Floods in Charlotte, NC

Floods are among the most devastating events Mother Nature can cause, destroying a house’s structure, plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems.

Unfortunately, Charlotte, North Carolina, is at risk of floods thanks to its floodplains.

If you’ve experienced flood damage to your home, contact All Dry USA. We offer world-class water damage restoration and mold removal services, bringing normalcy back into your life.

Does Charlotte, NC, Experience Flooding?

Yes, Charlotte is known to be at moderate risk of flooding due to the city’s hilly landscape and proximity to the Yadkin-Pee and Catawba Rivers.

According to one study by First Street Foundation, Charlotte had the most properties in North Carolina at risk of flooding in 2020.

As recently as November 2020, Hurricane Eta delivered a significant blow to Charlotte, resulting in over 50 roads, four submerged bridges, and six deaths.

What Types of Flooding Affect Charlotte?

Charlotte, NC, is at risk of several types of flooding, such as:

• Flash Flooding: This sudden and dangerous event can happen within minutes to hours after a natural disaster, typically characterized by raging torrents of water.
• River Flooding: River flooding occurs when the water levels of streams and rivers rise, overflowing the neighboring land thanks to excessive rain.
• Tropical Systems and Coasting Flooding: When hurricanes or tropical storms make landfall, they can bring surges and heavy rainfall. Charlotte has plenty of streams and rain gages to monitor the sea levels since higher sea heights take less to trigger floods.

What Areas in Charlotte Are Most at Risk of Flooding?

The FEMA and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services have partnered to create a floodplain map in response to rainfall statistics and land development changes.

There are four phases of flood risks:

• Phase 1: This is a high-risk flood zone, where properties in this region have a 10 to 20% annual chance of flooding. Properties in Phase 1 must have flood insurance if they have a federally-backed mortgage.
• Phase 2: This is another high-risk flood zone requiring flood insurance – with a 4 to 10% annual chance of flooding.
• Phase 3: This is a moderate-risk flood zone with a 2-4% chance of flooding.
• Phase 4: This is a low-risk flood zone with a 1-2% chance of flooding.

Regions from the center down to the South and Southeast are in Phase 1, at a high risk of annual floods. This includes the city of Charlotte and extends down to Mint Hill, Stalling, Matthews, and Pineville. Likewise, all floodplains, which are flat or sloping areas adjacent to streams, creeks, rivers, or other waterways, are susceptible to flooding.

What Are the Main Hazards Associated With Flooding?

Flooding in Charlotte, NC, poses many safety hazards and threats that disrupt your daily routine.

Polluted Floodwater

Floodwater can pollute via sewage systems, industrial waste, or agricultural runoff, resulting in disease spread. Even when the flood has stopped, moist areas create a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Health Hazards

Contaminated water poses plenty of health hazards, causing various infections and diseases.

It’s common for floodwater to get swept and contaminate stored or refrigerated food, leading to outbreaks of E.coli, giardia, and hepatitis A.

Disruption of Services

On-the-ground floods can cause downed power lines which affect internet cables, cell towers, and telephone lines. Transportation is also affected, especially if roads or bridges are damaged.

Property Damage

If you live in a floodplain, floods can deliver exterior and interior damage to your home. Whether it’s water damage to your personal items, a collapse of your home’s structure, or rapid mold growth, a variety of damage can happen to your property.

How Do I Keep My Family Safe During a Flood in Charlotte?

Follow these tips to keep your family safe before, during, and after the flood.

Before the Flood

• Under your flood risk: Learn about the types of flooding that can impact your community. Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and search for your address to identify the risk.
• Review your flood insurance: Make sure you know what contents of your home are covered.
• Make a family evacuation plan: Create an evacuation and shelter plan. Also, know who to contact in case of an emergency.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Assemble a flood supplies fit that contains all survival essentials such as food, water, battery-powered radio, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and more.
• Retrofit appliances: Retrofit air conditioners, water heaters, electrical panels, and furnaces so they’re off the floor and protected from water damage.

During the Flood

• Find shelter: Whether it’s in your home or a shelter on higher ground, make sure you’re safely indoors and protected from flood waters.
• Follow instructions from your local public safety officials: Listen to updates from NOAA and emergency service crew officials. They’ll provide you with directions on evacuation and more.
• Turn off utilities: Shut off the main power switch and close your primary gas valve.
• Don’t drive, walk or swim: If there’s flooding coming your way, turn around and move away from the water.
• Contact your healthcare provider: If you or a family member needs medical attention, contact them immediately. For medical emergencies, call 911.

After the Flood

• Monitor public safety announcements: Follow the news broadcasts to stay alert about community safety hazards.
• Only return home when it’s safe: Follow public safety officials and only return when the route is clear.
• Avoid wading in the floodwaters: Water can be contaminated and contain hazardous debris. Also, downed power lines can electrically charge the floodwaters – be cautious!
• Throw away food and bottled water: If you’re in doubt, throw away all food and water that has made contact with floodwater.
• Use a generator with precaution: Use your gas-powered machinery like a generator, away from windows and outdoors, to prevent CO2 poisoning.

Common Types of Property Damage Caused by Floods in Charlotte

Floodwater can cause serious damage to nearly every facet of your home. Knowing what damage it can cause is essential.

Interior Water Damage

Floods can wreak havoc on the entire structure of your home and the materials that hold it together. The intensity of floodwater can saturate your walls, floors, and ceilings, causing water damage and even weakening them. It also will likely damage your personal property, like furniture, clothing, and other items.

Fortunately, All Dry USA can help with water extraction to remove standing water and restore personal property where possible.

Sewage Backup

When an abrupt abundance of water flows through sewer systems, it can be overwhelmed, leading to sewage flowing backward toward your home’s sewer line – overflowing to your basement or other areas of your home. Flooding can wreak the sewer lines themselves, making them unusable.

Mold

One of the most under-the-radar consequences of floods is mold and mildew growth. They can occur within 24 to 48 hours after the flood water subsides. But if left unchecked, they can fill the air with spores, causing allergic reactions.

At All Dry USA, we deploy a professional cleanup crew with experience in handling mold growth. We use state-of-the-art fans and dehumidifiers to dry your home entirely and vacate all contaminated items and upholstery for cleaning, disinfecting, or removal.

Electrical Damage

Floodwater is filled with electrolytes, making it a conduit for an electrical conductor. Saltwater can corrode all electrical equipment and cause an electrocution hazard. Ensure an HVAC pro or electrician inspects all appliances and electrical systems before operating them again.

Suffering From Flooding Damage in Charlotte, NC? ADU Can Help

Floods are, unfortunately, a part of life in Charlotte, NC. While coastal cities like Charlotte offer many benefits, the one drawback is their heightened risk of floods.

You don’t have to be a sitting duck waiting for the eventual floods to hit. Proper preparedness can go a long way.

If you’ve been unlucky with a flood recently, contact All Dry USA and seek immediate help. Our team of experts works around the clock, 24/7, offering water restoration and mold remediation services to return your home to its pre-flood condition. Allow us to help you return to normalcy and restore your property.

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