Storm Center: City Resources for Inclement Weather

Published on March 16, 2026

City vehicles block a flooded section of a roadway in the NoDa area.

Mecklenburg County is currently under a severe weather warning. Storms are expected to begin around 10 a.m. on Monday, March 16, and continue for 1 to 2 hours with heavy rain. The most significant weather is expected to move through Charlotte by 1 p.m.

We encourage all residents to prioritize safety during inclement weather: take shelter when instructed, avoid flooded roadways and stay up to date on all emergency weather alerts in your area by signing up for CharMeck Alerts.

Know Who to Call

Emergency: Dial 911 for emergencies that need immediate police, fire or medical help. If a tree or part of a tree has fallen and is obstructing or completely blocking the road, call 911 immediately.

  • Downed Power Lines: Per federal regulations, city tree crews cannot work near downed utility lines of any kind. Debris-clearing could be delayed due to coordination with utility companies. If you see a downed power line, call 911 immediately.

Non-Emergency: Call 311 or use the CLT+ mobile app to report non-emergency situations. If a tree or part of a tree has fallen outside the roadway and onto the shoulder, sidewalk or public right-of-way, report it to 311. For other non-emergency public tree issues, such as a damaged/unhealthy tree, hanging limb(s) or to request a tree health assessment, please use the online form, the CLT+ mobile app or call 311. You can view a map of storm-related tree requests online. The map is updated every 20 minutes.

Before starting cleanup on your property, look for dangerous hanging limbs, downed utility lines, broken limbs and other failures. Also, block off damaged trees with caution tape, rope and/or traffic cones. Watch out for scammers showing up at your house claiming to be tree specialists. Do your homework, check references and make sure the business is legitimate.

  • Blockages: Please report any storm drain blockages or creek blockages to 311.

Power Outages: Report power outages directly to Duke Energy.

  • Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply). 
  • Use the Duke Energy mobile app. Download the Duke Energy app from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play. 
  • Visit Duke Energy's Outages web page on a desktop computer or mobile device.
  • Call the automated outage reporting system at 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).

Four Steps to Stay Flood Safe

  1. Know your risk of flooding. Find out if your home is in the floodplain by visiting the 3D Flood Zone Map. Take action if you are at risk of flooding.
  2. Make a plan for you and your household, so you know what to do, where to go and what you need to protect yourselves from flooding. Visit the federal government's Make A Plan web page to create an emergency plan and make sure everyone in your household is informed. If you have pets, consider them in your plan.  
  3. Build a kit for your household so you and your household have what you need if you are sheltering in place or evacuating. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office has suggestions on what to include in your kit on its Prepare web page.
  4. Stay safe and informed about weather conditions. Sign up for CharMeck Alerts to receive timely and accurate emergency information, including flood updates. Stay tuned to local media and the National Weather Service for reliable updates.

If told to evacuate, do so immediately. If you encounter rising water outside, remember: turn around, don’t drown. After a flood, if you have experienced significant flood damage, call 311.

Secure Your Collection Carts

Strong winds are expected in our area. Loose carts can roll into the street or block storm drains during severe weather. You can help keep roads free of debris and obstructions by securing your garbage and recycling carts.

If your collection day is the same day as the storm, set your carts out as usual so crews can provide service. After your carts have been emptied, bring them back from the curb when it is safe to do so.

If it is NOT your collection day, store carts beside your home or in a garage until the storm passes. Small actions like securing carts help keep streets safe for neighbors and emergency vehicles.

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