News Summary
Asheville’s National Centers for Environmental Information is intensifying preparations for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Following Hurricane Helene, they are leveraging satellite data and historical records to enhance emergency management and public safety in the region. With the imminent hurricane season, officials stress the importance of community preparedness, highlighting the significant risks, including inland flooding and the potential for wildfires.
Asheville, North Carolina – As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, which runs from June 1 to November 30, the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) in Asheville is ramping up its efforts to prepare communities for potentially catastrophic weather events. Following recent natural disasters, including the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the NCEI is actively using satellite data along with historical weather records to aid emergency management and inform both researchers and forecasters.
Hurricane Helene proved to be a significant case for the NCEI, emphasizing the dangers of tropical systems even as they move inland. The storm retained its strength longer than expected, causing extensive flooding and damage in South Carolina, where there were 49 reported fatalities and over $200 million in estimated damages. The effects of Helene were marked as a “compound hazard,” exacerbated by previous heavy rainfall, leading to a unique understanding of how inland areas can experience severe weather impacts during hurricanes.
The NCEI, which serves as the world’s largest archive of weather and climate data, collaborates with the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies in partnership with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and North Carolina State University. Carl Schreck, a senior research scholar at the Institute, focuses on large-scale tropical meteorology. His research highlights that nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur due to inland flooding, prompting calls for enhanced preparedness measures.
Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina, alongside state officials, has declared May as South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month, advising residents to prepare for the upcoming season. He emphasized the need for awareness and readiness as communities brace themselves for potential storms. In South Carolina, 35 designated evacuation routes are established to facilitate efficient evacuation during hurricanes, with around 3,000 personnel from the Department of Transportation on standby to assist during emergencies.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, significant logistical challenges arose in North Carolina, particularly in Buncombe County, which reported “catastrophic” damage to its water system. Widespread delays in receiving federal aid led to frustration among residents, despite anticipatory requests for water and resources. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded by providing nearly 1 million liters of water and over 600,000 meals to aid recovery efforts. Additionally, over 11,000 individuals sought assistance in locating missing family members affected by the storm, with 150 cases prioritized by emergency response teams.
Schreck warns of an increased risk for wildfires in the upcoming season due to the potential for downed trees, particularly hardwoods, which could become significant fuel sources. This demonstrates the multifaceted challenges that arise during hurricane seasons, where the aftermath can lead to additional hazards beyond flooding.
The lessons learned from Hurricane Helene are propelling NCEI and emergency management teams to revise their predictive models to better prepare for storms categorized as 1-in-1,000-year events. Understanding the unique behavior of such storms is crucial, especially as climate change modifies patterns of hurricane activity.
With the imminent hurricane season, experts stress the importance of preparedness, advising residents to engage in proactive measures such as reviewing evacuation plans, stockpiling necessary supplies, and understanding individual risks related to their specific locations. Through comprehensive data collection and careful analysis, the NCEI and its partners aim to enhance public safety and minimize risks associated with future storms.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness 2025 Season
- NBC News: Questions Emerge After Hurricane Helene
- CoStar: Hoteliers Assess Damage in Asheville from Hurricane Helene
- NC Newsline: Building Codes and Disaster Prep Funds in North Carolina
- The New York Times: Damage from Hurricane Helene in Asheville
- Wikipedia: Hurricane
- Google Search: Hurricane Preparedness
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Preparedness and Response
- Google News: Hurricane Helene
