Evacuation Information
From the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and Ready NC
Many interstates and major highways to and from coastal North Carolina can accommodate heavy traffic volumes and have higher speed limits to allow motorists to leave threatened areas more quickly and efficiently than using local roads.
View and download a coastal routes map
Evacuate Safely
Monitor ReadyNC.org for the latest information. If you are asked to evacuate, promptly heed instructions from local officials
- Know your evacuation destination and be aware of available shelters. Notify family and friends of your plans
- If there is time to do so safely, turn off gas, electricity, and water
- Unplug appliances before leaving
- Take your emergency supply kit with you. Bring extra cash, medications, and important documents when you evacuate.
- Remember, specialty items (infant formula, diapers, specific dietary foods, durable medical equipment, and some medical supplies) may not be available at emergency shelters
- Not all shelters are pet-friendly, so double-check before bringing your animals
- Keep your cell phone charged and calls brief to minimize network congestion
- After the storm, be patient and listen to local offcials for instructions on returning home. Re-entry into communities may be initially limited to frst responders and residents
Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency responders cannot be everywhere at once. Law enforcement officers, the NCDOT State Farm® Safety Patrol, and other personnel are typically positioned along the major evacuation routes to help motorists. Straying from these routes increases the risk of getting stranded or lost.
If possible, leave with a full tank of gas and have plenty of water and non-perishable foods on hand, since grocery stores and restaurants might not be open. For more information, visit ReadyNC.org, a comprehensive resource for emergency preparedness, weather conditions, evacuations, and other emergency management information.
If you run out of gas or experience trouble with your vehicle during an evacuation, move it safely to the shoulder of the road to reduce unnecessary congestion. During a major evacuation, NCDOT's goal is to have the NCDOT State Farm® Safety Patrol available to help keep lanes clear and traffic moving.
No. Wait for the water to recede before you drive. Even if it appears to be shallow, moving water is powerful enough to push a car off the road and strand its passengers within minutes.
You also cannot be sure exactly how deep the water is or what is lying beneath its surface. It could be concealing a large sinkhole or piece of debris, both of which could cause serious injuries and damage to vehicles.
If you must drive, be sure to use extreme caution, obey all posted warning signs and follow NCDOT's guidelines for driving on hazardous roads.
If you must drive, be sure to use extreme caution, obey all posted warning signs and follow NCDOT's guidelines for driving on hazardous roads.