ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season approaching, Buncombe County emergency officials are reminding residents that hurricanes don’t have to make landfall in North Carolina to cause serious problems in Western North Carolina and the Asheville area.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30, and even storms that track along the coast or into neighboring states can bring heavy rain, flooding and dangerous landslides to the mountains.

Officials say that’s why now is a good time for residents to review their emergency plans and make sure supply kits are up to date. The National Weather Service has designated May 3-9 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina to encourage early preparation.

“During a disaster, like a hurricane, having an emergency plan and a fully stocked kit can make a life-saving difference,” Buncombe County Emergency Manager Scott Krien said. “Your emergency kit should provide for your family’s basic needs for at least three to seven days. Also, please take any evacuation order seriously. Leaving when asked protects not only yourself but also first responders who may otherwise be placed in harm’s way.”

While Western North Carolina is far from the coast, officials note the region is especially vulnerable to inland flooding and landslides when tropical systems push heavy rain into the mountains. Recent storms, including Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, Tropical Storm Fred and Tropical Storm Helene, have all caused significant impacts in Buncombe County and surrounding areas.

Residents are encouraged to take a few simple steps now: update emergency plans, make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if conditions worsen and check in on neighbors who may need extra help, including seniors and people with disabilities.

Emergency officials also recommend building or refreshing a supply kit with enough essentials to last three to seven days. That includes basics like water, nonperishable food, a first-aid kit, prescription medications, flashlights with extra batteries, warm clothing, blankets, hygiene items, cash and supplies for pets.

Families and businesses should also gather important documents such as insurance policies, medical records and identification, and store them in a waterproof container or secure digital backup. Officials also urge residents to review insurance coverage and confirm whether flood insurance is included, noting it is not part of most standard policies.

To stay informed during storms, residents are encouraged to sign up for BC Alerts by texting “BCReady” to 67283 or visiting buncombeready.org. Officials also recommend knowing evacuation routes in advance and acting quickly if orders are issued.

Simple home preparations can also make a difference, including trimming trees, securing outdoor furniture, clearing gutters and covering windows before storms arrive.

More information on hurricane preparedness is available at ReadyNC.gov and buncombeready.org.