Charlotte Gears Up for Storm: Hardware Stores See Surge, County Monitors Water Levels

Residents Prepare as Storm Approaches

Charlotte is bracing for an impending storm, prompting local residents to take action in preparation. Hardware stores across the city are witnessing a significant uptick in customers purchasing necessary supplies. Many are gearing up for the possibility of power outages and flooding.

County’s Vigilance on Water Levels

Amid rising unease about potential flash floods, county officials are intensifying their efforts to monitor water levels. Tim Trautman, a representative from the Mecklenburg County Stormwater Program, noted the importance of their extensive network of over 100 sensors and cameras. These devices continuously track real-time water levels, which aids emergency managers in assessing where resources need to be deployed.

“The recent storms have already raised the water levels significantly. We have to be ready for what’s next,” Trautman remarked. He advised residents to stay informed through alerts about possible flooding in their neighborhoods.

Surge in Hardware Store Activities

Local hardware stores, like Lowe’s, report bustling activity as they prepare for the storm. Tyrone Hibbler, the store manager at a Northlake location, shared that community safety is their utmost priority. “We want to ensure that residents have everything they need—from generators to batteries to keep their homes safe during this weather event,” he stated.

Community members are encouraged to stock up on essentials such as tarps, shovels, and squeegees, as well as non-perishable foods and other emergency supplies.

Power Provider’s Preparedness

The region’s primary power company, Duke Energy, is also making extensive preparations for potential power disruptions. They have positioned over 7,500 crews strategically across the Carolinas to ensure swift recovery efforts if outages occur. Caroline Fountain, a representative from Duke Energy, highlighted the significance of charging devices and maintaining a full gas tank in anticipation of the storm.

Safety Recommendations for Residents

Authorities urge residents to prepare their homes effectively. Key recommendations include:

• Charge electronic devices ahead of time.
• Ensure a full tank of gas in vehicles.
• Stockpile non-perishable food and water.
• Gather extra batteries for essential gadgets like flashlights and weather radios.

Additionally, several organizations have set up apps and alert systems to keep the community updated in real-time.

Conclusion

As Charlotte braces for the storm’s impact, community engagement and preparedness are vital. Residents are working together to ensure safety and readiness for whatever weather may come their way.