and storm surges. The state should adopt stricter zoning laws in flood-prone areas, promote green infrastructure that can absorb stormwater, and invest in renewable energy systems that are less vulnerable to outages during storms.
Lastly, public education and awareness must be enhanced. Many residents are still unaware of how to properly prepare for natural disasters or how to respond when evacuation orders are given. Expanding public education campaigns, improving real-time communication systems, and ensuring that communities have clear evacuation routes and access to shelters are essential steps in reducing the human toll of these disasters.
Natural disasters have always been a part of life in North Carolina, but as events like Hurricane Helene make clear, these disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. While the state has implemented important policies to reduce the impact of hurricanes, floods, and other natural events, there is still much work to be done. Strengthening infrastructure, ensuring equitable access to disaster relief, and integrating climate resilience into long-term planning are all critical steps in preparing for a future where storms like Helene are likely to become the norm. By taking urgent action, North Carolina can better protect its residents and build a more resilient future in the face of mounting environmental challenges.