With hurricane season approaching, it's important to memorize coastal evacuation plans and traffic routes in case of a severe storm.

In July 2020, North Carolina launched the Know Your Zone evacuation tool. The tool highlights areas in eastern North Carolina that are most vulnerable to impacts from hurricanes, tropical storms, and other hazards. Some low-lying areas are particularly at risk of storm surge and flooding. The zones are labeled A (most prone to flooding) through E (least likely to flood) and are precise down to neighborhood streets.

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The state department of transportation gathered a list of highways, ferry routes and secondary routes to remember for evacuating a storm situation at the North Carolina coast. Most of the routes include major roads like Interstate 40, Interstate 587, Highway 70 and Interstate 95.

Planning your route

  • When a storm is forecast, learn the evacuation route from your location and the amount of time needed to evacuate. Think about where you will go. If you need to go to a shelter, most shelters do not allow pets, so decide how you will care for them.

    • If you live in a mobile home, plan to move to a safer structure. No mobile or manufactured home is safe in hurricane-force winds.

      • Map out your evacuation route. Determine how long it will take to pick up everyone in your family, and notify other family members where you plan to be. Bring a three-day survival kit with you.
        • Learn the evacuation route from your location and the amount of time needed to evacuate.
          • Evacuation routes are marked with circular blue signs that state "Evacuation Route." Drivers should not stray from these routes. Law enforcement and emergency responders are paying attention to them first, and the routes go to areas where food, water and shelter are available.
            • For updates on road conditions and closures, call 511 toll-free or check out the North Carolina Department of Transportation's online Travel Information System that provides real-time information on events affecting travel across the state. Information will also be posted on message boards along the evacuation routes.

              If you're planning to leave

              • Before you leave, turn off gas, water and electricity. Lock the door.
                • Take care of your pets. Public shelters might not take them.
                  • Fill up your car with gas.
                    • Take blankets, first-aid supplies, medicine, several days’ clothing and essential personal items to the nearest shelter.
                      • Bring water and nonperishable snacks for the trip, because restaurants and gas stations might not be open.
                        • Do not travel farther than necessary.
                          • Return home only after authorities say it is safe to do so.

                            If you're planning to stay

                            • If you decide to stay in your home, be sure to have shutters for all windows and openings and determine how long it will take you to put them up.
                              • Notify any out-of-area friends and relatives that you are staying. Determine what special supplies and food you will need to have on hand and how you will cope with any family member with medical needs.