Document Alexandercountync_DRAFT_2024_Unifour_Hazard_Mitigation_Plan

Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2024 Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County DRAFT ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update DRAFT Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County Prepared for: Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County AECOM I Unifour Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Quality information Prepared by Checked by Verified by Approved by Revision History Revision Revision date Details Authorized Name Position Distribution List # Hard Copies PDF Required Association / Company Name ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update DRAFT Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County Prepared for: Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County AECOM I Unifour Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Prepared for: Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County Prepared by: AECOM 5438 Wade Park Blvd Raleigh, NC 27607 United States T: [PHONE REDACTED] F: [PHONE REDACTED] aecom.com Prepared in association with: Unifour Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Copyright © 2024 by AECOM All rights reserved. No part of this copyrighted work may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of AECOM. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update DRAFT Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County Prepared for: Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County AECOM I Unifour Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Table of Contents Section 1. Introduction 1-Error! Bookmark not defined. 1.1 Background 1-Error! Bookmark not defined. 1.2 Purpose and Vision 1-Error! Bookmark not defined. 1.3 1-Error! Bookmark not defined. 1.4 Authority……………. 1-Error! Bookmark not defined. 1.5 Plan 1- Error! Bookmark not defined. Section 2. Planing 2.1 Overview of Hazard Mitigation 2.2 History of Hazard Mitigation Planning in the Plan 2.3 Preparing the Regional 2.4 Hazard Mitigation Planning 2.5 Meetings and 2.6 Involving the 2.7 Involving 2.8 Documentation of Plan Section 3: Planning Area 1 3.1 Geography and the 3.2 Basin 3.3 Population and 3.4 Housing, Infrastructure, and Land 3.5 Employment and Industry Section 4: Risk 1 4.1. 4.2. Hazard 4.3. Methodologies and 4.4. Inventory of Community 4.5. Hazard Profiles, Analysis, and Vulnerability…………………………………………..….4-25 4.6. Hazard Extent 4.7. Conclusions on Hazard Section 5: Capability 5.1. 5.2. Conducting the Capability 5.3. Capability Assessment Findings 5.4. Conclusions on Local ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update DRAFT Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County Prepared for: Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County AECOM I Unifour Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Section 6: Mitigation 6.1. 6.2. Mitigation 6.3. Identification and Analysis of Mitigation Techniques…………………………………….…6-5 6.4. Selection of Mitigation Techniques for the Plan 6.5 Plan Update Section 7: Mitigation 7.1. 7.2. Alexander 7.3. Burke 7.4. Catawba County 7.5 Caldwell County Section 8: Plan Maintenance Procedures………………………..……...8-1 8.1 8.2 Monitoring, Evaluation, and 8.3 Continued Public Appendices: Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) Appendix B: Critical Facilities, Historical Properties, and Emergency Services Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005-2018) Appendix D: Public Survey Results Appendix E: Plan Review Tools and Incorporation Worksheet Appendix F: Plan Adoption Resolutions, Meeting Sign- ins, Participation Invitations Appendix G: Alternate Participation ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update DRAFT Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County Prepared for: Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County AECOM I Unifour Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 1: Introduction 1-1 Section 1. Introduction This section provides a general introduction to the Hazard Mitigation Plan It consists of the following five subsections: 1.1 Background 1.2 Purpose and Vision 1.3 Scope 1.4 Authority 1.5 Plan Overview 1.1 Background Natural hazards, such as floods, tornadoes, and severe winter storms are a part of the world around us. Their occurrence is natural and inevitable, and there is little we can do to control their force and intensity. We must consider these hazards to be legitimate and significant threats to human life, safety, and property. The region, comprised of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties, is vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards. These hazards threaten the life and safety of the Region’s residents and have the potential to damage or destroy both public and private property and disrupt the local economy and overall quality of life. While the threat from hazardous events may never be fully eliminated, there is much we can do to lessen their potential impact upon our community and our citizens. By minimizing the damaging effects of natural hazards upon our built environment, we can prevent such events from resulting in disasters. The concept and practice of reducing risks to people and property from known hazards is called hazard mitigation. Hazard mitigation is defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as, “Any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards.” Hazard mitigation techniques include structural measures and non-structural measures. Structural measures include activities such as strengthening or protecting buildings and infrastructure from the destructive forces of potential hazards. Non-structural measures include activities like adopting sound land use policies and creating public awareness programs. It is widely accepted that the most effective mitigation measures are implemented at the local government level, where decisions on the regulation and control of development are made. A comprehensive mitigation approach addresses hazard vulnerabilities that exist today and soon. Therefore, it is essential that projected patterns of future development are evaluated and considered in terms of how that growth will increase or decrease overall hazard vulnerability in the planning area. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-2 Draft One of the most effective means that a community can use to implement a comprehensive approach to hazard mitigation is to develop, adopt, and update, as needed, a local hazard mitigation plan. A mitigation plan establishes the broad local vision and guiding principles for reducing hazard risk, and further proposes specific mitigation actions to eliminate or reduce identified vulnerabilities. The Unifour Regional HMP (hereinafter referred to as “Hazard Mitigation Plan” or “Plan”) is an effective means to incorporate hazard mitigation principles and practices into the routine government activities and functions of the 4 counties and 28 municipalities participating in this Plan. At its most inner core, the Plan recommends specific actions to protect our built environment from the forces of nature and to protect the residents of the region from losses to those hazards that pose the greatest risk. These mitigation actions go beyond simply recommending structural solutions to reduce existing vulnerability, such as elevation, retrofitting, and acquisition projects. Local policies on community growth and development, incentives for natural resource protection, and public awareness and outreach activities are examples of other actions considered to reduce the region’s future vulnerability to identified hazards. The Plan is designed to be a living document, with implementation and evaluation procedures included to help achieve meaningful objectives and successful outcomes over time. Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 To reduce the Nation's mounting natural disaster losses, the U.S. Congress passed the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by invoking new and revitalized approaches to mitigation planning. Section 322 of the Act emphasizes the need for state and local government entities to closely coordinate on mitigation planning activities and makes the development of a hazard mitigation plan a specific eligibility requirement for any local government applying for federal mitigation grant funds. Communities with an adopted and federally approved hazard mitigation plan thereby become pre-positioned and more apt to receive available mitigation funds before and after the next declared disaster. This Plan was prepared in coordination with FEMA and the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM) to ensure that it meets all applicable planning requirements. This includes conformance with FEMA’s latest Local Mitigation Planning Handbook (released March 2013) and Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide (released October 2011). A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Checklist, found in Appendix E, provides a summary of FEMA and NCEM’s current minimum standards of acceptability and notes the location within the Plan where each planning requirement is met. 1.2 Purpose and Vision The general purpose of this Hazard Mitigation Plan is: • To protect life and property by reducing the potential for future damages and economic losses that result from natural hazards; • To qualify for additional grant funding, in both the pre-disaster and post-disaster environment; • To speed recovery and redevelopment following future disaster events; ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 1: Introduction 1-3 • To sustain and enhance existing governmental coordination in the Plan Region and demonstrate a firm local commitment to hazard mitigation principles; and • To comply with federal and state requirements for local hazard mitigation plans. A Unifour Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee was created, consisting of representatives from each of the 28 participating jurisdictions, to develop a regional plan. This committee made a vision statement to guide the regional planning process and give all participating jurisdictions a common focal point for discussion, coordination, and development of the Plan. Vision Statement Through a coordinated regional planning effort, create and implement an effective hazard mitigation plan that will identify and prioritize risk reduction measures for natural hazards to protect the health, safety, quality of life, environment, and economy of the planning area. The general purpose of this Hazard Mitigation Plan is: 1. To protect life and property by reducing the potential for future damages and economic losses that result from natural hazards; 2. To qualify for additional grant funding, in both the pre-disaster and post-disaster environment; 3. To speed recovery and redevelopment following future disaster events; 4. To sustain and enhance existing governmental coordination in the planning area and demonstrate a firm local commitment to hazard mitigation principles; and 5. To comply with federal and state requirements for local hazard mitigation plans. 1.3 Scope This Hazard Mitigation Plan will be updated and maintained to continually address those hazards determined to be of high and moderate risk through the detailed vulnerability assessment for the plan area (see Section 4: Risk Assessment). Other hazards that pose a low or negligible risk will continue to be evaluated during future updates to the Plan, but they may not be fully addressed until they are determined to be of high or moderate risk to the plan area The geographic scope the “planning area”) for the Plan includes all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties. This includes the following 28 local government jurisdictions: Alexander County • Town of Taylorsville Burke County • City of Morganton • Town of Connelly Springs • Town of Drexel • Town of Glen Alpine • Town of Hildebran • Town of Rutherford College ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-4 Draft • Town of Valdese Caldwell County • City of Lenoir • Town of Cajah's Mountain • Town of Gamewell • Town of Granite Falls • Town of Hudson • Town of Rhodhiss • Town of Sawmills • Village of Cedar Rock Catawba County • City of Claremont • City of Conover • City of Hickory • City of Newton • Town of Brookford • Town of Catawba • Town of Long View • Town of Maiden 1.4 Authority This Hazard Mitigation Plan has been adopted by all participating counties in accordance with the authority and police powers granted to counties as defined by the State of North Carolina (N.C.G.S., Chapter 153A). This Hazard Mitigation Plan has also been adopted by all participating incorporated municipal jurisdictions under the authority granted to cities and towns as defined by the State of North Carolina (N.C.G.S., Chapter 160A). Copies of all local resolutions to adopt the Plan are included in Appendix F. This Plan was developed in accordance with current state and federal rules and regulations governing local hazard mitigation plans. The Plan shall be monitored and updated on a routine basis to maintain compliance with the following legislation: • Section 322, Mitigation Planning, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as enacted by Section 104 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-390) and by FEMA's Interim Final Rule published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2002, at 44 CFR Part 201. • North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 166A: North Carolina Emergency Management Act, as amended by Senate Bill 300: An Act to Amend the Laws Regarding Emergency Management as Recommended by the Legislative Disaster Response and Recovery Commission (2001). ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 1: Introduction 1-5 1.5 Plan Overview This Hazard Mitigation Plan is divided into eight major sections, each of which is described briefly below. The Plan also includes several appendices for additional or supplemental items not included in the main body of the Plan, including multiple appendices with various detailed tables of natural hazard impacts which can been seen in the list of tables within each appendix. This Introduction (Section 1) provides background on hazard mitigation planning and the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, and defines the purpose, scope, and authority of the Plan as adopted by all participating jurisdictions. It also provides the following outline of each section making up the Plan. The Planning Process, (Section 1) provides background on hazard mitigation planning and the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, and defines the purpose, scope, and authority of the Plan as adopted by all participating jurisdictions. It also provides the following outline of each section making up the Plan. The Planning Process, found in Section 2, fully documents the process by which the region prepared this regional hazard mitigation plan as an update to its four existing county level plans. This includes a description of the key steps involved in the processes followed, who was involved the members of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee) and full descriptions of community meetings and workshops, how the public and other stakeholders were notified and involved, and how each of the municipal jurisdictions participated in the process. The Planning Area Profile, located in Section 3, describes the general makeup of the region, including its counties and local municipalities, including relevant geographic, demographic, and economic characteristics. In addition, building characteristics and land use patterns are discussed along with general historical disaster data. This baseline information provides context for the region-wide planning area and thereby assists the planning team in recognizing the social, environmental, and economic factors that play a role in determining community vulnerability to natural hazards. The Risk Assessment, found in Section 4, serves to identify, analyze, and assess the region’s overall risk to natural hazards. The Risk Assessment also attempts to define any hazard risks that may uniquely or exclusively affect the individual municipal jurisdictions. The Risk Assessment, builds on available historical data from past hazard occurrences, establishes detailed profiles for each hazard, and culminates in a hazard risk ranking based on conclusions about the frequency of occurrence, spatial extent, and potential impact of each hazard. In essence, the information generated through the Risk Assessment, serves a critical function as communities seek to determine the most appropriate mitigation actions to pursue and implement—enabling communities to prioritize and focus their efforts on those hazards of greatest concern and those structures or areas facing the greatest risk(s). The Capability Assessment, located in Section 5, provides a comprehensive examination of the Plan Area and the participating municipalities’ capacity to implement meaningful mitigation strategies and identifies existing opportunities to increase and enhance that capacity. Specific capabilities addressed in this section include planning and regulatory capability, staff, and ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-6 Draft organizational (administrative) capability, technical capability, fiscal capability, and political capability. Information was obtained through detailed survey questionnaires for local officials and an inventory and analysis of existing plans, ordinances, and relevant documents. The purpose of this assessment is to identify any existing gaps, weaknesses, or conflicts in programs or activities that may hinder mitigation efforts, and to identify those activities that should be built upon (such as participation in the National Flood Insurance Program) in establishing a successful and sustainable community hazard mitigation program. The Community Profile, Risk Assessment, and Capability Assessment collectively serve as a basis for determining the goals for the Hazard Mitigation Plan, each contributing to the development, adoption, and implementation of a meaningful plan. The Mitigation Strategy, found in Section 6, consists of regional goal statements as well as specific mitigation actions for each local government jurisdiction participating in the planning process, along with a set of regional mitigation actions to be implemented by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee. The Mitigation Strategy provides the foundation for detailed Mitigation Action Plans, found in Section 7, that link specific mitigation actions for each jurisdiction to locally assigned implementation mechanisms and target completion dates. Together, these sections are designed to make the Plan both strategic (through the identification of long-term goals) and functional through the identification of short-term and immediate actions that will guide day-to-day decision-making and project implementation. In addition to the identification and prioritization of mitigation projects, emphasis is placed on the use of program and policy alternatives to help make the Plan Area less vulnerable to the damaging forces of nature while improving the economic, social, and environmental health of the community. The concept of multi-objective planning was emphasized throughout the planning process, particularly in identifying ways to link hazard mitigation policies and programs with complimentary community goals related to housing, economic development, downtown revitalization, recreational opportunities, transportation improvements, environmental quality, land development, and public health and safety. The Plan Maintenance Procedures, found in Section 8, includes the measures each participating jurisdiction will take to ensure the Plan’s continuous long-term implementation. The procedures also include how the Plan will be regularly evaluated and updated to remain a current and meaningful planning document. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning Process 2-1 Section 2: Planning Process This section of the Plan describes the mitigation planning process undertaken by the region in preparing the Hazard Mitigation Plan. It consists of the following eight subsections: 2.1 Overview of Hazard Mitigation Planning 2.2 History of Hazard Mitigation Planning in the Plan Region 2.3 Preparing the Regional Plan 2.4 Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee 2.5 Meetings and Workshops 2.6 Involving the Public 2.7 Involving Stakeholders 2.8 Documentation of Plan Progress 2.1 Overview of Hazard Mitigation Planning Local hazard mitigation planning is the process of organizing community resources, identifying and assessing hazard risks, and determining how to best minimize or manage those risks. This process results in a hazard mitigation plan that identifies specific mitigation actions, each designed to achieve short-term planning objectives and a long-term community vision. To ensure the functionality of each mitigation action, responsibility is assigned to a specific individual, department, or agency along with a schedule for its implementation. Plan maintenance procedures are established for the routine monitoring of implementation progress, as well as the evaluation and enhancement of the mitigation plan itself. These plan maintenance procedures ensure that the Plan remains a current, dynamic, and effective planning document over time. Mitigation planning offers many benefits, including:  Saving lives and property;  Saving money;  Speeding recovery following disasters;  Reducing future vulnerability through wise development and post-disaster recovery and reconstruction;  Expediting the receipt of pre-disaster and post-disaster grant funding; and demonstrating a firm commitment to improving community health and safety. Typically, mitigation planning is described as having the potential to produce long-term and recurring benefits by breaking the repetitive cycle of disaster loss. A core assumption of hazard mitigation is that pre-disaster investments will significantly reduce the demand for post-disaster assistance by lessening the need for emergency response, repair, recovery, and reconstruction. Furthermore, mitigation practices will enable residents, businesses, and industries to re- establish themselves in the wake of a disaster, getting the community economy back on track more quickly and with less interruption. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2-2 Draft The benefits of mitigation planning go beyond solely reducing hazard vulnerability. Measures such as the acquisition or regulation of land in known hazard areas can help achieve multiple community goals, such as preserving open space, maintaining environmental health, and enhancing recreational opportunities. Thus, it is vitally important that any local mitigation planning process be integrated with other concurrent local planning efforts, and any proposed mitigation strategies must consider other existing community goals or initiatives that will help complement or hinder their future implementation. 2.2 History of Hazard Mitigation Planning in the Plan Region All four counties participated in the creation of the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan in 2014. The FEMA approval date for the previous plan was 2019. All four counties participated in the update of the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan in 2024. The FEMA approval date for this plan is 2024. The counties, along with a list of their participating municipalities, are listed below. Alexander County • Alexander County • Town of Taylorsville Burke County • Burke County • Town of Connelly Springs • Town of Drexel • Town of Glen Alpine • Town of Hildebran • City of Morganton • Town of Valdese • Town of Rutherford College Caldwell County • Caldwell County • Town of Cajah’s Mountain • Village of Cedar Rock • Town of Gamewell • Town of Granite Falls • Town of Hudson • City of Lenoir • Town of Rhodhiss • Town of Sawmills Catawba County • Catawba County • Town of Brookford • Town of Catawba ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning ProcessError! Reference source not found. 2-3 • City of Claremont • City of Conover • City of Hickory • Town of Long View • Town of Maiden • City of Newton No new jurisdictions have joined the planning process since the plan was adopted, and all jurisdictions that participated in previous planning efforts have agreed to participate in this regional planning effort. The specific process of moving forward with one regional approach is described in more detail in the following subsections. 2.3 Preparing the Regional Plan Hazard mitigation plans are required by FEMA to be updated every five years for the jurisdictions covered under them to remain eligible for federal mitigation and public assistance funding. Hazard mitigation plans are required by FEMA to be updated every five years for the jurisdictions covered under them to remain eligible for federal mitigation and public assistance funding. To simplify and enhance planning efforts for the jurisdictions in the Unifour Region, Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties made the decision to move forward with the creation of the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This regional approach allows resources to be shared amongst the participating jurisdictions and eases the administrative duties of all the participants by combining the four existing county level plans, and the requirements for the five-year plan update, into one coordinated regional planning process. To help prepare the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, AECOM was hired as a consultant to provide professional mitigation planning services. To meet requirements of the NFIP’s Community Rating System, the region ensured that the planning process was facilitated under the direction of a professional planner, Kelly Keefe, CFM, from AECOM who served as the lead planner for this project. Per the contractual scope of work, the consultant team followed the mitigation planning process recommended by FEMA and recommendations provided by North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM) mitigation planning staff. The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Review Tool, found in Appendix E, provides a detailed summary of FEMA’s current minimum standards of acceptability for compliance with DMA 2000 and notes the location where each requirement is met within this Plan. These standards are based upon FEMA’s Interim Final Rule as published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2002, in Part 201 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The planning team used FEMA’s Local Mitigation Planning Handbook (released March 2023) for reference as they completed the Plan. Element A1. Does the plan document the planning process, including how it was prepared and who was involved in the process for each jurisdiction? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(1)) ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2-4 Draft The process used to prepare this Plan included six major steps completed over about six months beginning in March 2024. Each of these planning steps resulted in critical work products and outcomes that collectively make up the Plan. Task Type Task Date Completed Meeting Kickoff February 7, 2024 Meeting Planning Overview April 11, 2024 Workshop Capabilities Assessment May 13, 2024 Deadline Capabilities Assessments August 14, 2024 Public Meeting Mitigation Goal & Stakeholder Review June 12, 2024 Workshop Mitigation Actions July 9, 2024 Deadline Mitigation Actions August 14, 2024 Deadline HMP Draft Review & Distribution September 18, 2024 Deadline Stakeholder Review Deadline October 2, 2024 Submit Final Draft Submitted to FEMA October 9, 2024 Table 2-1: Mitigation Meetings Schedule Figure 2-1: Mitigation Planning Process for the Plan Area Element A1-a: Does the plan document how the plan was prepared, including the schedule or time frame and activities that made up the plan’s development, as well as who was involved? ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning ProcessError! Reference source not found. 2-5 Jurisdiction HMP Meeting Attendance Alternate Participation Mitigation Action Updates Capabilities Assessment Participation Details Alexander County Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 2/7/2024, 2/16/2024, 4/11/2024, 6/12/2024, 7/9/2024 Town of Taylorsville Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 2/16/2024 Burke County Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 2/7/2024, 2/16/2024, 4/11/2024, 7/9/2024 Town of Connelly Springs No One-on-One Participation No Updates Made No Updates Made Mitigation Actions and Capabilities Assessment Responses were used in this plan from the 2019 Unifour HMP Update. Town of Drexel Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 4/11/2024 Town of Glen Alpine No One on One Participation Yes Yes Participated in the update process via email (See Appendix Town of Hildebran Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 4/11/2024, 6/12/2024, 7/9/2024 City of Morganton Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 7/9/2024 Town of Rutherford College Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 6/12/2024 Town of Valdese Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 4/11/2024, 7/9/2024 Catawba County Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 2/7/2024, 2/16/2024, 4/11/2024, 6/12/2024, 7/9/2024 Town of Brookford No One-on-One Participation Updated No Updates Made One-on-one Participation in the update process via email (See Appendix Capabilities Assessment responses used in this HMP were from the 2019 Unifour HMP Update. Town of Catawba Yes No Updates Made No Updates Made Meeting Attendance: 4/11/2024, 6/12/2024 7/9/2024; Mitigation Actions and Capabilities Assessment Responses in this plan are from the 2019 Unifour HMP Updates. City of Claremont No One-on-One Participation Updated Updated One-on-one Participation in the update process via email (See Appendix ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2-6 Draft Jurisdiction HMP Meeting Attendance Alternate Participation Mitigation Action Updates Capabilities Assessment Participation Details City of Conover No One-on-One Participation Updated No Updates Made Capabilities Assessment responses used in this HMP were from the 2019 Unifour HMP Update; No correspondence with Jurisdiction City of Hickory Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 2/16/2024, 4/11/2024, 6/12/2024, 7/9/2024 Town of Long View Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 4/11/2024, 6/12/2024 Town of Maiden Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 6/12/2024 City of Newton Yes No Updates Made Updated Meeting Attendance: 6/12/2024, 7/9/2024; Mitigation Action Status responses used in this 2024 HMP were from the 2019 Unifour HMP Update. Caldwell County Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 2/7/2024, 4/11/2024, 6/12/2024, 7/9/2024 Town of Cajah's Mountain No One-on-One Participation No Updates Made No Updates Made Mitigation Actions and Capabilities Assessment Responses in this plan are from the 2019 Unifour HMP Update; No Correspondence with jurisdiction Village of Cedar Rock Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 6/12/2024 Town of Gamewell Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 4/11/2024 Town of Granite Falls Yes No Updates Made Updated Meeting Attendance: 6/12/2024 Town of Hudson Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 2/16/2024, 4/11/2024, 6/12/2024, 7/9/2024 City of Lenoir Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 7/9/2024 Town of Rhodhiss Yes Updated Updated Meeting Attendance: 4/11/2024 Town of Sawmills Yes No Updates Made No Updates Made Meeting Attendance: 6/12/2024; Mitigation Actions and Capabilities Assessment Responses in this plan are from the 2019 Unifour HMP Updates. Table 2- 2: Participation Summary by Jurisdiction ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning ProcessError! Reference source not found. 2-7 2.3.1 Plans, Studies, Reports, and Technical Information This plan was developed utilizing a wide range of technical information, plans, studies, and reports which helped inform the updates to the Unifour Regional HMP. Each source was utilized in varying capacities, but information is cited throughout each section of the Unifour Regional HMP where applicable. Some of the Plans, Studies, Reports, and Technical Information used to guide and inform this HMP update include:  Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) National Risk Index (NRI) and NRI Technical Documentation  North Carolina Historic Preservation Office & North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources: HPOWEB 2.0  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service 80-Year List of Severe Weather Fatalities  NOAA and National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI) Storm Events Database  National Interagency Fire Center Wildland Fire Interagency Geospatial Services  State of North Carolina 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan  U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Catalog  U.S. Census Bureau Census Information  Alexander County 2045 Comprehensive Plan  Blueprint Burke Strategic Use Plan  Caldwell County Comprehensive Plan  Catawba County Comprehensive Plan  National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service) Database  FEMA Local Mitigation Planning Handbook 2.4 Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee To guide the development of this Plan, the Unifour counties (Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, and Catawba County) created the Unifour Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC). This committee represented a community-based planning team made up of representatives from various county departments and municipalities and other key stakeholders identified to serve as critical partners in the planning process. Beginning in March 2024, the planning committee members engaged in regular discussions as well as local meetings and planning workshops to discuss and complete tasks associated with preparing the Plan; including an email campaign to invite various stakeholders such as local/regional agencies and neighboring communities to participate in the planning process. This working group coordinated all aspects of plan preparation and provided valuable input to the process. In addition to regular meetings, committee members routinely communicated and were kept informed through an email distribution list. Specifically, the tasks assigned to the Unifour Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee included: A4. Does the plan describe the review and incorporation of existing plans, studies, reports, and technical information? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(b)(3)) ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2-8 Draft • Participate in hazard mitigation planning committee meetings and workshops • Provide best available data as required for the Risk Assessment portion of the Plan; • Complete the Local Capability Assessment Survey and provide copies of any mitigation or hazard-related documents for review and incorporation into the Plan; • Support the development of the Mitigation Strategy portion of the Plan, including the design and adoption of a regional vision statement, regional mitigation goal statements, and regional mitigation actions; • Review the existing mitigation actions from each county’s previous plan, provide an update on those previously adopted mitigation actions, and propose new mitigation actions for their department/agency for incorporation into the updated regional Plan; • Review and provide timely comments on all study findings and draft plan deliverables; and • Support the adoption of the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Table 2-3 lists the members of the HMPC responsible for participating in the development of the Plan. Committee members are generally listed by jurisdiction in Table 2-3 for ease of organizing and presenting the information, but it should be noted that the committee worked extremely well as one regional unit thinking beyond traditional jurisdictional boundaries to focus on the mitigation planning issues and tasks at hand. For all jurisdictions unable to attend the meetings in person, they were represented by their County Lead Coordinator and maintained communication to participate, review and make decisions about plan data. The County Lead Coordinators are Daniel Fox and Amy Bucknum, Alexander County; Michael Willis and Marti Blanton, Burke County; Vic Misenheimer, Caldwell County; Jason Williams, Catawba County. Jurisdiction Organization Name Title ALEXANDER COUNTY Alexander County Alexander County Daniel Fox (County Lead) Emergency Services Director Alexander County Alexander County Brian Burgess Alexander County Emergency Services Director Alexander County Alexander County Greg Foster 911 Director Alexander County Alexander County Seth Harris Planner Alexander County Alexander County Mark Howell Alexander County Emergency Services Town of Taylorsville Alexander County Doug Gillispie Town Assistant Town of Taylorsville Taylorsville Police Dept. Mike Millsaps Chief of Police BURKE COUNTY Burke County Burke County Mike Willis (County Lead) Emergency Management Director Element A1. Does the plan document the planning process, including how it was prepared and who was involved in the process for each jurisdiction? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(1)) ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning ProcessError! Reference source not found. 2-9 Jurisdiction Organization Name Title Burke County Burke County Marti Blanton (County Lead) Emergency Management Planner Burke County Town of Drexel Bill Carroll Town Manager Burke County City of Morganton Mario Sclarandis City Engineer Burke County City of Morganton Wendy Smith Director Town of Connelly Springs Town of Connelly Springs Tamara Brooks Town Clerk Town of Glen Alpine Town of Glen Alpine Sherri Farris Town Clerk Town of Hilderbran Town of Hilderbran Thomas Drum Town Manager Town of Rutherford College WPCOG Johnny Wear Planner Town of Valdese Town of Valdese Teresa Kinney Town Planner Town of Valdese Town of Valdese Larry Johnson Town Planner Town of Valdese Town of Valdese Truman Walton Fire Chief/Emergency Management Town of Morganton Town of Morganton Wendy Smith Director Town of Drexel Town Drexel Bill Carroll Manager CALDWELL COUNTY Caldwell County Caldwell County Vic Misenheimer (County Lead) Emergency Management Director Caldwell County Caldwell County Trevor Key Collettsville Fire Caldwell County Caldwell County EMS Jonathan Cook Caldwell County EMS Paramedic Caldwell County Caldwell County Kim McGee Planner Caldwell County Grace Chapel Fire Department Travis Davenport Grace Chapel Firefighter Department Caldwell County Caldwell County Sheriffs Office Kevin Bean Major Caldwell County Caldwell County Environmental Health Jordan Cramer UNC Healthcare Administrator Caldwell County UNC Health Department Chaiyo Vang Public Health Educator/Preparedness Coordinator Caldwell County Caldwell County Environmental Health James Stewart Administrator Caldwell County Caldwell County Shelley Stevens Planning Director Caldwell County Yokefellow Inc. Sharon Harmon Minister Caldwell County Caldwell County Schools Andy Puhl Assistant Superintendent for Auxiliary Services City of Lenoir Lenoir Fire Kenny Nelson Deputy Chief City of Lenoir City of Lenoir Hannah Williams Planning Director ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2-10 Draft Jurisdiction Organization Name Title Town of Cajahs Mountain Town of Cajahs Mountain Randy Feierbend Town Manager Town of Gamewell Town of Gamewell Bonnie Cauldle Town Administrator Town of Granite Falls Town of Granite Falls Greg Wilson Planner Town of Granite Falls Town of Granite Falls Brian Bennet Fire Chief Town of Hudson Town of Hudson Jonathan Greer Town Manager Town of Rhodhiss Town of Rhodhiss Rick Justice Town Manager Town of Sawmills Town of Sawmills Chase Winebarger Manager Village of Cedar Rock Village of Cedar Rock Daniel Odom Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) CATAWBA COUNTY Catawba County Catawba County Jason Williams (County Lead) Emergency Management Coordinator Catawba County Catawba County Chris Timberlake Assistant Planning Director Catawba County Emergency Services Bryan Blanton Emergency Services Director Catawba County Emergency Services Frank Ballentine Emergency Management Project Specialist Catawba County Catawba County Schools Dan Moore Assist. Supervisor of Operations Catawba County Catawba County Schools Devin Houston Assist. Director of Maintenance City of Claremont City of Claremont Jason Brown City Manager City of Conover City of Conover Tom Hart City Manager City of Hickory City of Hickory Sam Abernethy Civil Engineer City of Hickory City of Hickory Caleb Bynum (City Lead) Utilities Engineer City of Hickory City of Hickory Cal Overby Principal Planner City of Newton City of Newton Alex Fulbright Planning Director Town of Brookford Town of Brookford Marshall Eckard Manager Town of Catawba Town of Catawba Danny Hipps Manager Town of Long View Town of Long View Charles Mullis Planner Town of Maiden Town of Maiden Blake Wright Planning Director Western Council of Governments Curt Willis Emergency Management Coordinator for WPCOG ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning ProcessError! Reference source not found. 2-11 Jurisdiction Organization Name Title Appalachian State University Jason Marshburn Director of Environmental Health, Safety, and Emergency Management Samaritans Purse Jodi Yoder Program Manager Hickory and High The High Country Salvation Army Majors Karla and Ricky Perez Corps Officers Hickory and High The High Country Salvation Army Sindy Connell High Country Service Center Director Red Cross Scott Loudermelt Executive Director Blue Ridge Piedmont Ashure Ministry Kristal Manning Executive Director Table 2-3: Members of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Multi-jurisdictional Participation The Plan Area Hazard Mitigation Plan includes four counties and 24 incorporated municipalities. To satisfy multi-jurisdictional participation requirements, each county and its participating jurisdictions were required to perform the following tasks via in person engagements and/or electronic data exchanges:  Participate in mitigation planning meetings and workshops;  Complete the Local Capability Assessment Survey;  Provide an update on previously adopted mitigation actions;  Review drafts of the Plan Area Hazard Mitigation Plan; and  Adopt their updated local Mitigation Action Plan. Each jurisdiction participated in the planning process and each jurisdiction has developed and adopted a local Mitigation Action Plan unique to that will be updated over time per the Plan Maintenance Procedures described in Section 8. Ensuring Complete Stakeholder Participation in the Planning Process Throughout the planning process, all jurisdictions were invited to participate through invitations to designated representatives and HMPC members listed in Table 2.1 to virtual, in-person, and hybrid HMPC meetings described below. All jurisdictions in Table 2.1 and listed in Section 2.2 were invited and contributed to the plan update process by attending meetings, but the jurisdictions of Connelly Springs, Glen Alpine, Brookford, Claremont, Conover, and Cajah’s Mountain were unable to attend the scheduled meetings and were involved in the planning process by engaging in one-on-one communications with planners. This was the preferred method of participation for the jurisdictions mentioned as opposed to meeting attendance. Documentation of one-on-one communication can be provided upon request. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2-12 Draft 2.5 Meetings and Workshops The preparation of this Plan required a series of meetings and workshops for facilitating discussion, gaining consensus, and initiating data collection efforts with local government staff, community officials, and other identified stakeholders. More importantly, the meetings and workshops prompted continuous input and feedback from relevant participants throughout the drafting stages of the Plan. Meeting sign-in sheets, images and other attachments for each meeting below can be found in Appendix F. The following is a summary of the key meetings and workshops held by the HMPC during the Plan's development. In many cases, routine discussions and additional meetings were held by local staff to accomplish planning tasks specific to their department or agency. For example, completing the Local Capability Assessment Survey or seeking approval of specific mitigation actions for their department or agency to undertake and include in their Mitigation Action Plan. Public meetings are summarized in Section 2.6. 1. HMPC Meeting: February 16, 2024 The Project Kickoff meeting was initiated by Jason Williams, Catawba County Emergency Management Coordinator, and was led by Kelly Keefe (AECOM Lead Planner) and Mckenzie Houston (AECOM Mitigation Planner). This meeting consisted of a detailed overview of the project, a review and discussion of the previous regional mitigation plan, an explanation of the process to be followed for updating the previous plan and integrating content from other resources, an open discussion session, and an explanation of next steps. The meeting began with a brief welcome and opportunity for each of the 28 attendees to introduce themselves to the group. Emphasis was placed on identifying what jurisdiction or organization each participant was there to represent, as there were representatives from the 28 participating jurisdictions, the WPCOG, other state and local stakeholders, and AECOM. As part of this recognition process, a spreadsheet was passed around for representatives to designate one “Designated Local Jurisdiction Lead” to serve as a primary point of contact for each participating jurisdiction for the duration of the project. The project overview explained the purpose of the planning process. It also covered the geographic scope of the project, the proposed schedule for the project, and a detailed breakdown of the key project tasks. The roles and responsibilities for AECOM, Caldwell County as the lead local agency, and for all participating jurisdictions were also covered. These roles and responsibilities were presented as follows: AECOM • Oversee, manage, and document the completion of all key project tasks • progress reports Catawba County • Serving as lead coordinating agency • Designation of local project manager ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning ProcessError! Reference source not found. 2-13 • Assistance with the collection of documents, data, and other information • Logistics for project meetings • Hosting and managing project website • Responding to general questions or inquiries from the public or stakeholders • Coordinating with participating jurisdictions All participating jurisdictions • Designate local jurisdiction lead • Attend Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee meetings • Coordination between counties, municipalities, and local stakeholders • Data collection and information sharing • Mitigation strategy development (Mitigation Action Plans) • Assist with public outreach • Review and comment on draft plan materials • Adopt the plan A discussion was also facilitated to discuss ways that existing resources could be leveraged, such as existing plans, studies, and reports; existing data and information; local knowledge sharing; and other resources. Three primary planning resources were also introduced to the HMPC at this time: The Local Mitigation Planning Handbook, Mitigation Ideas: A Resource for Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards, and Integrating Hazard Mitigation into Local Planning, all recent publications from FEMA providing mitigation planning guidance. Emphasis was also placed on the need for effective communication throughout the project. This included an overview of the planning team’s organization and the idea that municipal jurisdictions would coordinate first through their Designated Local Jurisdiction Lead who would in turn coordinate with the Designated Local Jurisdiction Lead for that county, who would in turn coordinate with the overall local project leads, Jason Williams with Catawba County. Active participation and responsiveness were also stressed due to the aggressive schedule to complete the plan in the desired timeframe. A detailed discussion also centered on GIS data collection needs and the process to be followed for collecting and submitting the needed data (which was to follow the chain of communication described in the paragraph above). Emphasis was placed on the need for the GIS data to be submitted in a readily usable format and to be the best data readily available. The committee was also given an overview of a Public Outreach Strategy that would be developed between HMPC Meeting #1 and HMPC Meeting The goals of the Public Outreach Strategy were stated as:  Generate public interest;  Solicit citizen input; and  Engage additional partners in the planning process. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2-14 Draft Specific opportunities for public participation were identified as being two in-person open public meetings, the creation of a public project information website, a web-based public participation survey, and use of social media (Facebook, Twitter, RSS, and other various options). Next steps were defined as assignment of Designated Local Jurisdiction Leads (to be completed as soon as possible); open the online Public Participation Survey (to be completed as soon as possible); finalize Public Outreach Strategy (to be completed as soon as possible); prepare preliminary risk assessment decisions, analysis, and map templates (to be completed as soon as possible); and prepare for HMPC Meeting #2 (to be held April 11, 2024). 2. HMPC Meeting: April 11, 2024 This meeting was held in Newton, NC at 25 Government Drive and was available for In-person or remote attendance. The meeting was led by McKenzie Houston and Kelly Keefe from AECOM. The meeting started with a brief introduction and was followed by discussions concerning the need for a designated leader for each community that can coordinate with the Core Planning Team, which will be sent on a spreadsheet by AECOM. The goal is that the planning team spreadsheet should be filled out by the end of next week. It was announced that Marti Blanton will be the lead for Burke County. In the meantime, attendees were asked to consider stakeholders to invite and suggestions for the upcoming public survey. The live survey will contain 18 questions and will need to be pushed out to the residents and the market for each jurisdiction. It was suggested that we initially try to gather responses to the survey for 4-6 weeks to determine the response level and adjust the survey if necessary to reduce the number of questions to improve responses. AECOM will contact each county lead to put the survey out on social media to improve public outreach. Next, the public outreach strategy was discussed along with the goal, which is to engage additional partners in the planning process by identifying specific opportunities for participation. There will need to be two meetings that follow FEMA guidelines for stakeholder engagement, and changes to the previous methods of compliance will be discussed. Previous methods of engagement that adhered to FEMA guidelines included online meetings through Facebook during the pandemic, but it was proposed that the next meeting would be a hybrid format with an in-person option. For the in-person meeting location, we need to identify a central location for a meeting place in the region and determine the mode of delivery for the online option that is most compatible with everybody’s jurisdiction. For this meeting, there needs to be a one-page fact sheet that can inform residents and stakeholders who attend the public meetings about the Plan and the revision process. The guidance for stakeholders has been updated by FEMA and will need to include a wider range of stakeholders during the public outreach process than in previous reviews. Additional required stakeholder groups will include neighboring communities, businesses, academia, and nonprofit groups. The public participation survey will go live for the public on 4/12/24 and the community representatives were asked what the best way to disperse the survey would be. One ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning ProcessError! Reference source not found. 2-15 county suggested adding a raffle for survey participants to incentivize responses to the survey as an example of a way to increase engagement. AECOM will meet with the HMPC to gather input on each of the sections of the Plan and the planning team will receive feedback by dividing the plan into sections, allowing community representatives to make the reviewing process less intense or tedious. The HMPC members and stakeholders will also provide perspectives on the hazard mitigation issues that face the community along with potential resolutions for the issues discussed. The Unifour Hazards were then discussed and included an overview of Hazard ID & Risk Assessment, Capability Assessment, and Risks summary processes. These were described as including the following elements:  Factual basis for prioritizing mitigation activities  Identification and Description of Hazards  Identification of assets  Risk assessment  Vulnerability summary The mitigation projects that are included in the HMP are extensive and may include projects that aren’t currently in progress or feasible. Capability assessments will be sent out to every county and the number of questions has been reduced by AECOM. Virtual online workshops to assist jurisdictions with completing the capability assessment will not be required but will be dedicated to helping the representatives understand and complete the questions, while also having a designated time to have specific questions answered that will assist with completing the capability assessment. Next in the meeting, the 2019 Plan maintenance procedures were described to involve yearly plan updates which happened sometimes but not all the time. To be able to complete yearly plan updates there were questions asked to get an idea of what adjustments could be made to improve the procedures in the future. This included:  Asking whether there are times when the four counties get together or if there could be a procedure update on the agenda for meetings where the four counties are already together, instead of organizing an entirely separate meeting.  Potentially holding meetings after each natural disaster event  Annual status plan updates that can be sent to the Core Planning Team for each jurisdiction's Mitigation Action Plan to evaluate the effectiveness of its implementation. It was noted that there would be an Excel spreadsheet that includes all existing mitigation actions so that they can be filtered to the area of interest when reviewing. There was discussion of the need to reevaluate how often and when there should be plan maintenance meetings in the future. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2-16 Draft Next, there was an update on the plan sections, draft review, and questions for open discussion. It was requested that while reviewing and commenting reviewers should leave on the track changes feature so that reviewers can see what changes or suggested changes are being made. Other discussion points included:  Are there potential opportunities for this plan update?  Are there potential barriers or obstacles to the plan update?  If a representative can't be at a meeting it is requested that the representative reach out to the Core Team which will provide the information through email. This is because FEMA occasionally goes through and checks the attendance sheet and will ask how they participated If they were not included in a meeting. NCEM recommends that each community not limit the mitigation actions they will include in the plan, because often NCEM and FEMA will look at the HMP for prioritization when communities seek funding for projects. It is also recommended that each area should conduct outreach to other municipalities or counties to make sure that they are accounting for everything that should be in the plan in terms of mitigation actions. Additionally, there is new funding that is set aside for BRIC for community and capacity building, so communities do not need to be as worried about the pool of funding about the higher costs of larger projects and the higher costs associated with planning larger projects. NCEM also expressed that it is trying to do a better job of reaching out to historically underserved populations and that the county representatives should think about underserved populations in their jurisdictions. Art organizations were mentioned as an excellent way to engage underserved populations and usually have facilities that can be used for meetings or protection from hazards. FEMA and NCEM won’t judge based on the success of outreach, but each jurisdiction will be judged based on the level of effort put into outreach attempts. It was also recommended that having state grant representatives attend the mitigation actions discussions at the next meetings could be an excellent opportunity to start building out some of the grant applications for mitigation actions while maximizing the use of time. Next data needs and next steps were discussed. Data needs highlighted the following categories:  Critical Facilities Assets  Repetitive Loss Property Data  Dam inundation zones and high-hazard dams  Local capability assessments  Data discrepancies from previous HMPs to identify what can be improved  Hazard history costs and impacts  Picture and video of hazards, damages, and mitigation projects The next steps were discussed, and the following were highlighted as priority actions:  Designated local leads are to serve as the primary point of contact for each jurisdiction for the duration of the project  Identification of additional stakeholder invitations to represent underserved populations and a broader range of stakeholder groups ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning ProcessError! Reference source not found. 2-17  Capability assessments should be completed, but it was emphasized that it is acceptable to not have specific plans or ordinances for each category within the assessment.  There is a possibility for a virtual capability workshop in May where we go over 68 questions on the capability assessment, what they mean, and how to answer each one.  The next hybrid meeting in June 2024 could become a public meeting.  The HMPC Actions Workshop in July 2024 means that each jurisdiction:  Should Provide edits for the HMPC  Is encouraged to review other communities’ HMPC actions to get a perspective of regional activities.  It is recommended that each jurisdiction link its HMP on its website to increase accessibility to the plan  FEMA will often check that links are live  FEMA will often require proof that public meetings were available and that they all had a chance to comment on the plan. 3. HMPC Meeting: June 12, 2024 The Mitigation Strategy Workshop was initiated by Kenneth Teague, Caldwell County Emergency Management Coordinator, and was led by Kelly Keefe (AECOM Lead Planner) with assistance from McKenzie Houston and Peyton Campbell. This meeting consisted of a detailed overview of the draft risk assessment and draft capability assessment results, an update on public outreach, discussion of the regional vision statement, an exercise to formulate regional mitigation goals and regional mitigation actions, and an explanation of next steps. The meeting began with a brief welcome and opportunity for each of the 23 attendees to introduce themselves to the group. The meeting continued with an overview of the draft risk assessment findings. The hazards addressed included: flood; erosion; dam/levee failure; drought/extreme heat; thunderstorm, lightning, and hail; tornado; winter weather; hurricane and tropical storm; landslide; earthquake; sinkhole; and wildfire. For each hazard the following information was shared: hazard maps, tables of at-risk buildings and infrastructure, and historical hazard occurrences. Complete inventories and maps were shown for demographic data, parcels and buildings, critical facilities, infrastructure elements, high potential loss properties, and historic properties. The technical information shared during this portion of the presentation is too extensive to share in this section. The next portion of the presentation consisted of an overview of the draft capability assessment findings. Participation in the Local Capability Assessment Survey was the results centered on findings in the areas of planning and regulatory capability, administrative and technical capability, fiscal capability, education and outreach capability, political capability, and a community self-assessment. The point system and overall capability assessment score for the Region were presented to the group along with a ranking of local capability by jurisdiction. All this information is presented in its final form in the Capability Assessment section (Section An update on the Public Participation Survey was also provided just before a working lunch. At the time of the meeting, 363 online surveys had been started and preliminary notes and ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2-18 Draft indications from these surveys were presented to the group. In general, the input being provided by the public was consistent and in-line with the discussions and decisions being made by the HMPC. A reminder was also issued that the second public meeting would be held that evening (April 4, 2019) at the Caldwell County Social Services building where the workshop was currently being held. 2.6 Involving the Public A key component of any mitigation planning process is public participation. Individual citizen and community-based input provides the entire planning team with a greater understanding of local concerns and increases the likelihood of successfully implementing mitigation actions by developing community “buy-in” from those directly affected by the decisions of public officials. As citizens become more involved in decisions that affect their safety, they are more likely to gain a greater appreciation of the hazards present in their community and take the steps necessary to reduce their impact. Public awareness is a key component of any community’s overall mitigation strategy aimed at making a home, neighborhood, school, business, or entire planning area safer from the potential effects of hazards. Public involvement in the development of the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan was sought using various methods including open public meetings, an interactive public information website, a project information fact sheet with contact information, a public participation survey, and by making copies of draft Plan documents available for public review on county websites and at government offices. Public meetings were held at two distinct periods during the planning process: during the drafting stage of the Plan; and upon completion of a final draft Plan, but prior to official plan approval and adoption. These public meetings were held at a central location to the planning area to ensure that citizens from each of the four participating counties had reasonable access to the opportunity to participate in-person in the planning process. The public participation survey (discussed in greater detail in subsection 2.6.1) was made available online via the project information website, each county’s website, through web links forwarded via email and newspaper articles, Facebook, Twitter, etc., and in hardcopy form at the first public meeting. For more information about meeting invitations, see Appendix F. Additionally, the Public were given the opportunity to provide input about their preferences in terms of hazard mitigation actions in the public survey (Section 2.6.1), which was presented to the representatives of each jurisdiction to consider and incorporate into their planning when updating and or adding mitigation actions for the HMP update. Element A3. Does the plan document how the public was involved in the planning process during the drafting stage and prior to plan approval? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(b)(1)) ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning ProcessError! Reference source not found. 2-19 Public Meeting 6-12-24 (11:30-12:30pm) The Public Meeting was held at 25 Government Drive in Newton, NC and was open to in-person and online attendees. This meeting went over the additional stakeholder and engagement requirements for this plan update, the Unifour Regional Mitigation Goals, Public Survey Results, and an overview of the remainder of the HMP update process. The meeting also went over the mitigation action goals and the social equity questionnaire. No members of the public attended, though there was robust participation in the online survey. Final Plan Public Participation Summary Need to update when we allow the public to comment or participate in the final draft review 2.6.1 Public Participation Survey The Unifour Natural Hazard Mitigation Public Participation Survey was made available on and remained available until August 16, 2024, per the Public Outreach Strategy, and there were 579 responses as of August 16, 2024. The survey results are in a summary report found in Appendix D. The results of the public feedback were presented to representatives of each jurisdiction that attended the HMPC meeting on June 12, 2024, where preliminary results were presented before the survey response deadline on August 16, 2024. From this, representatives were given the opportunity to further review the results to understand how the public survey results could be involved in the planning process and how their feedback could be considered or included in the plan. The following list is a high-level summary of the dominant responses obtained from the survey: 1. 72.44% of respondents said they have been personally impacted by a disaster. 2. The percentage of respondents that stated that they had been impacted by natural disaster(s) in the following graph Figure 2-2: Hazards experienced by respondents in the public participation ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2-20 Draft 3. Respondents reported that the most difficult factors in recovering from natural disasters that they have experienced were: 1. Direct Damage to Property – 35.90% 2. Financial – 27.75% 3. Emotional – 16.42% 4. Other – 10.83% 5. Long Recovery Time – 10.05% 6. Loss of Possessions – 5.69% 4. The percentage of respondents said that they were “very concerned” about the following hazards are: 1. Thunderstorm/Hail/Lightning – 44.44% 2. Flood – 21.83% 3. Wildfire – 25.40% 4. Drought/Extreme Heat – 19.29% 5. Winter Weather – 17.08% 6. Hurricane – 16.31% 7. Sinkhole – 9.21% 8. Erosion – 7.19% 9. Dam/Levee Failure – 3.97% 10. Landslide – 3.09% 11. Earthquake – 3.24% 5. The following percentage of respondents said that they considered the following community assets to be the “most vulnerable” to natural hazards: 1. People: Loss of Life and/or Injuries – 52.41% 2. Infrastructure – 17.53% 3. Economic – 11% 4. Cultural and Historic - 5.31% 5. Governance: (Ability to maintain order and/or provide public amenities and services) – 5.79% 6. The percentage below represents the portion of respondents that the statement was “very important”: 1. Protecting critical facilities (For example, hospitals, police stations, and fire stations etc.) – 91.10% 2. Strengthening emergency services – 84.79% 3. Protecting and reducing damage to utilities – 74.87% 4. Promoting cooperation among public agencies, citizens, non-profit organizations, and businesses – 56.79% 5. Preventing development in hazard areas – 52.88% 6. Enhancing the function of natural features (For example, streams, wetlands, etc.) – 36.84% 7. Protecting historical and cultural landmarks – 18.31% ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning ProcessError! Reference source not found. 2-21 7. The following represents the portion of respondents who think the local government should take that step to reduce or eliminate risks of future natural hazard damages: 1. Protect Power Lines – 82.14% 2. Keep storm drains clear – 76.88% 3. Education and Awareness Activities – 77.06% 4. Emergency Preparedness Kits – 74.26% 5. Assist Vulnerable Populations - 67.78% 6. Restrict Development in Floodplain Areas – 68.13% 7. Reduce Stormwater Runoff – 54.47% 8. Floodproof Your Home or Business – 33.63% 9. Elevate Your Home or Business – 13.49% 8. The following percentages represents the portion of respondents that consider the following community-wide activities as “Very Important” to reduce natural hazard risks: 1. Local Plans and Regulations (Government policies or codes that influence the way land and buildings are developed and built.) – 72.90% 2. Education and Awareness Programs (Actions that inform and educate citizens, elected officials, and property owners about hazards and potential ways to mitigate them) – 72.11% 3. Structure and Infrastructure Projects (Modifying existing structures and infrastructure to protect them from a hazard or remove them from a hazard area) – 70.00% 4. Natural Systems Protection (Actions that minimize damage and losses and preserve or restore the functions of natural systems) – 68.89% 5. Other Types of Actions (Actions that are related to mitigation in ways that make sense to the local government that do not fall into one of the categories above) – 38.08% 9. When asked what the most effective ways to receive information about how to make your home or neighborhood more resistant to natural hazards, the most results were the following answers in order of most to least percentage of respondents: 1. Internet (Social Media) – 76.49% 2. Mobile Messages/Alerts – 68.42% 3. Internet (Web Pages) – 54.74% 4. Mail – 42.68% 5. Television News – 37.19% 6. Public Meetings/Workshops – 31.05% 7. Radio Programs – 21.23% 8. Television Ads – 18.42% 9. Newspaper – 22.46% 10. Local Government Channel – 18.95% 11. Radio Ads – 17.02% ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2-22 Draft 10. Of all survey takers, only 9.39% reported that they had flood insurance, while 81.57% reported that they did not and 9.04% reported that they didn’t know if they had flood insurance or not. 11. Respondents who reported they did not have flood insurance were asked why they did not have flood insurance, and the following were the most common responses: 1. The house isn’t located in a floodplain - 66.12% 2. Flood insurance is too expensive – 10.06% 3. I don’t think its necessary because it never floods – 1.64% 4. I don’t think it’s necessary because I'm elevated or otherwise protected – 12.32% 5. I don’t think it’s necessary because I have homeowners’ insurance – 2.67% 6. I never really considered it – 7.19% 12. The following are responses to the activities that respondents have done in the last year to prepare for natural hazards: 1. Prepared your home by installing smoke detectors on each level of the house – 92.48% 2. Talked with members in your household about what to do in the case of a natural disaster – 74.96% 3. Developed a “Household/Family Emergency Plan” to decide what everyone would do in the event of a disaster – 53.32% 4. In the last year, someone in your household has been trained in first aid or CPR – 54.36% 5. Attended meetings or received written information on natural disasters or emergency preparedness – 41.46% 6. Prepared a “Disaster Supply Kit” with extra food, water, batteries, or other emergency supplies – 40.77% 7. Discussed or created a utility shutoff procedure in the event of a natural disaster – 31.82% 13. Most respondents reported that they lived in a 1. Single Family Home – 84.75% 2. Manufactured Home – 10.46% 3. Apartment (5 or more units in structure) – 2.30% 4. Apartment (3-4 units in the structure) – 0.89% 5. Condominium – 0.53% 6. Duplex – 1.06% The results of the survey were presented to members of the HMPC at HMPC Meeting on June 12, 2024, so that public opinion could be factored into final changes and additions to each jurisdiction’s Mitigation Action Plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning ProcessError! Reference source not found. 2-23 2.7 Involving Stakeholders The Unifour Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee included various stakeholders beyond the representatives from each participating jurisdiction. These included representatives from the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, Duke Energy, Frye Regional Medical Center (FRMC), UNC Health, Appalachian State University and the State of North Carolina Forest Service. Input from additional stakeholders, including neighboring communities, was welcomed through the open public meetings and online survey. Neighboring communities included: Watauga, Rutherford, McDowell, Lincoln, Iredell and Clevland counties. If any additional stakeholders representing other agencies and organizations participated in the Public Participation Survey, that information is unknown due to the anonymous nature of the survey. Required stakeholders were invited to comment on the HMP draft and were also invited to all public meetings held throughout the review process. Required stakeholders invited to participate in the planning process include, but are not limited to, the following (See Appendix F for correspondence and invitations for stakeholders and Table 2-3 for the representatives of each organization): Local And Regional Agencies Involved In Hazard Mitigation Activities  Alexander County Emergency Management  Alexander County Emergency Servies  Caldwell County EMS  Catawba County Emergency Management  NCEM Area Coordinators  NCEM Hazard Mitigation Planning  Caldwell County Emergency Management  Burke County Emergency Management  FEMA Region 4 Community Planning Agencies that regulate development  Catawba County Planning Department  Alexander County Planning Department  Caldwell County Planning Department  Burke County Planning Department  WPCOG Planning Department  City of Hickory Utilities  Town of Rutherford College Planning  Town of Granite Falls Planning  Town of Sawmills Planning  Town of Long View Planning  Lenoir Planning  City of Newton Planning  Town of Maiden Planning  City of Hickory Planning  Town of Valdese Planning ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2-24 Draft Neighboring communities  Iredell County  Cleveland County  McDowell County  Lincoln County  Rutherford County  Watauga County Businesses, academia, and other private interests  Catawba County Schools  Appalachian State University  Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton  Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory  Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) Non-profit organizations including community-based organizations may include: Faith Based Organizations, Disability services agencies, NGOs, Rural Support Agencies, Health and Social Services Departments, Housing agencies and housing advocacy groups  Ashure Ministry  Salvation Army  Red Cross  Samaritans Purse  Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry  Caldwell County Environmental Health  Caldwell County Health Department  Yokefellow Inc.  UNC Healthcare 2.8 Documentation of Plan Progress Progress in hazard mitigation planning for the participating jurisdictions in the Unifour Region is documented in this plan update. Since hazard mitigation planning efforts officially began in the participating counties with the development of the initial hazard mitigation plans in the early 2000s, many mitigation actions have been completed and implemented in the participating jurisdictions. These actions will help reduce the overall risk of natural hazards for the people and property in the Unifour Region. The completed actions are documented in the Capability Assessment in Section 5 and completed actions can also be found in the Mitigation Action Plans Section 7. In addition, community capability continues to improve with the implementation of new plans, policies, and programs that help to promote hazard mitigation at the local level. The current state of local capabilities for the participating jurisdictions is captured in Section 5: Capability Assessment. The participating jurisdictions continue to demonstrate their commitment to hazard mitigation and hazard mitigation planning and have proven this by reconvening the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to update and combine the previous hazard mitigation plans into ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 2: Planning ProcessError! Reference source not found. 2-25 this regional plan and by continuing to involve the public in the hazard mitigation planning process. ---PAGE BREAK--- Error! Reference source not found. Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-1 Draft Section 3: Planning Area Profile This section gives an overview of the planning region defined as the planning area for this Plan. It consists of the following five subsections: 3.1 Geography and the Environment 3.2 Basin Description 3.3 Population and Demographics 3.4 Housing, Infrastructure, and Land Use 3.5 Employment and Industry 3.1 Geography and the Environment The Unifour Region is comprised of the four counties in the Catawba Valley region of western North Carolina: Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, and Catawba County. The Unifour Region is the same as the “Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area” as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Alexander County's main geographic feature is the Brushy Mountains, a deeply eroded spur of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west. They rise from 300 to 1,000 feet (about the height of the Empire State Building) above the surrounding and dominate the county's northern horizon. The highest point in Alexander County is Hickory Knob with an elevation of 2,560 feet (about twice the height of the Empire State Building) above sea level. Barrett Mountain, an isolated mountain ridge, is in the western portion of the county. The remainder of Alexander County's terrain consists of gently rolling The varied landscape of Burke County ranges from the Blue Ridge escarpment to the rolling plains of the western piedmont. Table Rock, a prominent peak in Burke County in the east rim of Linville Gorge, is part of the Pisgah National Forest and has been described as “the most visible symbol in the region.” The county has abundant natural resources including South Mountains State Park, Pisgah National Forest and the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, the Catawba River, the Johns River, the Henry River, Table Rock Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the 3,000-acre expansion of the Lake James State Park. These natural resources offer excellent recreational opportunities and attract visitors from across the southeastern United States. Caldwell County is divided into three distinct geographic sections: the Blue Ridge Mountains, which dominate the northern and western parts of the county; the gently rolling Piedmont country in the middle and southern parts of the county; and the Brushy Mountains, an isolated remnant of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Brushy Mountains run across much of Caldwell County's eastern section. Hibriten Mountain, located within the city limits of Lenoir, the county's largest city, marks the western end of the Brushy Mountain range. In the western part of the county is the Wilson Creek area. Catawba County is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is in the region referred to as the Upper Piedmont Plateau, more commonly known as the “foothills.” The county's elevation averages 995 feet, ranging from a high of 1,780 feet at Bakers Mountain in the west-central portion of the county to a low of 705 feet where the Catawba River leaves the county. The county’s landscape can be described as “rolling” with broad ridges and some short steep slopes. Geologically, Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 3: Planning Area 3-2 lies within the Inner Piedmont Belt comprised mostly of metamorphic and intrusive rocks. About 45.5% of the county’s acreage is wooded, of which 98% is privately owned. The Catawba River, which is influential to all four counties in the planning area, begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows 225 miles into Lake Wateree in South Carolina. The river is an extraordinary eco-system that provides habitat for 50 fish species, 160 bird species, and 120 tree species. The river also serves as a source of electric power, provides recreational opportunities for residents and tourists, and is one of the major economic foundations of the region. It transects Burke County, creates the southern borders of Caldwell and Alexander counties, and the northern and eastern borders of Catawba County. County Total Land Area (sq mi) Total Water Area (sq mi) Total Area (sq mi) Alexander 260 3 263 Burke 506 8 514 Caldwell 472 3 475 Catawba 401 15 416 TOTAL PLAN AREA 1,639 29 1,668 Table 3-1: Total Land and Water Area for the Planning Area Burke County Alexander County Catawba County Caldwell County Figure 3- 1: Planning Area ---PAGE BREAK--- Error! Reference source not found. Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-3 Draft 3.2 Basin Description Table 3- 2, “Basin Description”, contains a description of the characteristics of the HUC-8 sub-basins within which each community falls. The table includes the main flooding sources within each basin, a brief description of the basin, and its drainage area. HUC-8 Sub- Basin Name HUC-8 Sub- Basin # Primary Flooding Source Description of Affected Area DA (sq mi) South Fork Catawba 03050102 South Fork Catawba River The South Fork Catawba River Basin begins in the southeast portion of Burke County and continues to drain portions of Catawba, Gaston, and Lincoln Counties before ending at the Catawba River. 660.7 South Yadkin 03040102 South Yadkin River The South Yadkin River Basin begins in Alexander and Wilkes Counties and drains southeast through Yadkin and Iredell Counties and ends in Davie and Rowan Counties at the confluence with the Yadkin River. 906.4 Upper Broad 03050105 Broad River The Upper Broad River Basin begins with the Green River in the southwest corner of Henderson County and drains significant portions of Buncombe, Cleveland, McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford Counties before following the Broad River into South Carolina. 2477.9 Upper Catawba 03050101 Catawba River The Upper Catawba River Basin headwaters are in the Appalachian Mountains (Avery, Caldwell, McDowell, and Watauga Counties) and drains through the Piedmont region (Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties) of North Carolina, ending in York County, South Carolina. 2357 Upper New 05050001 New River The Upper New River Basin headwaters begin with the North and South Fork of the New River in Watauga County and then drains northeast through Ashe and Alleghany Counties and into Virginia, where the New River continues to Ohio. 2943.7 Upper Yadkin 03040101 Yadkin River The Upper Yadkin River Basin headwaters are in Caldwell and Watauga County. The basin then follows the Yadkin River east, draining Surry and Yadkin Counties before turning south and draining Davidson and Davie Counties. 2454.8 Watauga, North Carolina, Tennessee 06010103 Watauga River The Watauga River Basin drains Avery and Watauga Counties and follows the Watauga River west into Tennessee and into Boone Lake. 868.4 Table 3- 2: Basin Description ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 3: Planning Area 3-4 3.3 Population and Demographics Catawba County, Alexander County, Caldwell County, and Burke County have a total population size of 372,203 according to the 2023 population estimate1. Catawba County has the largest population of the four participating counties with 164,645 residents and the City of Hickory is the largest city in the planning area with 44,415 residents2. Alexander County has an estimated 38,746 residents with the largest Town being the Town of Taylorsville (2,273 residents), Burke County has 88,338 residents with largest jurisdiction as the City of Morganton (17,708 residents), and Caldwell County with 80,574 residents and the largest jurisdiction is the City of Lenoir3. Between 2010 and 2020 Catawba County experienced a 3.68% population increase, Alexander County has had a 4.22% population increase, Burke County has had decrease of 3.96%, and Caldwell County a decrease of 2.76%. The jurisdictions that had the largest population decrease between 2010 and 2020 was the Town of Taylorsville with a 44.49% decrease in population. The three jurisdictions that experienced the most population growth between 2010 and 2020 were the Town of Rhodhiss (158.96%), the Town of Hudson (70.13%), and the Town of Long View (21.69%). Population counts from the U.S. Census Bureau for 2000, 2010, 2020, and 2023 population estimate for each of the participating counties and jurisdictions are presented in Table 3- 3. Jurisdiction 2000 Census Population 2010 Census Population 2020 Census Population 2023 Population Estimate % Change 2010- 2020 Alexander County Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) 29,712 33,016 36,444 36,473 0.08% Town of Taylorsville 3,904 4,180 2,320 2,273 -44.49% Subtotal Alexander 33,616 37,196 38,764 38,746 4.22% Burke County Burke County (Unincorporated Area) 47,174 49,470 58,221 58,207 0.02% City of Morganton 23,049 22,546 17,474 17,708 -24.96% Town of Connelly Springs 1,861 1,659 1,529 1,538 -7.84% Town of Drexel 5,641 5,506 1,760 1,769 -0.45% Town of Glen Alpine 1,574 1,964 1,529 1,525 -22.15% Town of Hildebran 1,742 1,945 1,679 1,678 -13.68% Town of Rutherford College 1,426 1,502 1,226 1,217 -18.38% Town of Valdese 4,901 4,387 4,689 4,699 6.88% Subtotal Burke 89,148 90,912 87,570 88,338 -3.69% ---PAGE BREAK--- Error! Reference source not found. Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-5 Draft Jurisdiction 2000 Census Population 2010 Census Population 2020 Census Population 2023 Population Estimate % Change 2010- 2020 Caldwell County Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) 31,638 34,680 39,813 40,945 14.8% City of Lenoir 20,691 20,837 19,352 18,238 -7.67% Town of Cajah's Mountain 2,748 2,789 2,722 2,698 -2.4% Town of Gamewell 3,794 4,043 3,702 3,704 -8.43% Town of Granite Falls 6,742 7,104 4,965 4,914 -30.11% Town of Hudson 5,253 6,431 3,780 3,767 70.13% Town of Rhodhiss 62 385 997 985 158.96% Town of Sawmills 6,082 6,380 5,020 5,025 -21.32% Village of Cedar Rock 312 294 301 298 2.38% Subtotal Caldwell 77,322 82,943 80,652 80,574 -2.76% Catawba County Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) 61,731 70,017 83,891 86,265 19.82% City of Claremont 1,720 1,957 1,692 1,729 -13.54% City of Conover 7,958 9,669 8,421 8,635 -12.91% City of Hickory 46,238 48,481 43,490 44,415 -10.29% City of Newton 13,737 14,214 13,148 13,399 -7.5% Town of Brookford 444 371 442 431 19.14% Town of Catawba 1,324 1,152 702 719 -39.06% Town of Long View 4,134 4,181 5,088 5,207 21.69% Town of Maiden 4,910 4,964 3,736 3,845 -24.74% Subtotal Catawba 141,685 155,006 160,610 164,645 3.62% TOTAL PLAN AREA 340,502 364,124 374,495 372,203 2.85% Table 3- 3: Population Counts for Participating Jurisdictions ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 3: Planning Area 3-6 Based on the 2020 Census, the median age for residents is 42.7 years in Catawba County, 45.1 years in Caldwell County, 44.2 years in Burke County, and 44.5 years in Alexander County. The racial characteristics of the participating counties are presented in Table 3-4. Generally, whites make up most of the population of the Region, accounting for almost 89% percent of the Region’s population. County White Persons Black Persons Other Race Persons of Hispanic Origin* Alexander 90.3% 5.9% 1.9% 5.5% Burke 85.9% 6.5% 5.5% 7% Caldwell 90.9% 5.4% 1.7% 6.5% Catawba 83.1% 9% 5.7% 10.8% Table 3-4: Demographics of participating counties from the 2020 Census4 Figure 3-2: Age Distributions in the Unifour Counties from the 2020 Census ---PAGE BREAK--- Error! Reference source not found. Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-7 Draft 3.4 Housing, Infrastructure, and Land Use 3.4.1 Housing According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 163,144 housing units in the Unifour Region, most of which are single family homes (according to the 2020 census). Housing information for the four participating counties is presented in Table 3-5. As shown in Table 3-5, Catawba County has the highest number of housing units compared to the other counties. Alexander County has the least. In terms of median home value, Catawba County has the highest and Caldwell County has the lowest. County Housing Units (2023) Median Home Value (2018-2022) Alexander 16,349 $169,300 Burke 40,862 $155,500 Caldwell 37,647 $158,300 Catawba 74,397 $194,000 TOTAL/AVERAGE PLAN 169,255 $169,275 Table 3-5: Housing Characteristics from the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau5 3.4.2 Infrastructure Major roads in the planning area include I-40, US 64, US 70, US 221, US 321, NC 10, NC 16, NC 18, NC 90, NC 114, NC 126, NC 127, NC 150, NC 181, and NC 268. Hickory Regional Airport is the primary commercial aviation airport in the region. It was served by commercial airlines until 2005. National protected areas in the planning area include Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest. Colleges and universities in the planning area include Appalachian Center at Hickory, Appalachian Center at Lenoir, Appalachian Center at Morganton, Catawba Valley Community College Alexander Campus, Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, Gardner-Webb University Hickory Center, Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C. Center for Engineering Technologies, and Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton. 3.4.3 Current and Future Land Use Alexander County Current land use in Alexander County can be characterized as being mainly “residential” or “vacant.” Given the county’s rural and agricultural history, these land use patterns are not surprising. Unlike other counties in the Unifour Region, Alexander County is the only county with a single municipality. Taylorsville, the County seat, is the center of its local government services and its low population also reflects the county’s rural heritage. Most of the land in Alexander County is devoted to residential uses. Of the nearly 160,800 acres (about twice the area of Athens, Georgia) in the county, 96% is occupied by residential uses or is vacant and could be used for residential purposes. To state the ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 3: Planning Area 3-8 opposite, only more than 1,000 of the county’s 24,300 land parcels are designated for uses other than residential, mostly industrial or commercial. In terms of future land use in Alexander County, future policymakers should continue to think about the amount of land currently zoned residential, especially in the RA-20 Zoning District, and used primarily for agriculture. These parcels represent land that could potentially be subdivided into residential uses in the coming decades. While market forces drive these decisions, existing data provides some indication of development pressures across the Unifour Region. The population of Alexander County is expected to decrease by 0.3% between 2022 and 2042, with the largest percentage of the population (38.2%) within the 25-54 age range, the second largest in the 65 and older range the third largest between 0 and 17 followed by the 55-64 range and the lowest percentage between ages 18 and 24 According to the County Comprehensive Plan6, an increased population and new residents can provide benefits such as a larger tax base, increased workforce, and attract new businesses and industries. To support the growth and development of the County, the Comprehensive Plan outlines future use goals to improve coordination between land use and transportation planning, affordable housing options, and increase the amount of natural resource protection and open spaces. Therefore, the land development policies will be designed to encourage necessary growth and concentrated development where appropriate while protecting environmentally sensitive areas, rural communities, and agricultural land. Some of the goals of development that relate to future and current land use for Alexander County include the following:  Land Use: Adopt land use regulations that are clear, equitable, and reasonably focused on addressing the needs of Alexander County; Promote the development of a diversified and balanced mix of land uses in the County; Direct growth to areas where essential services and infrastructure are present, and protect sensitive natural areas and key historic/cultural resources from extensive development; Aim to mitigate common negative impacts of new development; Encourage and develop land use regulations that help to promote and preserve Alexander County’s sense of place.  Transportation: Improve aesthetics, function, and capacity of community gateways and corridors; Enhance the county's infrastructure to support active transportation, such as walking and biking; Enhance public transportation options in appropriate areas of Alexander County; Make strategic investments and secure NCDOT funding for known transportation issues throughout the County.  Economic Development: Increase the number of job opportunities and increase the employment rate in the county; Diversify the county's economic base to reduce reliance on a single industry; Enhance the County's infrastructure and facilities to support economic development; Work to make Alexander County more competitive when attracting industry  Housing: Promote safe, stable housing opportunities for County residents to support upward mobility and reduce homelessness/houselessness; Preserve and improve the quality of existing housing units in the County; Encourage the development of a range of housing types and densities in the County. According to the Burke County Blueprint Burke Strategic Use Plan7, growth and development in Burke County are projected to be predominantly located around the incorporated areas along the I-40 corridor and US 70 urban corridor, where there is water and sewer infrastructure in place to support further development. The Couty aims to encourage the tourism ---PAGE BREAK--- Error! Reference source not found. Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-9 Draft industry by developing destinations and enhancing the existing natural and historic locations in collaboration with the Burke County Tourism Board and municipalities. Burke County To promote mixed-use development and attract various business types, Burke County aims to promote mixed development in urban areas along with promoting single-family development around NC 126, NC 18, and NC 64. Conditional zoning options will be considered to allow a wide range of uses within the region where there is already sufficient infrastructure available to support future development. Additionally, Burke County seeks to promote the use of vacant or underutilized structures by developing an inventory of vacant structures to encourage the expansion or relocation of businesses within or into Burke County. To encourage people to relocate to Burke County, the County aims to develop policies that encourage higher-density development projects along I-40 and US 70 or places with existing infrastructure that can readily support the development of new housing. To encourage relocation and attract new arrivals, new housing and convenient housing options, such as short-term rental apartments, should be at or above 2% growth per year along with the increase in affordable home-ownership programs. There is also a growing trend of second home development in the area around Lake James and the Jonas Ridge Community in the northwest portion of the county. Small area plans have been completed for the I-40 corridor and the watershed around Lake James. In some cases, growth and development result in the alteration of natural topographic features that affect the extent of flooding and the floodplain's boundary. To accommodate population growth, the County aims to bring the I-40 interchanges up to USDOT standards with funding from the NCDOT and MPO. Public transportation options should be expanded by extending passenger and cargo rail services between Burke County and areas in western NC, along with planning to offer fixed-rail public transportation services that coordinate with the expansion of pedestrian and bike infrastructure within the County and linkage between activity centers. Infrastructure expansion should be enhanced by the expansion of broadband and network infrastructure which will be encouraged by reducing construction costs of service extension and development of policies that promote higher-density development where adequate infrastructure exists. To support the development of agriculture, Burke County aims to develop a voluntary agricultural district and encourage a local food movement, aiming to attract young farmers or encourage smaller farms to remain in production and preserve farmland. To encourage the utilization of recreation opportunities, the County aims to expand the existing trails and greenways while encouraging the development of multi-use facilities to appeal to a wider range of residents and visitors. The County also wishes to expand its inter-jurisdictional and local recreation opportunities and expand the existing programs. Caldwell County According to the Caldwell County Comprehensive Plan8, the County is expected to increase its population by 11.7% between 2017 and 2037, but the loss of 24- to 44-year-olds between 2000 and ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 3: Planning Area 3-10 2010 will lead to a decline in the 45-59 age groups by 2037. Caldwell County aims to attract new residents through various goals that will support development and alter current and future land use goals. In terms of undeveloped land in Caldwell County that could potentially be developed for allowable uses, as of January 2020 there were approximately 116,458.49 acres of agricultural or undeveloped land, 7.6 acres of commercial land, 1,168.52 acres of industrial land, 2,410.03 acres of institutional or office land, 1,130.3 acres of open space or parks, 67,736.2 acres of residential land, and 57,338.34 acres of undeveloped land under local, State, or Federal Ownership. Some of the County’s recommendations for future development include:  Transportation: Maintain a good working relationship with NCDOT and the WPCOG to coordinate land use and transportation planning for new and updated roadway corridors; Incorporate adopted plans to create a community-oriented environment that encourages walking, while also supporting other modes of transportation.  Resources and services: Incorporate adopted plans to create a community-oriented environment that encourages walking, while also supporting other modes of transportation; Maintain relationships with water and sewer providers on future public water and sewer projects to demonstrate cooperation for prospective industries such as housing developments which increase revenue and/or property values.  Economic Development: Promote economic development strategies to help recruit viable businesses and service industry activities; Create amenities that attract new residents, tourism and young adult populations back into the region; Inventory available properties throughout the County and encourage commercial development projects in appropriate areas.  Land Use: Update zoning and subdivision regulations to ensure they are compatible for the designated land uses outlined in this plan; Incorporate land use design standards that enhance the aesthetics along Highway 321 and the gateways into the County; Update zoning regulations to encourage a diversity of housing options to better house the new and existing workforce and attract multiple incomes and generations. To encourage centralized development, Caldwell County has developed a Future Land Use Node pattern to encourage single or multi-family housing, commercial, and industrial development. The location of the nodes can be found in Figure 3-3. Land Use Node Icon Color Land Use Node Description The node is intended to be a low-development intensity node that provides limited, basic services to residents in rural areas of the County. These nodes are largely located in areas where conservation of natural areas and farmland is highly valued, such as Wilson Creek. Crossroads The Crossroads node is a low-development intensity node that focuses commercial development around the main corners of the intersection. This node also encourages residential development extending out from the intersection. These nodes are largely ---PAGE BREAK--- Error! Reference source not found. Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-11 Draft Land Use Node Icon Color Land Use Node Description located in more populated areas of the County between more heavily developed areas and incorporated jurisdictions Village Neighborhood The Village Neighborhood node is a medium-development intensity node that is intended to allow for “community” development in unincorporated areas. This node largely focuses on encouraging residential development along with supporting centralized commercial, civic and park space. These nodes are anchored by a school and include areas such as Happy Valley and Collettsville. Commercial Corridor The Commercial Corridor node is a high-development intensity node that is intended to provide primary commercial development along established transportation corridors with large traffic volumes. This node also encourages the development of multi- family residential units. These nodes are located in areas along major highways such as U.S. Highway 321 and U.S. Highway 64. Industrial Center The Industrial Center node is a high development intensity node that is intended for light and heavy industrial parks or campuses. These nodes are located in areas of existing industrial development or have access to major highways. Table 3-6: Caldwell County Land Use Node Types Catawba County The goal of the Catawba County Comprehensive Plan9 is to “establish a balanced and deliberate approach to future development in Catawba County that preserves those aspects of life which make it a desirable place to live while supporting quality, focused development in appropriate areas.” The population has been steadily increasing with a percent change of population between 2010 and 2022 at 5.3% and is projected to increase by 15.8% between 2022 and 2042. The age group that is projected to increase the most between 2022 and 2042 is the 85 years and over category, expected to increase by 136.1%, followed by the 75 years to 84 years category which is expected to increase by 66.3% between 2022 and 2042. The age groups that are expected to decrease the most between 2022 and 2042 are the 20 to 24 years projection) category and the 55 to 59 years of age category projection). The current land use of Catawba County, encompassing 177,557 acres, includes 94% residential use zoning, with the remaining 6% of land zoned for industrial, commercial, planned development, and other uses. Between 2019 and 2023 there were 296 non-residential construction permits issued, 156 of which were new construction and 140 were additions to existing structures. To determine where development should be centralized, the County utilized a Future Land Use Node planning system which is aimed to establish key areas of development and organize future development: ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 3: Planning Area 3-12 Land Use Node Icon Color Land Use Node Description Rural Commercial This district provides small areas for offices, services, and retail uses, all designed in scale with surrounding residential uses. Office Institutional This district provides small areas for offices, schools, and traveled commercial uses, all designed in scale with surrounding residential uses. Mixed-Use The Mixed-Use nodes is intended for multifamily, mixed use and commercial development around specific locations with standards for building form, design, signage, landscaping, parking access management and appearance related to pedestrian-scale development. Highway Commercial This district provides areas for regional highway-oriented business, office, service and civic uses. US 321 Transition This district provides areas for regional highway-oriented business to transition with a focus on maintaining compatibility between different land uses. Table 3- 7: Future Land Use Nodes for Catawba County from the Catawba County Comprehensive Plan (March 2024) While Catawba County is becoming more developed and urban, it still consists of many rural and farmlands. As described in Catawba County’s Farm & Food Sustainability Plan (2013), Catawba County has a cropland acreage of approximately 36,600 acres with 14,100 acres of woodland. The total “farmland” of 71,906 acres represents approximately 28 percent of the county’s land area. These non-urban uses represent approximately 210 square miles: roughly half of the county. Furthermore, nearly half of the county’s population is now located within incorporated areas. These numbers seem to paint a picture of a changing county; one with a generous amount of rural, undisturbed land and one with several emerging centers of human activity. Catawba County has seven small area plans completed from 2000 to 2005, which serve as County long-range plans. All have a goal of rural preservation which came from citizen input during a series of community meetings. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3-13 Figure 3- 3: Catawba County Comprehensive Plan Future Land use Map from the Comprehensive Plan (March 2024) ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 3: Planning Area 3-14 Figure 3- 4: Alexander County Future Land Use Plan from the 2045 Comprehensive Plan ---PAGE BREAK--- Error! Reference source not found. Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-15 Draft Figure 3- 5: Future Land Use Map from the Blueprint Burke Strategic Use Plan 2022-2023 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 3: Planning Area 3-16 Figure 3- 6: From the Caldwell County Comprehensive Plan 2020 ---PAGE BREAK--- 3-17 3.4.4 Historic Properties Historic property counts including districts, buildings, and other cultural resources as shown in Table 3-8 were derived from a combination of sources consisting of the NC Historic Preservation Office and participating jurisdictions. A full list of historic districts, properties, structures, and buildings can be found in Appendix B. Jurisdiction Districts Buildings and Landmarks Structure or Other Total Acres Alexander County 0 2 0 1.35 Burke County 31 32 1 1,219.45 Caldwell County 15 17 1 1,941.66 Catawba County 28 37 2 1,501.9 TOTAL 74 88 4 4664.36 Table 3-8: Historic Property Counts by Jurisdiction10 3.5 Employment and Industry The Hickory area in Catawba County is home to many leading manufacturers of furniture, fiber optic cable, and pressure-sensitive tape. It is estimated that 60% of the nation's furniture used to be produced within a 200-mile radius of the City of Hickory. 40% of the world's fiber optic cable is made in the Hickory area. The Hickory area is additionally known as a datacenter corridor and is home to large datacenters operated by Apple and Google. Hickory is the retail hub of the foothills and Unifour Region and is home to the largest shopping mall in the region, Valley Hills Mall. 1 US Census Bureau. (2024, August 14). Census.gov I U.S. Census Bureau homepage. Census.gov. 2 US Census Bureau. (2024, August 14). Census.gov I U.S. Census Bureau homepage. Census.gov. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 3: Planning Area 3-18 3 US Census Bureau. (2024, August 14). Census.gov I U.S. Census Bureau homepage. Census.gov. 4 US Census Bureau. (2024, August 14). Census.gov I U.S. Census Bureau homepage. Census.gov. 5 US Census Bureau. (2024, August 14). Census.gov I U.S. Census Bureau homepage. Census.gov. 6 Alexander County. (2024). Alexander County 2045 Comprehensive Plan. 7 Burke County. (2022). Blueprint Burke Strategic Use Plan. In Burke County. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from 8 Caldwell County & Western Piedmont Council of Governments. (2020). Caldwell County Comprehensive Plan. In Caldwell County, NC. Caldwell County. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from 9 Catawba County. (2024). Catawba County Comprehensive Plan. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from 10 National Register Database and Research - National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service). ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-1 Section 4: Risk Assessment This section comprises the risk assessment portion of the Plan Area Hazard Mitigation Plan, including identification of hazards, hazard profiling and analysis, and assessment of vulnerability. It consists of the following six subsections: 4.1 Overview 4.2 Hazard Selection 4.3 Methodologies and Assumptions 4.4 Inventory of Community Assets 4.5 Hazard Profiles, Analysis, and Vulnerability 4.1. Overview The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires that the HMPC evaluate the risks associated with each of the hazards identified in the planning process. Each hazard was evaluated to determine its probability of future occurrence and potential impact. A vulnerability assessment was conducted for each hazard using either quantitative or qualitative methods depending on the available data, to determine its potential to cause significant human and/or monetary losses. A consequence analysis was also completed for each hazard. Each hazard is profiled in the following format: Hazard Description This section provides a description of the hazard, including discussion of its speed of onset and duration, as well as any secondary effects followed by details specific to the Unifour planning area. It also includes details about hazard characteristics, types of the hazards, causes, and affected areas. Location This section includes information on the hazard’s physical extent, with mapped boundaries where applicable. This includes location description, and maps where applicable, for reported natural hazard events and where the hazards are likely to occur. Extent This section includes information on the hazard extent in terms of magnitude, describe how the severity of the hazard can be measured. Where available, the most severe event on record used as a frame of reference. This also includes historical occurrences of the hazard, extent of events, and the definition of the extent of the hazard within the planning area. Historical Occurrences This section contains information on historical events, including the location and consequences of all past events on record within or near the planning area. This includes records from local sources and national sources such as the NCDC Storm Events Database Records, National Geophysical Data Center/World Data Service (NGDC/WDS) Significant Earthquake Database, FEMA’s National Inventory of Dams, and the US Drought Monitor. Probability of Future Occurrence ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-2 Draft This section gauges the likelihood of future occurrences based on past events and existing data. The frequency is determined by dividing the number of events observed by the number of years on record and multiplying by 100. This provides the percent chance of the event happening in any given year according to historical occurrence (e.g. 10 winter storm events over a 30-year period equates to a 33 percent chance of experiencing a severe winter storm in any given year). The likelihood of future occurrences is categorized into one of the classifications as follows:  Highly Likely – Near or more than 100 percent chance of occurrence within the next year  Likely – Between 10 and 100 percent chance of occurrence within the next year (recurrence interval of 10 years or less)  Possible – Between 1 and 10 percent chance of occurrence within the next year (recurrence interval of 11 to 100 years)  Unlikely – Less than 1 percent chance or occurrence within the next 100 years (recurrence interval of greater than every 100 years A risk assessment is performed to determine the potential impacts of hazards on the people, built and natural environments, and economy of a given planning area. The Risk Assessment provides the foundation for the rest of the mitigation planning process, which is focused on identifying and prioritizing actions to reduce risk to hazards. In addition to informing the Mitigation Strategy, the Risk Assessment can also be used to establish emergency preparedness and response priorities, for land use and comprehensive planning, and for decision making by elected officials, city and county departments, businesses, and organizations in the community. A typical risk assessment consists of three primary components. Some form of hazard identification process needs to take place, followed by a detailed profiling of the hazards that will be addressed in the plan. Then the profiled hazards are assessed to determine the vulnerability of the planning area to each hazard being addressed. It is also important to document key details regarding the methodologies and assumptions used to perform the risk assessment, the asset inventories used to perform the risk assessment, and finally conclusions on hazard risk. The conclusions on hazard risk essentially consist of a prioritized ranking of hazards of concern. This risk assessment was completed using data from North Carolina Emergency Management’s Risk Management Tool Suite (RMT): The power of a centralized data clearinghouse realized. NCEM’s Risk Management Tool (RMT) is a web-based suite of tools designed to provide enhanced mitigation planning, preparedness assessment, and resiliency assessment capabilities to communities. This web-enabled system is three unique tools in one, all based on the same core geodatabase. This new RMT GBD functions as a data clearinghouse feeding multiple unique applications such as the Hazard Mitigation Planning Tool, the Resiliency Assessment Tool, and the Preparedness Assessment Tool. In the following sections of the plan, all data pulled from the NCEM iRISK database is listed as “GIS Analysis”. Vulnerability and NRI Risk Index Values In addition to other methods of probability calculations and analysis, the NRI Risk Index was used to demonstrate vulnerability to various natural hazards. The NRI quantifies types of vulnerabilities for avalanches, coastal flooding, cold wave, drought, earthquake, hail, heat wave, hurricane, ice storm, landslide, lightning, riverine flooding, strong wind, tornado, tsunami, volcanic activity, wildfire, and winter weather in terms of Expected Annual Loss (EAL), Exposure, Historic Loss Ratio (HLR), and Frequency. The NRI Risk Index Values were used to represent each county’s vulnerability to natural hazards. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-3 The NRI also uses risk ratings to describe a community’s relative risk of hazards in relation to all other communities at the same level. The risk ratings range between very high, relatively high, relatively moderate, relatively low, and very low, but can also be rated with no expected annual losses or not applicable if there isn’t enough data to accurately determine the community’s risk of hazards. The scores a community receives to quantify its risks of hazards range from 0 to 100, where the higher the risk score, the higher the risk of the community to experience that natural hazard. This risk assessment will also utilize data from FEMAs National Risk Index (NRI) to represent a generalized measure of risk and potential negative impacts of a natural hazard event based on the expected annual loss of a community, the social vulnerability value of a community, and a community’s resilience value. These components help define risk based on a community’s risk relative to other communities at the same level, utilizing the variables that represent the susceptibility of social groups to negative impacts of natural hazards and variables that represent the community’s ability to prepare, adapt, and recover from disruptions related to natural hazards. The NRI dataset is an online tool built by FEMA in collaboration with stakeholders and partners in academia, state governments, local governments, federal agencies, and private industries. The NRI is used by decision makers and the public to improve understanding of natural hazard risks and actions that can reduce risk in a specific community. More information about the NRI can be found in Section 4.3.1 and Section 4.7. Climate Change 4.2. Hazard Selection The Plan Area is vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards that threaten life and property. Current regulations and interim guidance under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) require, at a minimum, an evaluation of a full range of natural hazards. Upon a thorough review of the full range of natural hazards covered in the existing mitigation plans for the four participating counties in the Plan area, the hazards suggested under FEMA mitigation planning guidance, and the hazards addressed in the North Carolina State Hazard Mitigation Plan, the participating jurisdictions in the Plan Area have identified 15 hazards that are to be addressed in the Plan Area. These hazards were identified through an extensive process that included input from Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) members. Table 4-1lists the full range of natural hazards initially considered for inclusion in the Plan. This table includes a total of 15 individual hazards and documents the evaluation process used for determining which of the initially identified hazards were considered significant enough for further evaluation in the Risk Assessment For each hazard considered, the table indicates whether the hazard was identified as a significant hazard to be assessed further, how this determination was made, and why this determination was made. The table works to summarize not only those hazards that were identified (and why) but also those that were not identified (and why not). ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-4 Draft Hazard Considered Hazard Type (Natural, Intentional, Accidental) Was this hazard considered significant/appropriate enough to be addressed in the plan at this time? How was this determination made? Why was this determination made? River Flooding Natural Yes The threat of damage and loss of life is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Levee Failure Natural Yes The threat of damage and loss of life from the failure of a dam or levee is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Wildfire Natural Yes The threat of damage and loss of life is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Tornado Natural Yes The threat of damage and loss of life is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Earthquake Natural Yes The threat of damage and loss of life is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Landslide Natural Yes The threat of damage and loss of life is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Snow Natural Yes The threat of damage and loss of life from winter weather is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Dam Failure Natural Yes The threat of damage and loss of life from the failure of a dam or levee is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Hail Natural Yes The threat of property damage from hail is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Drought Natural Yes The threat of damage and loss of life is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Hurricane Winds Natural Yes Despite the inland location of the planning area, hurricanes and tropical storms are of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Ice Natural Yes The threat of damage and loss of life from winter weather is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Thunderstorm Winds Natural Yes The threat of damage from thunderstorms is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Erosion Natural Yes The threat of damage from erosion is of sufficient concern to warrant study. By consensus of the planning committee Sinkholes Natural Yes Due to local concerns and recent occurrences. By consensus of the planning committee Table 4-1: Documentation of the Hazard Selection Process The final list of hazards to be presented in the Plan, as agreed upon by the HMPC, is as follows: Natural Hazard  River Flooding  Levee Failure  Wildfire  Tornado  Earthquake  Landslide ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-5  Snow  Dam Failure  Hail  Drought  Hurricane Winds  Ice  Thunderstorm Winds  Erosion  Sinkholes The table below represents how hazards are listed in the NC State HMP compared to how they are listed in this Plan. Unifour Regional HMP Hazard List NC State HMP Hazard List River Flooding Flooding Levee Failure Not Addressed Wildfire Wildfires Tornado Tornadoes/Thunderstorm Earthquake Earthquakes Landslide Landslide/Rock Fall Snow Severe Winter Weather Dam Failure Dam Failure Hail Tornadoes/Thunderstorm Drought Drought Hurricane Winds Hurricanes and Coastal Hazards Ice Severe Winter Weather Thunderstorm Winds Tornadoes/Thunderstorm Erosion Not Addressed Sinkholes Sinkholes Another consideration in the selection of the hazards to be addressed in the Plan is the history of major disaster declarations in the planning area. According to the FEMA Disaster Declarations web page, there have been 46 major disaster declarations issued in the state of North Carolina since 1974 (see Table 4-2) ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-6 Draft Event Declaration Date Declaration Number County(s) in the Planning Area Declared Tornadoes 04/12/1974 DR-428 Burke, Caldwell Drought And Freezing 03/02/1977 EM-3033 Catawba Drought 08/11/1977 EM-3049 Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba Severe Storms, Flooding 11/09/1977 DR-542 Burke, Caldwell, Catawba Tornadoes 05/17/1989 DR-827 Catawba Hurricane Hugo 09/25/1989 DR-844 Alexander, Burke, Caldwell Catawba Severe Snowfall And Winter Storm 03/17/1993 EM-3110 Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba Blizzard 01/13/1996 DR-1087 Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba Storms/Flooding 02/23/1996 DR-1103 Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba Severe Ice Storm 12/12/2002 DR-1448 Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba Tropical Storm Frances 09/10/2004 DR-1546 Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba Hurricane Ivan 09/18/2004 DR-1553 Burke, Caldwell Hurricane Katrina Evacuation 09/05/2005 EM-3222 Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba Severe Winter Storms And Flooding 02/02/2010 DR-1871 Burke, Caldwell Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides 09/25/2013 DR-4146 Burke, Caldwell Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides 10/29/2013 DR-4153 Catawba Chestnut Knob Fire 11/19/2016 DR-5164 Burke ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-7 Event Declaration Date Declaration Number County(s) in the Planning Area Declared Hurricane Florence 4/15/2018 EM-3401 Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Alexander Hurricane Dorian 9/3/2019 EM-3423 Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Alexander Covid-19 3/13/2020 EM-3471 Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Alexander Covid-19 Pandemic 1/20/2020 DR-4487 Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Alexander Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding 2/6/2020 DR-4543 Alexander Hurricane Isaias 07/31/2020 EM-3534 Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Alexander Tropical Storm Eta 11/12/2020 DR-4588 Burke, Caldwell, Alexander Hurricane Ian 10/01/2022 EM-3586 Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Alexander Table 4-2: Major Disaster Declarations for Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and Alexander counties from 1974 to 2023 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. As shown in Table 4-2, the earliest major disaster declaration to occur in the planning area was in 1974 and the last were in 2013. The 46 major disaster declarations shown above cover the hazards of flood, hurricane/tropical storm, severe storms, severe winter weather, and tornado relevant to the planning area. This history of disaster declarations is consistent with the hazards identified by the HMPC to be addressed in the Plan. The overall scores for the counties within Unifour for the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI) can be found in Table 4-3 and more information about the NRI can be found in Section 4.3.1. with the NRI Data and Methodology Overview. Hazard Component Catawba County Burke County Caldwell County Alexander County Riverine Flooding Risk Score 57.6 72.2 47.6 14.9 Risk Rating Relatively Low Relatively Low Relatively Low Very Low EAL $541,000 $934,000 $312,00 $37,000 Wildfire Risk Score 59.2 60 62.2 47.6 Risk Rating Very Low Very Low Very Low Very Low EAL $62,000 $57,000 $312,000 $27,000 Tornado Risk Score 89.2 74.8 66.7 48.2 Risk Rating Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Relatively Low EAL $5.2 Million $2.2 Million $1.6 Million $872,000 Earthquake Risk Score 83.6 69.1 72.6 54.7 Risk Rating Relatively Low Relatively Low Relatively Low Very Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-8 Draft Hazard Component Catawba County Burke County Caldwell County Alexander County EAL $1.1 Million $338,000 $407,000 $145,000 Landslide Risk Score 92.3 94 98 49 Risk Rating Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively High Relatively Low EAL $150,000 $182,000 $560,000 $22,000 Snow / Winter Weather Risk Score 68.7 56.5 54.8 33.8 Risk Rating Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Relatively Low Relatively Low EAL $62,000 $57,000 $55,000 $24,000 Hail Risk Score 91.1 70.9 67.7 68.2 Risk Rating Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Relatively Low Relatively Low EAL $992,000 $224,000 $198,000 $205,000 Drought Risk Score 86.1 86 76.6 73.8 Risk Rating Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Relatively Low EAL $379,000 $342,000 $183,000 $140,000 Hurricane Risk Score 75.1 63.8 63.9 61 Risk Rating Relatively Low Relatively Low Relatively Low Very Low EAL $1.9 Million $537,000 $555,000 $430,000 Ice / Ice Storm Risk Score 98.2 97.2 96.4 92 Risk Rating Very High Very High Very High Relatively High EAL $2 Million $1.4 Million $1.3 Million $612,000 Strong Wind Risk Score 86.9 62.4 86 64.2 Risk Rating Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate EAL $1.1 Million $411,000 $1 Million $464,000 Lightning Risk Score 76.9 94.3 88.6 76 Risk Rating Relatively Moderate Relatively High Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate EAL $219,000 $726,000 $416,000 $213,000 Table 4-3: Overview of Risk Ratings, Risk Scores, and Expected Annual Loss for Hazards based on the NRI Data ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-9 4.3. Methodologies and Assumptions Certain assumptions are inherent in any risk assessment. For the Unifour Regional HMP, three primary assumptions were discussed by the HMPC from the beginning of the risk assessment process: that the best readily available data would be used, that the hazard data selected for use is reasonably accurate for mitigation planning purposes, and that the risk assessment will be regional in nature with local, municipal-level data provided where appropriate and practical. Vulnerability Assessment This section quantifies, to the extent feasible using best available data, assets at risk to natural hazards and potential loss estimates. People, properties and critical facilities, and environmental assets that are vulnerable to the hazard are identified. Future development is also discussed in this section, including how exposure to the hazard may change in the future or how development may affect hazard risk. The vulnerability assessments followed the methodology described in the FEMA publication Understanding Your Risks—Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses (August 2001). The vulnerability assessment first describes the total vulnerability and values at risk and then discusses vulnerability by hazard. Data used to support this assessment included the following:  Geographic Information System (GIS) datasets, including building footprints, topography, aerial photography, and transportation layers.  Hazard layer GIS datasets from state and federal agencies.  Written descriptions of inventory and risks provided by the State Hazard Mitigation Plan; and  Written descriptions of inventory and risks provided by the previous Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Exposure and vulnerability estimates provided by the North Carolina Emergency Management IRISK database.  Crop insurance claims by cause from USDA’s Risk Management Agency NCEM’s IRISK database incorporates county building footprint and parcel data. Footprints with an area less than 500 square feet were excluded from the analysis. To determine if a building is in a hazard area, the building footprints were intersected with each of the mapped hazard areas. If a building intersects two or more hazard areas (such as the 1-percent-annual-chance flood zone and the 0.2-percent-annualchance flood zone), it is counted as being in the hazard area of highest risk. The parcel data provided building value and year built. Building value was used to determine the value of buildings at risk. Year built was used to determine if the building was constructed prior to or after the community had joined the NFIP and had an effective FIRM and building codes enforced. Census blocks and Summary File 1 from the 2020 Census were used to determine population at risk. This included the total population, as well as the vulnerable elderly and children age groups. To determine population at risk, the census blocks were intersected with the hazard area. To better determine the actual number of people at risk, the intersecting area of the census block was calculated and divided by the total area of the census block to determine a ratio of area at risk. This ratio was applied to the population of the census block. For example, a census block has a population of 400 people. Five percent of the census block intersects the 1-percent-annual-chance flood hazard area. The ratio estimates that 20 people are then at risk within the 1-percent-annual- chance flood hazard area of the total population for that census block). ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-10 Draft Two distinct risk assessment methodologies were used in the formation of the vulnerability assessment. The first consists of a quantitative analysis that relies upon best available data and technology, while the second approach consists of a qualitative analysis that relies on local knowledge and rational decision making. The quantitative analysis involved the use of NCEM’s IRISK database, which provides modeled damage estimates for flood, wind, and wildfire hazards. Vulnerability can be quantified in those instances where there is a known, identified hazard area, such as a mapped floodplain. In these instances, the numbers and types of buildings subject to the identified hazard can be counted and their values tabulated. Where hazard risk cannot be quantified and modeled, other information can be collected regarding the hazard area, such as the location of critical facilities. The following list provides key points by hazard type that are relevant to understanding the risk assessment presented in this section: Wildfire  Wildfire hazard areas were determined using the Wildland Fire Susceptibility Index (WFSI)  Areas with a WFSI value of 0.01 – 0.05 were at moderate risk  Areas with a WFSI value greater than 0.05 were at high risk.  Areas with a WFSI value less than 0.01 were considered to not be at risk.  The WFSI data used for the wildfire risk analysis is a value between 0 and 1. It was developed consistent with the mathematical calculation process for determining the probability of an acre burning. The WFSI integrates the probability of an acre igniting and the expected final fire size based on the rate of spread in four weather percentile categories into a single measure of wildland fire susceptibility. Due to some necessary assumptions, mainly fuel homogeneity, it is not the true probability. But since all areas of the state have this value determined consistently, it allows for comparison and ordination of areas of the state as to the likelihood of an acre burning.  Building footprints were received from all four participating counties. To refine the results, footprints with an area less than 500 square feet were excluded from the analysis. To determine if a building is in a hazard area, the building footprints were intersected with each of the hazard areas. If a building intersects two or more hazard areas, it is in the hazard area of highest risk.  Parcels were received from all four participating counties. This data provided building value and year built. Building value was used to determine the value of buildings at risk.  Census blocks and Summary File 1 from the 2020 Census were used to determine population at risk. This included the total population, as well as the vulnerable elderly and children age groups. To determine population at risk, the census blocks were intersected with the hazard area. To better determine the actual number of people at risk, the intersecting area of the census block was calculated and divided by the total area of the census block to determine a ratio of area at risk. This ratio was applied to the population of the census block. For example, a census block has a population of 400 people. Five percent of the census block intersects a high wildfire hazard area. The ratio estimates that 20 people are at risk within that hazard area of the total population for that census block).  There can be multiple buildings on one parcel. However, the parcel only provides one value for building value and year built, and it is not known from the provided data if the building value is cumulative or for the primary structure on the parcel. For the analysis, building value was only counted once per parcel, regardless of the number of structures. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-11 This was done to prevent grossly over-estimating the value of buildings at risk. For example, a parcel has three buildings with a value of $300,000. If two of those buildings intersect the high-risk area, the assumed building value at risk is $300,000 not $600,000. Even though only two out of three buildings are at risk, there is no way to determine the individual value of each building, so the building value for the whole parcel is counted. The value at risk is also the value of the entire building and does not consider the value of contents. Winter Weather  Winter storm maps are an interpolation of recorded values (historical maximums and 30- year-average) derived from individual point locations. 4.3.1. NRI Data and Methodology Overview Each natural hazard that is included in the FEMA National Risk Index has associated risk values, risk scores, and risk ratings which are representative of the county or census tracts vulnerability to a natural hazard compares to other communities at the same level. In order to more thoroughly represent the risk to natural hazards that a community has compared to other communities at the same level, the NRI will be used to represent a community-based risk comparison outlined with risk values, ratings, and scores which are defined in Table 4-4 below. For more information about the methodology and datasets used in the NRI calculations, please refer to the NRI Technical Documentation1. Term Definition or Equation Annualized Frequency Number of Recorded Events / Period of Record Historic Loss Ratio LRB = Loss / Exposure Loss Loss, by consequence type (Building, population, or agriculture), experienced from each hazard occurrence documented in the data source Exposure The total value, by consequence type (Building, population, or agriculture), estimated to be exposed to the hazard occurrence Social Vulnerability The susceptibility of social Groups to the adverse impacts of natural hazards including disproportionate death, injury, loss, or disruption of livelihood Data Source Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) Community Resilience The ability of a community to prepare for anticipated natural hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions. Data Source University of South Carolina’s Hazards and Vulnerability Research Institute (HVRI)’s Baseline Resilience Indicators for Communities (HVRI BRIC) Expected Annual Loss Represents the average economic loss in dollars resulting from natural hazards each year. It is calculated for each hazard type and quantifies loss for relevant consequence types: buildings, people, and agriculture ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-12 Draft Term Definition or Equation Equation Exposure X Annualized Frequency X Historic Loss Ratio Risk Value Values for Risk and EAL in dollars, representing the community’s average economic loss from natural hazards each year. Risk Score Scores represent the national percentile ranking of the community’s component value compared to all other communities at the same level, at the county or census tract level. Risk Rating Ratings in one of five qualitative categories that describe the community’s component value in comparison to all the other communities at the same level. These range from “Very Low” to “Very High”. Very High 80th to 100th percentile Relatively High 60th to 80th percentile Relatively Moderate 40th to 60th percentile Relatively Low 20th to 40th percentile Very low 0th to 20th percentile Table 4-4: NRI definitions from the NRI Technical Documentation. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-13 Figure 4-1: NRI rating legend and illustration of risk component scores from the NRI Technical Documentation County Risk Index EAL Risk Index Social Vulnerability Risk Index Community Resilience Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Alexander Very Low 30.73 Relatively High 60.12 Relatively Low 27.63 Caldwell Relatively Low 56.67 Relatively High 70.88 Relatively Low 37.65 Burke Relatively Low 64.59 Relatively High 74.57 Relatively Low 35.2 Catawba Relatively Low 77.73 Relatively High 68.08 Relatively Moderate 55.06 Table 4-5: NRI Overall Risk Index, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience Ratings and Scores 4.4. Inventory of Community Assets Each participating jurisdiction assisted in the identification of assets to be used for analysis to determine what assets may be potentially at risk to the hazards covered in the Plan. These assets are defined broadly as anything that is important to the function and character of the community. For the purposes of this Risk Assessment, the individual types of assets include:  Population ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-14 Draft  Parcels and Buildings  Critical Facilities  Infrastructure  High Potential Loss Properties  Historic Properties Although all assets may be affected by certain hazards (such as hail or tornadoes), some assets are more vulnerable because of their location the floodplain), certain physical characteristics slab-on-grade construction), or socioeconomic uses major employers). 4.4.1. Population The population counts shown in Table 4-6 are derived from 2020 census data and include a breakdown of two subpopulations assumed to be at greater risk to natural hazards than the “general” population: elderly (ages 65 and older) and children (under the age of Density shows population density per square mile, along with the distribution of potentially at-risk populations, across the planning area. Jurisdiction 2020 Census Population Elderly (Age 65 and Over) Children (Age 5 and Under) Alexander Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) 25,330 7,384 1,758 Town of Taylorsville 11,114 1,971 537 Subtotal Alexander 36,444 9,355 2,295 Burke Burke County (Unincorporated Area) 57,684 11,959 2,724 City of Morganton 17,474 3,430 1,058 Town of Connelly Springs 1,529 339 47 Town of Drexel 1,760 439 71 Town of Glen Alpine 1,529 300 78 Town of Hildebran 1,679 322 70 Town of Rutherford College 1,226 343 48 Town of Valdese 4,689 1,156 235 Subtotal Burke 87,570 18,288 4,331 Caldwell Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) 40,813 8,664 1,931 City of Lenoir 18,352 3,723 1,056 Town of Cajah's Mountain 2,722 707 122 Town of Gamewell 3,702 806 192 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-15 Town of Granite Falls 4,965 961 275 Town of Hudson 3,780 765 203 Town of Rhodhiss 997 143 68 Town of Sawmills 5,020 966 275 Village of Cedar Rock 301 122 6 Subtotal Caldwell 80,652 16,857 4,028 Catawba Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) 83,891 15,901 4,088 City of Claremont 1,692 316 94 City of Conover 8,421 1,812 428 City of Hickory 43,490 8,275 2,242 City of Newton 13,148 2,498 753 Town of Brookford 442 101 23 Town of Catawba 702 138 25 Town of Long View 5,088 865 296 Town of Maiden 3,736 595 222 Subtotal Catawba 160,610 30,501 8,171 TOTAL PLAN AREA 365,276 75,001 18,825 Table 4-6: Population Counts with Vulnerable Population Breakdown from the 2020 Census. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-16 Draft Figure 4-2: Population Density 4.4.2. Parcels and Buildings The parcel counts, building counts, and building values shown in Table 4-7represent the built environment inventories used for the analyses included in the Risk Assessment. To provide a more accurate reflection of buildings that contain livable space and/or commercial, industrial, or other uses, all building footprints less than 500 square feet have been eliminated from the counts and analysis. Jurisdiction Number of Developed Parcels Number of Undeveloped Parcels Building Count Building Value Number of Pre-FIRM Buildings Alexander Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) 17,971 7,874 24,663 $3,840,434,043 0 Town of Taylorsville 0 0 2,824 $856,433,184 0 Subtotal Alexander 17,971 7,874 27,487 $4,696,867,227 0 Burke Burke County (Unincorporated Area) 333 304 28,091 $2,232,053,874 29 City of Morganton 195 144 10,727 $1,772,443,185 4 Town of Connelly Springs 0 1 889 $63,845,104 0 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-17 Jurisdiction Number of Developed Parcels Number of Undeveloped Parcels Building Count Building Value Number of Pre-FIRM Buildings Town of Drexel 8 2 2,949 $309,763,169 1 Town of Glen Alpine 5 10 1,086 $81,890,752 0 Town of Hildebran 13 5 1,069 $137,930,831 0 Town of Rutherford College 0 0 827 $93,523,599 0 Town of Valdese 48 48 2,132 $428,687,357 4 Subtotal Burke 18,573 8,388 75,257 $9,817,005,098 38 Caldwell Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) 477 335 20,774 $1,707,933,363 19 City of Lenoir 407 171 10,316 $1,482,757,665 58 Town of Cajah's Mountain 2 2 1,350 $118,985,723 0 Town of Gamewell 37 29 2,062 $145,493,182 1 Town of Granite Falls 13 22 3,394 $601,795,107 0 Town of Hudson 41 40 3,116 $349,667,781 1 Town of Rhodhiss 0 0 490 $32,914,533 0 Town of Sawmills 45 29 3,234 $266,030,835 0 Village of Cedar Rock 2 2 135 $35,687,645 0 Subtotal Caldwell 19,597 9,018 120,128 $14,558,270,932 117 Catawba Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) 782 608 50,060 $4,638,045,955 11 City of Claremont 11 8 1,351 $188,796,219 0 City of Conover 112 58 5,089 $738,362,172 4 City of Hickory 516 257 22,507 $3,764,227,757 29 City of Newton 202 122 7,657 $890,405,966 1 Town of Brookford 29 12 304 $13,048,710 2 Town of Catawba 38 18 1,016 $67,585,895 1 Town of Long View 50 24 2,716 $186,187,111 3 Town of Maiden 25 18 3,230 $508,315,681 0 Subtotal Catawba 21,362 10,143 214,058 $25,553,246,398 168 TOTAL PLAN 21,362 10,143 214,058 $25,553,246,398 168 Table 4-7: Parcel and Building Counts and Values by Jurisdiction ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-18 Draft 4.4.3. Critical Facilities Jurisdiction Day Care EMS EOCs Fire Stations Govt. Buildings Hospitals Law Enforcement Schools Senior Care Shelters Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) 8 1 0 9 6 0 0 9 3 9 Taylorsville 5 1 1 1 15 0 2 2 2 2 Subtotal Alexander 25 2 1 10 21 1 2 10 5 11 Burke County (Unincorporated Area) 27 2 0 17 7 0 0 12 6 12 Connelly Springs - 0 0 1 - 0 0 0 0 Drexel - 0 0 1 - 0 1 1 1 2 Glen Alpine - 1 0 1 - 0 1 1 0 1 Hildebran - 1 0 1 - 0 1 1 1 Morganton - 2 1 3 - 1 4 11 5 10 Valdese 3 1 0 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 Rutherford College - 0 0 2 - 1 3 0 1 Subtotal Burke - 7 1 27 - 2 7 30 14 28 Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) 26 1 0 6 - 0 0 11 1 12 Cajah’s Mountain 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 Cedar Rock 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Gamewell 7 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 Granite Falls 6 1 0 1 1 0 1 2 1 2 Hudson 5 1 0 1 1 0 2 5 0 3 Lenoir 24 1 2 3 11 1 2 6 7 7 Rhodhiss 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 Sawmills 6 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 Subtotal Caldwell 74 6 2 15 16 1 6 27 10 28 Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) 54 4 0 17 1 0 1 18 1 19 Brookford 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 Catawba 3 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 Claremont 4 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-19 Jurisdiction Day Care EMS EOCs Fire Stations Govt. Buildings Hospitals Law Enforcement Schools Senior Care Shelters Conover 12 0 0 3 1 0 1 1 4 1 Hickory 39 1 1 7 1 2 1 9 8 12 Long View 5 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 2 Maiden 5 0 0 2 1 0 1 3 0 2 Newton 17 1 1 3 1 0 2 5 3 6 Subtotal Catawba 139 7 1 31 9 2 9 40 16 45 TOTAL UNIFOUR 238 22 5 85 46 6 26 107 45 112 Table 4- 8: Critical Facilities Counts by Jurisdiction may not be updated – please provide input where applicable Source: Numbers supplied by participating jurisdictions and derived from alternate sources via NC IRISK. A facility exists but a GPS point location for GIS analysis is not currently available. A table of healthcare facilities, names, addresses, and facility type is in Appendix B. Names and addresses of law enforcement, Fire stations, and EMS located in Appendix B. Figure 4-3: Critical Facilities in Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-20 Draft Figure 4-5: Critical Facilities in Burke County Figure 4-4: Critical Facilities in Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-21 4.4.4. Infrastructure Certain infrastructure elements as shown in Table 4-9 were identified for analysis. These include major roads, railroads, power plants, water/wastewater facilities, and water/wastewater lines. Jurisdiction Major Roads1 Railroad2 Energy (Power Plants) Water (Treatment Facilities) Water / Wastewater Lines Alexander Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) 51.8 8.0 1 0 384.6 Town of Taylorsville 4.3 1.7 1 0 43.5 Subtotal Alexander 56.1 9.7 2 0 428.1 Burke Burke County (Unincorporated Area) 139.5 18.0 1 0 362.8 City of Morganton 31.4 7.7 1 0 307.2 Town of Connelly Springs 2.1 1.8 0 0 8.2 Town of Drexel 0.6 1.0 1 0 30.2 Town of Glen Alpine 1.2 1.3 0 0 15.6 2The major roads and railroads accounted for in this table are the same as those depicted on the “Community Profile” map found in Section 2. 3Does not include inactive/abandoned railroads. Figure 4-6: Critical Facilities in Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-22 Draft Jurisdiction Major Roads1 Railroad2 Energy (Power Plants) Water (Treatment Facilities) Water / Wastewater Lines Town of Hildebran 1.9 1.9 1 0 34.6 Town of Rutherford College 3.2 2.5 0 0 21.1 Town of Valdese 2.5 0.6 1 0 103.2 Subtotal Burke 182.4 34.8 5 0 882.9 Caldwell Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) 95.8 1.5 1 0 317.6 City of Lenoir 21.2 12.1 1 1 337.1 Town of Cajah's Mountain 0.0 0.0 0 0 31.1 Town of Gamewell 3.2 0.0 0 0 9.8 Town of Granite Falls 6.1 3.2 1 1 96.2 Town of Hudson 7.5 2.5 0 0 72.9 Town of Rhodhiss 0.0 0.6 0 0 8.6 Town of Sawmills 4.4 2.4 0 0 20.1 Village of Cedar Rock 0.0 0.0 0 0 6.3 Subtotal Caldwell 138.2 22.3 3 2 899.7 Catawba Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) 119.2 41.3 1 1 0.0 City of Claremont 2.6 3.9 0 0 0.0 City of Conover 17.8 9.1 1 0 0.0 City of Hickory 32.2 11.7 1 0 1,417.0 City of Newton 14.6 4.9 1 0 0.0 Town of Brookford 1.6 0.0 0 0 0.0 Town of Catawba 2.3 5.1 0 0 0.0 Town of Long View 5.0 2.2 0 0 11.1 Town of Maiden 6.0 0.0 1 1 0.0 Subtotal Catawba 201.3 78.2 5 2 1,428.1 TOTAL PLAN 578.0 145.0 15 4 3,638.8 Table 4-9: Infrastructure Counts and Measurements (in Miles) by Jurisdiction ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-23 Figure 4- 7: Critical Infrastructure in Catawba County Figure 4- 8: Critical Infrastructure in Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-24 Draft Figure 4- 9: Critical Infrastructure in Alexander County Figure 4- 10: Critical Infrastructure in Burke ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-25 4.4.5. Historic Properties Historic property counts including districts, buildings, and other cultural resources as shown in Table 4-10 were derived from a combination of sources consisting of the NC Historic Preservation Office and participating jurisdictions. Jurisdiction Districts Buildings and Landmarks Other Alexander County 0 2 0 Burke County 10 2 0 Caldwell County 3 17 2 Catawba County 16 45 2 TOTAL PLAN 29 1 4 Table 4-10: Historic Property Counts by Jurisdiction Source: NC Historic Preservation Office HPOWEB 2.02 individual resources that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NR) or district registered on the National Register of Historic Districts (NRHD). 4.4.6. NRI Social Vulnerability and Community Resilience County Social Vulnerability Score (Percentile) Social Vulnerability Rating Community Resilience Score (Percentile) Community Resilience Rating Alexander 60.12 Relatively High 27.63 Relatively Low Burke 74.57 Relatively High 35.2 Relatively Low Caldwell 70.88 Relatively High 37.65 Relatively Low Catawba 68.08 Relatively High 55.06 Relatively Moderate Table 4- 11: NRI Social Vulnerability, Community Resilience, and overall Risk Ratings and Scores for Catawba, Alexander, Caldwell, and Burke County 4.5. Hazard Profiles, Analysis, and Vulnerability As stated in subsection 4.2, the following hazards are addressed in this Risk Assessment and are presented in the following order in the subsections to follow: Natural Hazard  River Flooding ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-26 Draft  Levee Failure  Wildfire  Tornado  Earthquake  Landslide  Snow  Dam Failure  Hail  Drought  Hurricane Winds  Ice  Thunderstorm Winds  Erosion  Sinkholes 4.5.1. River Flooding Flooding is the most frequent and costly of all the natural hazards in the United States and has caused 8,616 fatalities since 1940 and 103 deaths in the last 10 years3. Approximately 75 percent of presidentially declared disasters result from flood-related natural hazard events4. Taken as a whole, more frequent, localized flooding problems that do not meet federal disaster declaration thresholds ultimately cause most damages across the United States. Floods are generally the result of excessive precipitation, and can be characterized as follows: general floods, in which precipitation occurs over a given river basin for a long period of time; and flash floods, which are the product of heavy localized precipitation falling in a short time over a given location. The severity of a flood event is determined by the following factors: a combination of stream and river basin topography and physiography, hydrology, precipitation and weather patterns, recent soil moisture conditions, and the degree of vegetative clearing in and around flood-prone areas. General floods may last for several days or even weeks. The primary types of general flooding include riverine, coastal, and urban flooding. Riverine flooding is a function of excessive precipitation levels and water runoff volumes within a stream or river. Coastal flooding is typically a result of storm surge, wind- driven waves, and heavy rainfall produced by hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters, and other large coastal storms. Urban flooding occurs where man- made development has obstructed the natural flow of water and decreased the ability of natural groundcover to absorb and retain surface water runoff. Most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms in a localized area or by heavy rains associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. Flash flooding can also occur due to accelerated snow melt, a dam or levee failure, or from a sudden release of water held by an ice jam. Although flash flooding occurs often along mountain streams, it is also common in ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-27 urbanized areas where much of the ground is covered by impervious surfaces. Flash flood waters can move at very high speeds and “walls” of water have been known to reach heights of 10 to 20 feet. Flash flood waters and the accompanying debris can uproot trees, roll boulders, destroy buildings, and obliterate bridges and roads. The periodic flooding of lands including and adjacent to rivers, streams, and shorelines, referred to as the floodplain, is a natural and inevitable occurrence that can be expected to take place based upon established recurrence intervals. The recurrence interval of a flood is defined as the average time interval, in years, expected between a flood event of a particular magnitude and an equal or larger flood. As the magnitude of a hypothetical flood scenario increases the recurrence interval increases. That is, the greater the magnitude of a given event, the less likely it will occur over time. Floodplains are delineated by the frequency of the flood that is large enough to cover them. For example, the 10-year floodplain will be covered by a 10-year flood (should it occur) and the 100- year floodplain by the 100-year flood. Flood frequencies such as the 100-year flood are determined by plotting a graph of the size of all known floods for an area and determining how often floods of a particular size occur. Another way of expressing the flood frequency is the chance of occurrence (expressed as a percent) each year of a flood event of a given magnitude. For example, the 100-year flood has a 1 percent chance of occurring in any given year. 4.5.1.1. River Flooding Hazard Analysis There are numerous rivers and streams flowing through the planning area. When heavy or prolonged rainfall events occur, these rivers and streams are susceptible to some degree of flooding. There have been several past flooding events throughout the planning area, ranging widely in terms of location, magnitude, and impact. The most frequent flooding events have been localized in nature, resulting from heavy rains in a short period of time over urbanized areas that are not able to adequately handle stormwater runoff. These events typically do not threaten lives or property and do not result in emergency or disaster declarations, therefore historical data is limited to the larger, most notable events. 4.5.1.2. Methodologies and Assumptions The following list provides key points by hazard type that are relevant to understanding the risk assessment presented in this section:  Pre-FIRM buildings have been selected as a subset of at-risk buildings following the assumption that structures built prior to the community joining the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are likely to be at greater risk than post-FIRM buildings.  Effective FEMA DFIRM data was used for the flood hazard areas. Flood zones used in the analysis consist of Zone AE (1-percent-annual-chance flood), Zone AE Floodway, and the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood hazard area. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-28 Draft  Building footprints were received from all four participating counties. To refine the results, footprints with an area less than 500 square feet were excluded from the analysis. To determine if a building is in a hazard area, the building footprints were intersected with each of the mapped hazard areas. If a building intersects two or more hazard areas (such as the 1-percent-annual-chance flood zone and the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood zone), it is counted as being in the hazard area of highest risk.  Parcels were received from all four participating counties. The parcel data provided building value and year built. Building value was used to determine the value of buildings at risk. Year built was used to determine if the building was constructed prior to or after the community had joined the NFIP and had an effective FIRM and building codes enforced.  Census blocks and Summary File 1 from the 2020 Census were used to determine population at risk. This included the total population, as well as the vulnerable elderly and children age groups. To determine population at risk, the census blocks were intersected with the hazard area. To better determine the actual number of people at risk, the intersecting area of the census block was calculated and divided by the total area of the census block to determine a ratio of area at risk. This ratio was applied to the population of the census block. For example, a census block has a population of 400 people. Five percent of the census block intersects the 1-percent-annual-chance flood hazard area. The ratio estimates that 20 people are then at risk within the 1-percent-annual-chance flood hazard area of the total population for that census block).  Limitations: There can be multiple buildings located on one parcel. However, the parcel only provides one value for building value and year built, and it is not known from the provided data if the building value is cumulative or for the primary structure on the parcel. For the analysis, building value was only counted once per parcel, regardless of the number of structures. This was done to prevent grossly over-estimating the value of buildings at risk. For example, a parcel has three buildings with a value of $300,000. If two of those buildings intersect the 1-percent-annual-chance flood hazard area, the assumed building value at risk is $300,000 not $600,000. Even though only two out of three buildings are at risk, there is no way to determine the individual value of each building, so the building value for the whole parcel is counted. The value at risk is also the value of the entire building, and does not consider flood damage based on elevation, number of floors, or ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-29 4.5.1.3. Location within the Planning Area The below figures show the boundaries of the floodway, 1-percent-annual-chance, and 0.2- percent-annual-chance floods, based on effective DFIRM data. These are the three mapped flood hazard areas used as the basis for this analysis. Figure 4-11: River Flooding Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-30 Draft Figure 4- 12: River Flooding Hazard Areas for Caldwell County Figure 4- 13: River Flooding Hazard Area for Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-31 Figure 4- 14: River Flooding Areas for Burke County Figure 4- 15: River Flooding Areas for Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-32 Draft 4.5.1.4. Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Definition: Flood Extent can be measured by the amount of land and property in the floodplain as well as flood height and velocity. Flood depth and velocity are recorded via the USGS stream gages throughout the region. Extent Event: Table 4-12 provides peak river stage data according to USGS which shows the highest recorded peak river stage for all jurisdictions. Jurisdiction Flood Extent Alexander County 995.91 ft (19.91 ft NGVD29 Datum +976 ft, 10/16/1964, USGS) Town of Taylorsville 18.63 ft NGVD29 (no datum conversion listed, 8/10/1970, USGS) Burke County 1028.7 ft (26.3 ft NGVD29 Datum +1002.4 ft, 9/9/2004, USGS) City of Morganton No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1331.1 ft* Town of Connelly Springs No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1213 ft* Town of Drexel No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1037.9 ft* Town of Glen Alpine No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1103.4 ft* Town of Hildebran No USGS Data, Highest BFE 947 ft* Town of Rutherford College 1028.7 ft (26.3 ft NGVD29 Datum +1002.4 ft, 9/9/2004, USGS) Town of Valdese No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1128.2 ft* Caldwell County No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1277.9 ft* City of Lenoir 1,104.4 ft (22 ft NGVD29 Datum +1082.4 ft 8/13/1940, USGS) Town of Cajah's Mountain No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1259.5 ft* Town of Gamewell No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1160.6 ft* Town of Granite Falls No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1051.7 ft* Town of Hudson No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1161.4 ft* Town of Rhodhiss No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1181.7 ft* Town of Sawmills 24.14 ft NGVD29 (no datum conversion listed, 8/7/1973, USGS) Village of Cedar Rock No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1140.7 ft* ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-33 Jurisdiction Flood Extent Catawba County 1,101.18 ft (23.18 ft NGVD29 Datum +1078 ft 8/10/1970, USGS) City of Claremont 919.31 ft (29.2 ft NGVD29 Datum + 890.11 ft 8/13/1940, USGS) City of Conover No USGS Data, Highest BFE 921.3 ft* City of Hickory 790.59 ft (44.1 ft NGVD29 Datum +746.49 ft, 7/16/1916, USGS) City of Newton No USGS Data, Highest BFE 936.1 ft* Town of Brookford No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1002.5 ft* Town of Catawba No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1115.8 ft* Town of Long View No USGS Data, Highest BFE 1119.4 ft* Town of Maiden No USGS Data, Highest BFE 857.5 ft* Table 4-12: USGS Peak River Stage Data3 It is worth noting that this is based on available records from existing river gages and may not represent the worst flooding in the Region’s history. Similarly, a database of high-water marks is not available for all areas of the Region for comparison, validation, or further reliable research on the magnitude of historical occurrences. 4.5.1.5. Historical Occurrences The following historical occurrences ranging from 2018 – 2024 have been summarized based on the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) Storm Events database, and full event summaries appear in Appendix A in table along with a separate table of flooding events from 2018-2024 from the NCDC Storm Events Database5. It should be noted that only those historical occurrences listed in the NCDC database are shown here and that other, unrecorded or unreported events may have occurred within the planning area during this timeframe. County Jurisdiction 2018 - 2023 2012 - 2017 2018 - 2023 Total Losses Average losses Per year ⁺ Total Losses Average Losses Per Year Total Injuries Total Deaths Alexander Bethlehem $11,000 $2,200 $0 0 0 Taylorsville $2,000 $400 0 0 Vashti $450,000 $90,000 0 6 All Healing Springs $10,000 $2,000 1 1 Taylorsville Airport $1,000 $200 0 0 3 Statements in Table 4.12 marked by an for municipalities where BFE data was used since no USGS data was available. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-34 Draft County Jurisdiction 2018 - 2023 2012 - 2017 2018 - 2023 Total Losses Average losses Per year ⁺ Total Losses Average Losses Per Year Total Injuries Total Deaths Total $474,000 $94,800 $0 1 7 % Change of Total Losses (2018 – 2023 vs 2012 -2017) N/A Burke Joy $56,000 $11,200 $30,000 $6,000 0 0 Glen Alpine $1,000 $200 $60,000 $12,000 Table Rock $3,000 $600 $0 $0 Pleasant Grove $1,000 $200 $0 $0 Calvin $50,000 $10,000 $0 $0 Brindletown $25,000 $5,000 $0 $0 Chesterfield $10,000 $2,000 $2,000 $400 Enola $10,000 $2,000 $0 $0 Morganton $0 $110,000 $22,000 Bridgewater $0 $5,000 $1,000 Oak Hill $0 $500 $100 Total $156,000 $31,200 $207,500 $41,500 0 0 % Change of Total Losses (2018 – 2023 vs 2012 -2017) -24.82% Caldwell Edgemont $96,000 $19,200 $80,000 $16,000 0 0 Yadkin Valley $7,000 $1,400 $0 Collettsville $2,500 $500 $51,000 $10,200 Lenoir $12,000 $2,400 $0 Globe $100,000 $20,000 Whitnel $1,000 $200 Richland $50,000 $10,000 $5,000 $1,000 Valmead $5,000 $1,000 $0 Warrior $0 $300,000 $60,000 0 0 Abingdon Mortimer $300,000 $60,000 Hartland $5,000 $1,000 Total $273,500 $54,700 $741,000 $148,200 0 0 % Change of Total Losses (2018 – 2023 vs 2012 -2017) -63.09% Catawba Brookford $5,000 $1,000 $0 0 0 Longview $51,000 $10,200 $3,000 $600 Catawba $810,000 $162,000 $0 Oyama $11,000 $2,200 $900,500 $180,100 Conover $10,000 $2,000 $0 Propst Crossroads $1,500 $300 $0 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-35 County Jurisdiction 2018 - 2023 2012 - 2017 2018 - 2023 Total Losses Average losses Per year ⁺ Total Losses Average Losses Per Year Total Injuries Total Deaths Drums Crossroads $500 $100 $0 Hickory $50,000 $10,000 $1,801,500 $360,300 Claremont $0 $3,020,000 $604,000 Total $939,000 $187,800 $5,725,000 $1,145,000 0 0 % Change of Total Losses (2018 – 2023 vs 2012 -2017) -83.60% All Counties Total $1,842,500 $368,500 $6,673,500 $1,334,700 1 7 Percent Change of Property Damages (2018- 2023 Total vs 2012-2017 Total) -72.39% Table 4- 13: Comparison of flooding and flash flooding property damage, reported injuries, and reported deaths from 2018-2023 to average total losses and total losses from 2012-2017 according to the NCDC Storm Events Database6. *Average Losses for the last 5 years Historical Occurrences of River Flooding from 2018-2023 can be found in Appendix A. Between 2012 and 2023, there have been $8,516,000 in property damages reported, with most damages reported between 2012 to 2017 totaling $6,673,500. The total property damages reported from 2018 to 2023 is 72.39% less than the property damages reported between 2012 to 2017, with the largest reduction of damages reported in Catawba county which had an 83.6% decrease in total flooding damages, which could be due to an unusually severe flooding event between 2012 and 2017. 4.5.1.6. Flooding Events from 2018-2023: According to the NCDC Storm Events Database, there has been $1,842,500 of damage in the Unifour counties between 2018 and 2023 attributed to flooding and flash flooding, with 7 deaths and 1 injury reported. Appendix A provides a summary of historical flood events from 2018-2023 and historical information by participating jurisdiction for the 5 most notable events for each county. It is important to note that many of the events attributed to the county are countywide or cover large portions of the county. The individual counts by jurisdiction are for those events that are only attributed to that one jurisdiction The following events are summaries from the NCDC Storm Events Database7 and are the most destructive events of flash flooding or flooding between 2018 and 2023 for Alexander, Burke, Catawba, and Caldwell County: Alexander County (11/2/2020) Tropical Cyclone Eta moved from the eastern Gulf of Mexico, across the northern Florida peninsula, to off the South Carolina coast throughout the 11th and 12th. Tropical moisture streaming into the Carolinas throughout this time resulted in development of heavy rainfall, with ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-36 Draft widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts across the foothills and Piedmont of North Carolina. This resulted in areas of flash flooding and main stem river flooding, some of which was significant, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant damage. o Emergency manager reported major flash flooding developed throughout Alexander County after up to 9 inches of rain fell in 24 hours, with around half of that falling in a 3-hour period prior to daybreak on the 12th. The most significant flooding occurred along the South Yadkin River in the Hiddenite area. Multiple recreational vehicles and campers were swept down the river from a campground off Princess Ln. Five people, ages ranging from 1 to 76, drowned and 31 more people required rescue from rapidly rising flood water. Otherwise, most of the creeks and streams in the central and northeast part of the county overflowed onto at least one road, with more than 50 roads closed at some point during the event. o Although heavy rainfall tapered off across Alexander County throughout the morning, runoff from the earlier excessive rain continued to cause elevated stream levels and localized high-water conditions to persist into the afternoon. A portion of a bridge over the South Yadkin collapsed on Cheatham Ford Rd during this time. Part of another bridge was washed out on Hopewell Church Rd (over Mill Creek). A 64-year- old man was killed when he drove his vehicle over the collapsed bridge. At least two other bridges were also compromised. o Total Property Damage: $450,000 o Total Deaths: 6 o Total Injuries: 1 Burke County (6/8/2019) – A moist upslope flow developing north of a stationary front resulted in widespread showers and thunderstorms developing across western North Carolina during the evening of the 8th into the overnight and early morning hours of the ninth. Four to seven inches of rain, with locally higher amounts of 10 inches or more falling over the northern foothills resulted in flash flooding in multiple areas. The widespread nature of the excessive rainfall within the Catawba River watershed caused the river to rise to levels not seen in almost 80 years in the western Piedmont, with flooding persisting in some areas through the 10th. Meanwhile, a brief, weak tornado developed across Rutherford County.  Although heavy rainfall began tapering off across Burke County during the late evening hours high water conditions persisted well into the overnight hours across central and eastern portions of the county. Meanwhile by the early morning hours a stream gauge on the Johns River in the northwest part of the county exceeded its established flood stage indicating flooding of several roads along the stream and some of its tributaries.  Multiple sources reported flash flooding developed across portions of northern Burke County when as much as 6 inches of rain fell across the area in just a few hours. Flooding began on the Highway 64 corridor when a portion of the highway had to be closed in the Chesterfield community due to flood water. Antioch Rd was also flooded by Lower Creek in this same area. Water from Canoe Creek was also reportedly ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-37 flowing over Highway 226. Smith Branch overflowed its banks in the Connelly Springs area, flooding some houses on Woodlawn Dr. A nursing home was evacuated in the Rutherford College area after a small unnamed tributary overflowed its banks. A tributary of Henry Fork flooded a portion of Woodland Hill Rd in Hildebrand, which undermined the structural integrity of the road and prompted voluntary evacuations.  Total Property Damage: $54,000 Caldwell County (4/13/2020) – A strong storm system impacted the Southeast, resulting in an area of widespread heavy rain and embedded strong to severe thunderstorms that moved across western North Carolina during the late night and early morning hours. Localized flash flooding, some of which was quite significant developed across the mountains. Isolated severe weather also occurred, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts. Strong southerly gradient winds also caused some damage across mainly the high elevations of western North Carolina.  Emergency manager reported flash flooding developed along multiple creeks across northwest Caldwell County after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell, mostly in less than 8 hours. Anthony Creek overflowed its banks in the Globe community, washing out a low water crossing. Wilson Creek washed out several low waters crossing on Brown Mountain Beach Rd. Johns River inundated Old Johns River Rd in several locations. Buffalo Creek and several of its tributaries also inundated low water crossing in the far northern part of the county. A stream gauge on the Yadkin River near Patterson exceeded its established flood stage, indicating flooding of low-lying roads and minor flooding of some structures in the Happy Valley community.  Total Property Damage: $100,000 Catawba County (11/12/2020) - Tropical Cyclone Eta moved from the eastern Gulf of Mexico, across the northern Florida peninsula, to off the South Carolina coast throughout the 11th and 12th. Tropical moisture streaming into the Carolinas throughout this time resulted in development of heavy rainfall, with widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts across the foothills and Piedmont of North Carolina. This resulted in areas of flash flooding and main stem river flooding, some of which was significant, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant damage.  A stream gauge on the Catawba River at Lookout Shoals Dam indicated major flash flooding developed just upstream of the dam after 5 to 8 inches of rain fell throughout the Catawba basin, with the bulk of that falling in only a 3-hour period between midnight and sunrise on the 12th. Numerous homes were inundated and damaged, with numerous residents evacuated along the western shores of Lookout Shoals Lake. This was the second major flood event along this portion of the Catawba in less than two years (June 2019), and the second highest crest on record at Lookout Shoals (August 1940).  A stream gauge on Henry Fork exceeded its established flood stage after 3.5 to 5 inches of rain fell over Catawba County, with much of that falling during a three-hour ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-38 Draft period on the morning of the 12th. Several roads along the stream were inundated and closed.  Total Property Damage: $511,000 Section 5: Capability Assessment lists the number of insured losses and total claims payments for historical flood damages in each jurisdiction as recorded under the NFIP. Table 4-14below provides the NFIP entry date for each participating jurisdiction. As explained in subsection 4.3, the NFIP entry date for each jurisdiction was used to determine buildings that were built pre - FIRM and are therefore assumed to be at greater risk to the flood hazard. Jurisdiction NFIP Entry Date Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) 02/01/91 Town of Taylorsville 12/18/07 Burke County (Unincorporated Area) 06/17/91 City of Morganton 02/19/87 Town of Connelly Springs 06/17/91 Town of Drexel 08/19/86 Town of Glen Alpine 06/17/91 Town of Hildebran 09/05/07 Town of Rutherford College 06/17/91 Town of Valdese 07/03/86 Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) 08/16/88 City of Lenoir 08/16/88 Town of Cajah's Mountain 08/16/88 Town of Gamewell 08/16/88 Town of Granite Falls 08/16/88 Town of Hudson 08/16/88 Town of Rhodhiss 07/03/86 Town of Sawmills 08/16/88 Village of Cedar Rock 08/16/88 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-39 Jurisdiction NFIP Entry Date Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) 09/03/80 City of Claremont 09/05/07 City of Conover 09/03/80 City of Hickory 08/03/81 City of Newton 09/03/80 Town of Brookford 12/18/79 Town of Catawba 09/03/80 Town of Long View 09/03/80 Town of Maiden 09/03/80 Table 4-14: NFIP Entry Dates from Federal Emergency Management Agency Community Status Book Report: Communities Participating in the National Flood Program, August 2024 4.5.1.7. Probability of Future Occurrences According to the NRI, there is a Relatively Low Expected Annual Loss (EAL) when compared to the rest of the US for riverine flooding in Caldwell, Catawba, and Burke County. But there is a Very Low EAL in Alexander County compared to the rest of the US, with a risk score percentile of 14.8 and an expected annual frequency of 0.4 events per year. There is more variation in risk scores and EAL scores at the census tract level when compared to the county level, which can be seen in Figure 4- 16below, where there is significantly more variation in risk index ratings and scores across each county within census tracts. County Expected Annual Loss Risk Index Rating Risk Score Percentile Expected Annual Frequency (Events per Year) Alexander $37,000 Very Low 14.9 0.4 Caldwell $310,000 Relatively Low 47.6 2.3 Catawba $541,000 Relatively Low 57.6 1 Burke $934,000 Relatively Low 72.2 2 Table 4- 15: NRI Risks of Riverine Flooding, Expected Annual Loss, and Risk Score Percentile8 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-40 Draft Based on the analyses performed in IRISK, the probability of future River Flooding is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences:  Low - Less Than 1% Annual Probability  Medium - Between 1% And 10% Annual Probability  High - More Than 10% Annual Probability Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Low ..…………Very Low ……Relatively Low ……Relatively Moderate Relatively High Very High Figure 4- 16: Expected Annual Loss Score Percentile by Census Tract for Riverine Flooding Risk ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-41 Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Low City of Claremont Low City of Conover Medium City of Hickory Low City of Lenoir Medium City of Morganton Low City of Newton Medium Town of Brookford Medium Town of Cajah's Mountain Medium Town of Catawba Low Town of Connelly Springs Low Town of Drexel Medium Town of Gamewell Low Town of Glen Alpine Low Town of Granite Falls Medium Town of Hildebran Low Town of Hudson Low Town of Long View Low Town of Maiden Low Town of Rhodhiss Low Town of Rutherford College Low Town of Sawmills Medium Town of Taylorsville Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-42 Draft Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Town of Valdese Low Village of Cedar Rock Medium 4.5.1.8. River Flooding Hazard Vulnerability In order to quantify potential future flood hazard vulnerability, a similar detailed GIS analysis of the study area as completed for current flood vulnerability (described above) was performed using best available GIS data including the future Community 100-year Floodplain to identify the number and value of existing structures that may be located in future flood hazards areas as expanded due to anticipated “build-out” conditions fully developed according to zoning and future land use projections). To quantify potentially at-risk properties, all buildings of at least 600 square feet (eliminating those that are likely accessory structures versus habitable buildings) that intersected with delineated future floodplain areas were identified. The exposure analysis does not include any estimates for new structures that will be constructed and located in the floodplain, as it is assumed that new construction will be protected against the 100-year flood according to local development regulations that include reference to future Community 100-year Floodplain maps. 4.5.1.9. Climate Change In the future, warmer temperatures and changes in frequency of heavy precipitation due to climate change are likely to increase the impacts and frequency of river flooding. The Climate Science Special Report, Fourth National Climate Assessment, stated with high confidence that the frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation events are projected to continue to increase over the 21st century. The increased likelihood of extreme precipitation events due to climate change will result in greater risks of flash flooding and impacts from stormwater runoff throughout the State of North Carolina. While there may be less precipitation overall, in the long term the rainfall that does occur will likely be during more intense events that may result in increasing number of inland flooding incidents. Inland flooding depends not only on extreme precipitation but also on characteristics of the land surface, including land use and development, land cover, and soil moisture conditions. It also depends on whether deliberate adaptive measures are implemented proactively. While it is likely that the frequency and severity of inland flooding will increase because of increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation, the uncertainty associated with these additional factors tends to lower the level of certainty with which more detailed predictions can be made. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-43 County Agriculture Exposure Population Exposure Population Equivalence Building Exposure Total exposure Value (including population equivalent value) Alexander $6,661,899 192.58 $2,233,903,237 $47,641,667 $2,288,206,803 Burke $19,205,283 732.92 $8,501,834,055 $180,253,631 $8,701,292,969 Caldwell $10,472,371 1,559.81 $18,093,831,226 $568,843,914 $18,673,147,511 Catawba $4,759,968 1,130.28 $13,111,298,873 $238,537,373 $13,354,596,213 Total $41,099,521 3,615.59 $41,940,867,391 $1,035,276,585 $43,017,243,496 Table 4-16: provides the NRI exposure, the representative value by category potentially exposed to a natural hazard occurrence, data for buildings, population, and agriculture for riverine flooding Table 4- 17: Total NFIP Repetitive Loss, Severe Repetitive Loss Properties, and Number of Total Losses. County Jurisdiction Number of Repetitive Losses (NFIP) Number of Severe Repetitive Loss Properties (NFIP) Number of Total Losses Most Recent Date of Loss Alexander Taylorsville 1 0 2 11/12/2020 Alexander County Total 1 0 2 - Burke Burke County 1 0 2 5/6/2013 Burke County Total 1 0 2 - Caldwell Collettsville 2 0 5 6/9/2019 Edgemont 1 0 2 6/9/2019 Lenoir 5 0 10 10/14/2014 Granite Falls 1 0 3 11/12/2020 Caldwell County Total 9 0 22 - Catawba Newton 1 1 6/9/2019 Hickory 6 0 18 8/15/2020 Conover 4 1 10 11/11/2020 Claremont 10 3 29 11/12/2020 Catawba County 3 1 12 11/12/2020 Catawba County Total 23 6 70 - Area Total 34 6 96 - ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-44 Draft County City Single Family Resident Non- Residential Building Non- Residential Business Single Family Residential Building Caldwell County Lenoir 2 3 Collettsville 1 1 Edgemont 1 Granite Falls 1 Burke County Nebo 1 Catawba County Catawba 3 1 Claremont 9 2 Conover 2 2 Hickory 6 1 Newton 1 Alexander Taylorsville 1 Table 4- 18: Types of NFIP Multiple Loss Properties by Occupancy Type 4.5.2. Levee Failure Levee failure is the collapse, breach, or other failure of a levee structure or system resulting in flooding. Levee failure can result from natural events, human-induced events, or a combination of the two. The most common cause of levee failure is prolonged rainfall that produces flooding. Failures due to other natural events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or landslides are significant because there is generally little or no advance warning. 4.5.2.1. Location within the Planning Area There are numerous levees and floodwalls within the planning area. When hurricanes and tropical storms occur, these areas are susceptible to some degree of flooding. There have been a number of past flooding events throughout the planning area, ranging widely in terms of location, magnitude, and impact. Levees are not currently mapped in this area; will update mitigation strategy and actions to include levee locations and mapping in future plan updates. 4.5.2.2. Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Hazard Classification Description Quantitative Guidelines Low 1) Interruption of road service, low volume roads 2) Economic damage 1) Less than 25 vehicles per day 2) Less than $30,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-45 Hazard Classification Description Quantitative Guidelines Intermediate 1) Damage to highways, interruption of service 2) Economic damage 1) 25 to less than 250 vehicles per day 2) $30,000 to less than $200,000 High 1) Probable loss of human life due to breached roadway or bridge on or below the dam 2) Economic damage 1) Probable loss of 1 or more human lives 2) More than $200,000 Table 4- 19: Hazard Classification of Levee Failures 4.5.2.3. Historical Occurrences There are no records of historical levee failure occurrences in or affecting the planning area. 4.5.2.4. Probability of Future Occurrences Based on the analyses performed in IRISK, the probability of future Levee Failure is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction. 4.5.2.5. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low - Less Than 1% Annual Probability  Medium - Between 1% And 10% Annual Probability  High - More Than 10% Annual Probability Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Low Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Low Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Low Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Low City of Claremont Low City of Conover Low City of Hickory Low City of Lenoir Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-46 Draft Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence City of Morganton Low City of Newton Low Town of Brookford Low Town of Cajah's Mountain Low Town of Catawba Low Town of Connelly Springs Low Town of Drexel Low Town of Gamewell Low Town of Glen Alpine Low Town of Granite Falls Low Town of Hildebran Low Town of Hudson Low Town of Long View Low Town of Maiden Low Town of Rhodhiss Low Town of Rutherford College Low Town of Sawmills Low Town of Taylorsville Low Town of Valdese Low Village of Cedar Rock Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-47 4.5.2.6. Levee Failure Hazard Vulnerability The effects of a levee failure are exacerbated when the failure occurs abruptly or with little warning and if it results in deep, fast-moving water through highly developed areas. The worst- case scenario for a levee failure in Unifour Region would be the complete failure of the levee systems. If this occurred during a flood with a 1 percent annual chance of occurrence, the failure would lead to effects consistent with those described in Section 4.5.1 (Riverine Flooding) There is a fundamental limitation in the data available for vulnerability assessment for the levee failure hazard in the planning area. Any mitigation actions developed for this hazard therefore should be based on addressing data limitations, education and awareness programs, and/or any jurisdiction-specific concerns that may be addressable through an appropriate mitigation project. 4.5.2.7. Climate Change Climate and weather pattern changes are expected to lead to more severe storm events, which are likely to increase the risk of levee overtopping, structural damage, or other failures. In addition, levee structures designed to current standards may not be sufficient to handle future climate change-driven conditions arising from more intense rainfall. Since the likelihood of levee failure depends on factors in addition to climate considerations, detailed projections of future changes in the frequency of levee failures cannot be made with any degree of confidence. 4.5.3. Wildfire A wildfire is any fire occurring in a wildland area grassland, forest, brush land) except for fire under prescription. Wildfires are part of the natural management of the Earth’s ecosystems but may also be caused by natural or human factors. Over 80 percent of forest fires are started by negligent human behavior such as smoking in wooded areas or improperly extinguishing campfires. The second most common cause for wildfire is lightning. There are three classes of wildland fires: surface fire, ground fire, and crown fire. A surface fire is the most common of these three classes and burns along the floor of a forest, moving slowly and killing or damaging trees. A ground fire (muck fire) is usually started by lightning or human carelessness and burns on or below the forest floor. Crown fires spread rapidly by wind and move quickly by jumping along the tops of trees. Wildland fires are usually signaled by dense smoke that fills the area for miles around. State and local governments can impose fire safety regulations on home sites and developments to help curb wildfire. Land treatment measures such as fire access roads, water storage, helipads, safety zones, buffers, firebreaks, fuel breaks, and fuel management can be designed as part of an overall fire defense system to aid in fire control. Fuel management, prescribed burning, and cooperative land management planning can also be encouraged to reduce fire hazards. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-48 Draft Fire probability depends on local weather conditions, outdoor activities such as camping, debris burning, and construction, and the degree of public cooperation with fire prevention measures. Drought conditions and other natural disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.) increase the probability of wildfires by producing fuel in both urban and rural settings. Forest damage from hurricanes and tornadoes may block interior access roads and fire breaks, pull down overhead power lines, or damage pavement and underground utilities. Many individual homes and cabins, subdivisions, resorts, recreational areas, organizational camps, businesses, and industries are located within high fire hazard areas. The increasing demand for outdoor recreation places more people in wildlands during holidays, weekends, and vacation periods. Unfortunately, wildland residents and visitors are rarely educated or prepared for the inferno that can sweep through the brush and timber and destroy property in minutes. 4.5.3.1. Wildfire Hazard Analysis Methodologies and Assumptions The following list provides key points by hazard type that are relevant to understanding the risk assessment presented in this section:  Wildfire hazard areas were determined using the Wildland Fire Susceptibility Index (WFSI). These include: 1) Areas with a WFSI value of 0.01 – 0.05 were considered to be at moderate risk. 2) Areas with a WFSI value greater than 0.05 were considered to be at high risk. 3) Areas with a WFSI value less than 0.01 were considered to not be at risk.  The WFSI data used for the wildfire risk analysis is a value between 0 and 1. It was developed consistent with the mathematical calculation process for determining the probability of an acre burning. The WFSI integrates the probability of an acre igniting and the expected final fire size based on the rate of spread in four weather percentile categories into a single measure of wildland fire susceptibility. Due to some necessary assumptions, mainly fuel homogeneity, it is not the true probability. But since all areas of the state have this value determined consistently, it allows for comparison and ordination of areas of the state as to the likelihood of an acre burning.  Building footprints were received from all four participating counties. To refine the results, footprints with an area less than 500 square feet were excluded from the analysis. To determine if a building is in a hazard area, the building footprints were intersected with each of the hazard areas. If a building intersects two or more hazard areas, it is considered to be in the hazard area of highest risk.  Parcels were received from all four participating counties. This data provided building value and year built. Building value was used to determine the value of buildings at risk.  Census blocks and Summary File 1 from the 2010 Census were used to determine population at risk. This included the total population, as well as the vulnerable elderly and children age groups. To determine population at risk, the census blocks were intersected with the hazard area. To better determine the actual number of people at risk, the intersecting area of the census block was calculated and divided by the total area of the ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-49 census block to determine a ratio of area at risk. This ratio was applied to the population of the census block. For example, a census block has a population of 400 people. Five percent of the census block intersects a high wildfire hazard area. The ratio estimates that 20 people are at risk within that hazard area of the total population for that census block).  There can be multiple buildings on one parcel. However, the parcel only provides one value for building value and year built, and it is not known from the provided data if the building value is cumulative or for the primary structure on the parcel. For the analysis, building value was only counted once per parcel, regardless of the number of structures. This was done to prevent grossly over-estimating the value of buildings at risk. For example, a parcel has three buildings with a value of $300,000. If two of those buildings intersect the high-risk area, the assumed building value at risk is $300,000 not $600,000. Even though only two out of three buildings are at risk, there is no way to determine the individual value of each building, so the building value for the whole parcel is counted. The value at risk is also the value of the entire building and does not take into account the value of contents. Figure 4-17: Wildfire Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-50 Draft 4.5.3.2. Location within the Planning Area In an effort to identify specific potential wildfire hazard areas within the planning area, a GIS- based data layer called the Wildland Fire Susceptibility Index (WFSI) was obtained from the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources The WFSI is a component layer derived from the Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment (SWRA), a multi-year project to assess and quantify wildfire risk for the 13 Southern states. The WFSI is a value between 0 and 1. It was developed consistent with the mathematical calculation process for determining the probability of an acre burning. The WFSI integrates the probability of an acre igniting and the expected final fire size based on the rate of spread in four weather percentile categories into a single measure of wildland fire susceptibility. Due to some necessary assumptions, mainly fuel homogeneity, it is not the true probability. But since all areas of the planning area have this value determined consistently, it allows for comparison and ordination of areas as to the likelihood of an acre burning. Figure 4-17 illustrates the level of wildfire potential for the planning area based on the WFSI data provided by Areas with a WFSI value of 0.01–0.05 were considered to be at Figure 4- 18: Wildfire Hazard Areas in Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-51 moderate risk to the wildfire hazard. Areas with a WFSI value greater than 0.05 were considered to be at high risk to the wildfire hazard. Areas with a WFSI value less than 0.01 were considered to not be at risk to the wildfire hazard. 4.5.3.3. Definition: The average size of wildfires in the Unifour Region is typically small. 4.5.3.4. Extent Event: Wildfire data was provided by the National Interagency Fire Center and is reported by county. Figure 4- 19: Wildfire Hazard Areas in Burke County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-52 Draft 4.5.3.5. Historical Occurrences There have been 35 incidents of wildfire reported to the National Interagency Fire Center9 between 2014 and 2024. The reported causes of the fires varied, with 9 starting from undetermined causes, 21 starting because of humans, and 5 starting from natural causes. The total estimated costs were approximately $6,063,696 and the reported fires burned over 13,285.95 acres, with the average number of acres burned per year for the last ten years at 1,328 acres. Figure 4- 20: Wildfire Hazard Areas in Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-53 County 2018-2023 2018-2023 5-Year Average Number of Fires 5-Year Average Number of Acres Burned Total Number of Wildfires Total Acres Burned Alexander 0 0 0 0 Burke 3 18.79 15 21.95 Caldwell 0.6 19.14 3 74 Catawba 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 3.2 19.19 16 95.95 Table 4-20: Incident summary from incidents between 2023 and 2018 from the National Interagency Fire Center10 Figure 4- 21: Wildfire Hazard Areas in Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-54 Draft Incident Name Discovery Date Fire Out Date County City Fire Cause Acres Estimated Cost Chestnut Knob 11/6/2016 Burke Morganton Undetermined 6435 $4,600,000 White Creek 3/16/2017 4/13/2017 Burke Natural 5500 $937,840 Blue Gravel 4/11/2015 4/24/2015 Burke Undetermined 521 $264,194 Silver Creek 12/13/2014 Burke Undetermined 300 $3,362 Henry Fork 4/15/2024 Burke Salem Undetermined 211 $3,000 Upper Creek 6/7/2016 7/2/2016 Burke Natural 169 $250,000 Corn Field 3/17/2018 3/22/2018 Caldwell Human 42 Rackett Branch 3/5/2022 3/17/2022 Caldwell Human 30 McNab 4/18/2017 4/28/2017 Burke Human 25 Babel Tower 4/25/2023 8/8/2023 Burke Natural 12 Table 4- 21: Significant reported wildfires between 2014 and 2024 in the Unifour Counties according to the National Interagency Fire Center11 4.5.3.6. Probability of Future Occurrences County EAL Risk Index Rating Frequency Chance per Year) Historic Loss Ratio Alexander $27,000 Very Low 0.016% Relatively Low Burke $64,000 Relatively Low 0.034% Relatively Low Caldwell $76,000 Very Low 0.029% Relatively Low Catawba $62,000 Very Low 0.007% Relatively Low Table 4-22: NRI Frequency, Risk Rating, and Historic Loss Ratio for Wildfires Based on the analyses performed in IRISK, the probability of future Wildfire is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction. 4.5.3.7. Climate Change According to the North Carolina Climate Science Report, higher annual and seasonal average temperatures and associated increases in drying rates will lead to an increased likelihood of conditions conducive to wildfires. While there has been a long-term upward trend in the number of wildfires in North Carolina, the total acreage burned has shown a downward trend. Increases in the number of wildfires will nevertheless pose a major risk for human health and emergency services, putting more lives at risk of fire related injuries, fatalities, and property losses. It is likely that future droughts in their ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-55 multiple forms in North Carolina will be more frequent and intense due to higher temperatures leading to increased evaporation, therefore, it is likely the frequency of climate conditions conducive to wildfires in North Carolina will increase. Wildfire risk is greatest among potentially underserved communities in the southern and western regions of the state due to large wildland areas and limited warning and response capabilities. The North Carolina State Hazard Mitigation Plan lists Burke and Catawba Counties in the Unifour Region among those counties likely to be most affected by an increased risk from wildfires. 4.5.3.8. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low - Less Than 1% Annual Probability  Medium - Between 1% And 10% Annual Probability Figure 4-22:Unifour NRI Wildfire EAL Score by Census Tract ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-56 Draft  High - More Than 10% Annual Probability Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Medium City of Claremont Low City of Conover Low City of Hickory Low City of Lenoir Low City of Morganton Low City of Newton Low Town of Brookford Low Town of Cajah's Mountain Medium Town of Catawba Medium Town of Connelly Springs Medium Town of Drexel Medium Town of Gamewell Medium Town of Glen Alpine Low Town of Granite Falls Medium Town of Hildebran Medium Town of Hudson Low Town of Long View Low Town of Maiden Medium Town of Rhodhiss Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-57 Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Town of Rutherford College Medium Town of Sawmills Low Town of Taylorsville Medium Town of Valdese Low Village of Cedar Rock Low 4.5.3.9. Wildfire Hazard Vulnerability Wildfires can cause significant damage to property and threatens the lives of people who are unable to evacuate wildfire-prone areas. Many individual homes and cabins, subdivisions, resorts, recreational areas, organizational camps, businesses, and industries are located within high wildfire hazard areas. Further, the increasing demand for outdoor recreation places more people in wildlands during holidays, weekends, and vacation periods. Unfortunately, wildland residents and visitors are rarely educated or prepared for wildfire events that can sweep through the brush and timber and destroy property within minutes. Wildfires can result in severe economic losses. Businesses that depend on timber, such as paper mills and lumber companies, experience losses that are often passed along to consumers through higher prices, and sometimes jobs are lost. The high cost of responding to and recovering from wildfires can deplete state resources and increase insurance rates. The economic impact of wildfires can also be felt in the tourism industry if roads and tourist attractions are closed due to health and safety concerns, such as reduced air quality by means Figure 4-23: Wildfire Burn Probability for NC from the 2023 NC HMP ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-58 Draft of wildfire smoke and ash. The areas of the state with the largest wildfire hazard occurrence that are also within the most exposed regions. Many areas in the eastern and western part of the state have high risk for wildfire since there are large, forested areas in these regions. However, some counties in the central part of the state also have higher risk. Still, a county’s exposure score plays a major role and counties with high exposure and high wildfire risk score highest. Figure 4-23 shows wildfire hazard vulnerability scores by county for the state of North Carolina. Figure 4-23 shows the areas in NC with a high probability of experiencing wildfires according to the Southern Wildfire Risk Assessments Burn Probability Index updated in 2022.12 A vulnerability score was determined for each of the hazard categories on a county-by-county basis by adding a county’s score for a particular hazard risk category to its total exposure score as depicted in the Table 4-23 below. Each county was assigned a quantitative hazard risk score for each hazard category based on a 1-5 scale. This score was determined by using natural (Jenks) breaks in the overall data for the state. Therefore, the exposure score for each county is relative to each of the other counties in the state. Similarly, the exposure of each county was determined for each hazard by utilizing natural breaks and assigning a score based on a 1-10 scale. The scores for each exposure category were added together to give us a total exposure score. This total exposure score was then added to each respective risk score to produce a score for vulnerability based on each of the hazard risk categories. The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Risk Index Layer is a rating of the potential impact of a wildfire on people and their homes. The key input, WUI, reflects housing density (houses per acre) consistent with Federal Register National standards. The location of people living in the Wildland Urban Interface and rural areas is key information for defining potential wildfire impacts to people and homes. The WUI Risk Index for Unifour is displayed in the Table 4-23 below, respectively. The WUI Risk Rating is derived using a Response Function modeling approach which involves assigning a net change in the value to a resource or asset based on susceptibility to fire at different intensity levels, such as flame length. The range of values is from -1 to with -1 representing the least negative impact and -9 representing the most negative impact. For example, areas with high housing density and high flame are rated -9 while areas with low housing density and low flame are rated To calculate the WUI Risk Rating, the WUI housing density data was combined with Flame Length data and response functions were defined to represent potential impacts. The response functions were defined by a team of experts based on values defined by the SWRA Update Project technical team. By combining flame length with the WUI housing density data, you can determine where the greatest potential impact to homes and people is likely to occur. Jurisdiction WUI Risk Index Assessment 9 Major to -1 Minor) Vulnerability (Wildfire Risk Low to High) Alexander County Minor to Major Impact; -1 to -8 Low to Moderate ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-59 Taylorsville Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -8 Low to Moderate Burke County Minor to Major Impact; -1 to -8 Low to Moderate Connelly Springs Minor to Moderate Impact; -2 to -5 Low to Moderate Drexel Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -8 Very Low to Moderate Glen Alpine Minor to Major Impact; -1 to -8 Low to Moderate Hildebran Moderate Impact -5 Very Low to Low Rhodhiss Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -8 Very Low to Moderate Morganton Moderate to Major Impact; -4 to -8 Very Low to Moderate Rutherford College Moderate to Major Impact -4 to -7 Very Low to Moderate Valdese Minor to Major Impact; -2 to -7 Very Low to Low Caldwell County Minor to Major Impact; -1 to -8 Low to Moderate Cajah's Mountain Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -7 Very Low to Moderate Cedar Rock Minor to Moderate Impact; -1 to -5 Low Gamewell Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -8 Low to High Granite Falls Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -8 Low to Moderate Hudson Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -8 Low to Moderate Sawmills Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -7 Low to Moderate Catawba County Minor to Major Impact; -1 to -8 Low to High Brookford Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -7 Low to Moderate Catawba Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -8 Low to Moderate Claremont Moderate to Major Impact; -4 to -8 Low to Moderate Conover Moderate to Major Impact; -4 to -8 Low to Moderate Hickory Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -8 Low to Moderate Longview Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -7 Low to Moderate Maiden Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -8 Low to Moderate Newton Moderate to Major Impact; -5 to -8 Low to Moderate Table 4-23: WUI Risk Index Assessment for each jurisdiction. Source: North Carolina State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2023 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-60 Draft 4.5.3.10. NRI Risk Values County Expected Annual Loss Frequency % Chance per Year Risk Index Value Risk Index Score Alexander $27,000 0.016% Very Low 47.6 Burke $64,000 0.034% Very Low 60 Caldwell $76,000 0.029% Very Low 62.2 Catawba $62,000 0.007% Very Low 59.2 Table 4-24: NRI Expected Annual Loss, Frequency, Risk Index Value, and Risk Index Score for Wildfires. Table 4-24 represents the NRI exposure values for each county, where exposure is defined as “the representative value of buildings (in dollars), population (in both people and population equivalence dollars), or agriculture (in dollars) potentially exposed to a natural hazard occurrence”. Table 4-25 below represents the value of agriculture, value of buildings, and amount of people, with a population equivalence value, that are potentially vulnerable to wildfires. County Agriculture Value Population Amount Population Equivalence Value Building Value Total Value (With Population Equivalence Value) Alexander $12,650,115 2,180.76 $25,296,867,060 $379,833,873 $25,689,351,048 Burke $4,597,847 2,861.79 $33,196,799,615 $328,994,710 $33,530,392,172 Caldwell $3,601,662 3,339.27 $38,735,532,747 $526,553,187 $39,265,687,596 Catawba $7,914,444 14,105.36 $163,622,226,553 $2,913,887,050 $166,544,028,047 Total Value $28,764,068 22,487 $260,851,425,975 $4,149,268,820 $265,029,458,863 Table 4-25: Exposure values for Wildfires from the NRI 4.5.4. Tornado A tornado is a violent windstorm characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud extending to the ground. Tornadoes are most often generated by thunderstorm activity (but sometimes result from hurricanes and tropical storms) when cool, dry air intersects and overrides a layer of warm, moist air forcing the warm air to rise rapidly. The damage caused by a tornado is a result of the high wind velocity and wind-blown debris, also accompanied by lightning or large hail. According to the National Weather Service, tornado wind speeds normally range from 40 to more than 300 miles per hour. The most violent tornadoes have rotating winds of 250 miles per hour or more and can cause extreme destruction and turning normally harmless objects into deadly missiles. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-61 Each year, an average of over 800 tornadoes is reported nationwide, resulting in an average of 80 death(s) and 1,500 injuries (NOAA, 2002). They are more likely to occur during the spring and early summer months of March through June and can occur at any time of day but are likely to form in the late afternoon and early evening. Most tornadoes are a few dozen yards wide and touch down briefly, but even small short-lived tornadoes can inflict tremendous damage. Highly destructive tornadoes may carve out a path over a mile wide and several miles long. Waterspouts are weak tornadoes that form over warm water and are most common along the Gulf Coast and southeastern states. Waterspouts occasionally move inland, becoming tornadoes that cause damage and injury. However, most waterspouts dissipate over the open Storm Category Damage Level 3 Second Gust (mph) Description of Damages Photo Example EF0 GALE 65–85 Some damage to chimneys; breaks branch off trees; pushes over shallow-rooted trees; damages to sign boards EF1 WEAK 86–110 The lower limit is the beginning of hurricane wind speed; peels surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned; moving autos pushed off the roads; attached garages might be destroyed. EF2 STRONG 111–135 Considerable damage. Roofs torn off frame houses; mobile homes demolished; boxcars pushed over; large trees snapped or uprooted; light object missiles generated. EF3 SEVERE 136–165 Roof and some walls torn off well- constructed houses; trains overturned; most trees in forest uprooted. EF4 DEVASTATING 166–200 Well-constructed houses leveled; structures with weak foundations blown off some distance; cars thrown, and large missiles generated. EF5 INCREDIBLE 200+ Strong frame houses lifted off foundations and carried considerable distances to disintegrate; automobile sized missiles fly in excess of 100 meters; trees debarked; steel re- enforced concrete structures badly damaged. Table 4- 26: Enhanced Fujita Scale for Tornadoes. Source: NOAA and FEMA ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-62 Draft water causing threats only to marine and boating interests. Typically, a waterspout is weak and short-lived, and because they are so common, most go unreported unless they cause damage. The destruction caused by tornadoes ranges from light to inconceivable depending on the intensity, size, and duration of the storm. Typically, tornadoes cause the greatest damages to structures of light construction such as residential homes (particularly mobile homes) and tend to remain localized in impact. Table 4- 26 shows the Enhanced Fujita Scale for Tornadoes which was developed to measure tornado strength and associated damages. According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center (SPC), the highest concentration of tornadoes in the United States has been in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Florida respectively. Although the Great Plains region of the Central United States does favor the development of the largest and most dangerous tornadoes (earning the designation of “tornado alley”), Florida experiences the greatest number of tornadoes per square mile of all U.S. states. Figure 4- 24shows tornado activity in the United States based on the number of recorded tornadoes per 1,000 square miles. The tornadoes associated with tropical cyclones are most frequent in September and October when the incidence of tropical storm systems is greatest. This type of tornado usually occurs around the perimeter of the storm, and most often to the right and ahead of the storm path or Figure 4- 24: Tornado Activity in the United States. Source: American Society of Civil Engineers ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-63 the storm center as it comes ashore. These tornadoes commonly occur as part of large outbreaks and generally move in an easterly direction. 4.5.4.1. Location within the Planning Area Tornadoes are unpredictable manifestations and are not isolated to a specific geographic location. Therefore, it is assumed that the entire planning area is exposed to this hazard. Figure 4-25: Historic Tornado Point Locations and Damage Paths in the Unifour Region (1951-2019) ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-64 Draft Figure 4- 26: Tornado Hazard Areas for Burke County Figure 4- 27: Tornado Hazard Areas for Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-65 Figure 4- 28: Tornado Hazard Areas for Caldwell County Figure 4- 29:Tornado Hazard Areas for Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-66 Draft Figure 4- 30: Tornado Hazard Areas (Depicting Probability High-Low) for Burke County Figure 4- 31: Tornado Hazard Areas (Depicting Probability High-Low) ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-67 Figure 4- 33: Tornado Hazard Areas (Depicting Probability High-Low) for Catawba County Figure 4- 32: Tornado Hazard Areas (Depicting Probability High-Low) for Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-68 Draft 4.5.4.2. Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Definition: Tornado hazard extent is measured by tornado occurrences in the US provided by FEMA as well as the Fujita/Enhanced Fujita Scale. Extent Event: Tornadoes of any magnitude and severity are possible within the planning area. Since 1951, the highest magnitude tornado to impact the Unifour Region has been an F4 on the Fujita Scale for Tornado Damage which has occurred on 05/05/1989 in Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) and on 05/07/1998 in Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area). The following table provides the highest recorded events in the jurisdictions below. Location Date Magnitude Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) 03/05/83 F1 Burke County (Unincorporated Area) 09/27/10 EF1 Burke County (Unincorporated Area) 10/08/17 EF1 City of Morganton 05/24/79 F2 Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) 05/07/98 F4 Town of Hudson 07/09/77 F0 Town of Sawmills 10/08/17 EF0 Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) 05/05/89 F4 City of Claremont 10/26/10 EF2 City of Hickory 08/09/51 F2 City of Newton 08/18/54 F2 Town of Maiden 05/23/73 F1 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-69 4.5.4.3. Historical Occurrences Between 2013 and 2023, there have been 14 reports of tornados in the Unifour Counties which have a total associated property damage value of $2,506,000 and no injuries or deaths reported to be associated with the tornados. County Location Date Magnitude Reported Property Damage Catawba Duan 5/1/2017 EF0 $10,000 Burke Co. Camp Creek 10/8/2017 EF0 $1,000 Connelly Springs EF1 $150,000 Caldwell Baton EF0 $10,000 Hudson EF1 $300,000 Catawba Plateau 10/23/2017 EF0 $0 Burke Hickory Municipal Airport EF2 $1,500,000 Catawba Longview EF1 $500,000 Caldwell Grace Chapel $0 Alexander Bethlehem $0 All Healing Springs $0 Smith’s Store 4/19/2019 EF0 $5,000 Stony Pt 8/17/2021 EF1 $5,000 All Healing Springs 3/23/2022 EF1 $25,000 Table 4-27: Tornados Reported by the NCDC Storm Events Database between 2013-2023 in the Unifour Counties13 The historical occurrences ranging from 2013 to 2023 have been identified based on the NCDC Storm Events database (Table 4-27) and can be viewed in the NCDC Storm Events Database. It should be noted that only those historical occurrences listed in the NCDC database are shown here and that other, unrecorded, or unreported events may have occurred within the planning area during this timeframe. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-70 Draft According to the Storm Event Database, between 1950 and 2023 there have been 50 recorded instances of tornados in the Unifour Counties. These 50 reported events have caused an estimated $52,618,500 in property damage, $0 in crop damages, 0 deaths, and 17 injuries. The highest magnitude tornado on record is an EF4 and The lowest magnitude tornado on record is an EF0. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-71 4.5.4.4. Probability of Future Occurrences County Alexander Catawba Burke Caldwell EAL Value $872,000 $5.2 Million $2.2 Million $1.6 Million Rating Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Risk Index Score 48.2 89.2 74.8 66.7 Rating Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Frequency (Events per Year) 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 Historic Loss Ratio Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Table 4- 28: Tornado NRI EAL Values, Ratings, Risk Index Score and Rating, Frequency, and Historic Loss Ratio for Unifour Counties Based on the analyses performed in IRISK, the probability of future Tornado is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction. 4.5.4.5. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low - Less Than 1% Annual Probability of Ef2 Event  Medium - Between 1% And 10% Annual Probability of Ef2 Event  High - More Than 10% Annual Probability of Ef2 Event Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Low Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Low Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Low Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Low City of Claremont Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-72 Draft Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence City of Conover Low City of Hickory Low City of Lenoir Low City of Morganton Low City of Newton Low Town of Brookford Low Town of Cajah's Mountain Low Town of Catawba Low Town of Connelly Springs Low Town of Drexel Low Town of Gamewell Low Town of Glen Alpine Low Town of Granite Falls Low Town of Hildebran Low Town of Hudson Low Town of Long View Low Town of Maiden Low Town of Rhodhiss Low Town of Rutherford College Low Town of Sawmills Low Town of Taylorsville Low Town of Valdese Low Village of Cedar Rock Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-73 4.5.4.6. Tornado Hazard Vulnerability All the inventoried assets in the Unifour Region are exposed to potential tornado activity. Any specific vulnerability of individual assets would depend greatly on individual design, building characteristics, and any existing mitigation measures currently in place. Such site-specific vulnerability determinations are outside the scope of this risk assessment but may be considered during future updates. 4.5.4.7. Climate Change As reported by the North Carolina State Hazard Mitigation Plan, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), predicts that tornado events in the future are likely to become more frequent in the southeastern USA because of weather extremes. While the number of annual days of which weather conditions were favorable for tornadoes decreased from 1979 to 2020 across the southern parts of the traditional ‘Tornado Alley’ in the central part of the continental USA, an increase was observed from the Mississippi Valley across much of the Southeast over the same period. Tornado potential is measured by an index that NASA created called the Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) index. This measures how warm and moist the air is, which is a major contributing factor in tornado formation. NASA projects that by the period of 2072-2099 the CAPE in the Unifour Region will increase by 300-400J/kg, which places it in the area likely to experience the second greatest increase in CAPE in the United States. This indicates that there will potentially be even more frequent tornadoes in the Unifour Region going forward. The North Carolina Climate Science Report also suggests that the overall occurrence of tornadoes will likely increase due to climate change throughout the State. Since the 1970s, the United States has experienced a decrease in the number of days per year on which tornadoes occur but an increase in the number of tornadoes that form on such days. In other words, the frequency of days with large numbers of tornadoes (tornado outbreaks) appears to be increasing, with the result that the total number of tornadoes per year may be increasing. Hurricanes are in some instances associated with the production of tornadoes. Stronger hurricanes resulting from the effects of climate change would in theory be more prone to produce tornadoes due County Agriculture Exposure Population Exposure Population Equivalence Building Exposure Total exposure Value (including population equivalent value) Alexander $202,258,636 36,437.00 $422,669,200,000 $6,490,937,927 $429,362,396,563 Burke $93,436,823 87,532.00 $1,015,371,200,000 $13,643,350,490 $1,029,107,987,313 Caldwell $55,120,539 80,586.00 $934,797,600,000 $15,099,673,534 $949,952,394,073 Catawba $88,641,140 160,509.00 $1,861,904,400,000 $37,175,998,799 $1,899,169,039,939 Total $439,457,138 $365,064 $4,234,742,400,000 $72,409,960,750 $4,307,591,817,888 Table 4- 29: NRI Exposure Values and Vulnerability for Tornados ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-74 Draft to a stronger wind field, but there is very low confidence in this projection due to the limited research results to date. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-75 4.5.5. Earthquake An earthquake is the motion or trembling of the ground produced by sudden displacement of rock in the Earth's crust. Earthquakes result from crustal strain, volcanism, landslides or the collapse of caverns. Earthquakes can affect hundreds of thousands of square miles; cause damage to property measured in the tens of billions of dollars; result in loss of life and injury to hundreds of thousands of persons; and disrupt the social and economic functioning of the affected area. Most property damage and earthquake-related death(s) are caused by the failure and collapse of structures due to ground shaking. The level of damage depends upon the amplitude and duration of the shaking, which are directly related to the earthquake size, distance from the fault, site and regional geology. Other damaging earthquake effects include landslides, the down- slope movement of soil and rock (mountain regions and along hillsides), and liquefaction, in which ground soil loses the ability to resist shear and flows much like quicksand. In the case of liquefaction, anything relying on the substrata for support can shift, tilt, rupture or collapse. Most earthquakes are caused by the release of stresses accumulated because of the rupture of rocks along opposing fault planes in the Earth’s outer crust. These fault planes are typically found along borders of the Earth's 10 tectonic plates. These plate borders generally follow the outlines of the continents, with the North American plate following the continental border with the Pacific Ocean in the west but following the mid-Atlantic trench in the east. As earthquakes occurring in the mid-Atlantic trench usually pose little danger to humans, the greatest earthquake threat in North America is along the Pacific Coast. The areas of greatest tectonic instability occur at the perimeters of the slowly moving plates, as these locations are subjected to the greatest strains from plates traveling in opposite directions and at different speeds. Deformation along plate boundaries causes strain in the rock and the consequent buildup of stored energy. When the built-up stress exceeds the rocks' strength, a rupture occurs. The rock on both sides of the fracture is snapped, releasing the stored energy and producing seismic waves, generating an earthquake. Earthquakes are measured in terms of their magnitude and intensity. Magnitude is measured using the Richter Scale, an open-ended logarithmic scale that describes the energy release of an earthquake through a measure of shock wave amplitude (see Table 4- 30). Each unit increase in magnitude on the Richter Scale corresponds to a 10-fold increase in wave amplitude, or a 32-fold increase in energy. Intensity is measured using the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) Scale based on direct and indirect measurements of seismic effects. The scale levels are typically described using roman numerals, with a I corresponding to imperceptible (instrumental) events, IV corresponding to moderate (felt by people awake), to XII for catastrophic (total destruction). A detailed description of the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale of earthquake intensity and its correspondence to the Richter Scale is given in Table 4- 30. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-76 Draft RICHTER MAGNITUDES EARTHQUAKE EFFECTS Less than 3.5 Generally, not felt but recorded. 3.5-5.4 Often felt, but rarely causes damage. Under 6.0 At most slight damage to well-designed buildings. Can cause major damage to poorly constructed buildings over small regions. 6.1-6.9 Can be destructive in areas up to about 100 kilometers across where people live. 7.0-7.9 Major earthquake. Can cause serious damage over larger areas. 8 or greater Great earthquake. Can cause serious damage in areas several hundred kilometers across. Table 4- 30: Richter Scale. Source: North Carolina Division of Emergency Management SCALE INTENSITY DESCRIPTION OF EFFECTS CORRESPONDING RICHTER SCALE MAGNITUDE I Instrumental Detected only on seismographs II Feeble Some people feel it <4.2 III Slight Felt by people resting; like a truck rumbling by IV Moderate Felt by people walking V Strong Sleepers awake; church bells ring <4.8 VI Strong Trees sway; suspended objects swing, objects fall off shelves <5.4 VII Very Strong Mild Alarm; walls crack; plaster falls <6.1 VIII Destructive Moving cars uncontrollable; masonry fractures, poorly constructed buildings damaged ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-77 SCALE INTENSITY DESCRIPTION OF EFFECTS CORRESPONDING RICHTER SCALE MAGNITUDE IX Ruinous Some houses collapse; ground cracks; pipes break open <6.9 X Disastrous Ground cracks profusely; many buildings destroyed; liquefaction and landslides widespread <7.3 XI Very Disastrous Most buildings and bridges collapse; roads, railways, pipes and cables destroyed; general triggering of other hazards <8.1 XII Catastrophic Total destruction: trees fall; ground rises and falls in waves >8.1 Table 4- 31: Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale for Earthquakes Source: North Carolina Division of Emergency Management Source: United States Geological Survey Figure 4- 34 shows the probability that ground motion will reach a certain level during an earthquake. The data show peak horizontal ground acceleration (the fastest measured change Figure 4- 34: Peak Acceleration with 10 Percent Probability of Exceedance in 50 Years ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-78 Draft in speed, for a particle at ground level that is moving horizontally due to an earthquake) with a 10 percent probability of exceedance in 50 years. The map was compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Geologic Hazards Team, which conducts global investigations of earthquake, geomagnetic, and landslide hazards. 4.5.5.1. Earthquake Hazard Analysis Location within the Planning Area The below figures show peak ground acceleration and historic earthquake epicenters for the state of North Carolina and relevant surrounding areas. Figure 4- 35: Earthquake Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-79 Figure 4- 36: Earthquake Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-80 Draft Figure 4- 37: Earthquake Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-81 Figure 4-38: Earthquake Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-82 Draft Figure 4-39: Earthquake Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-83 Figure 4-40: Earthquake Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-84 Draft Figure 4- 41: Faults and Geological age of areas in and around the Unifour Counties 4.5.5.2. Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Definition: Earthquake extent can be measured by the Richter Scale and the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. Extent Event: The most severe earthquake felt in the Unifour Region since the mid-1800s was a six (VI) on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. This event occurred in 1886, the effects of which were reported specifically in the City of Hickory which was 337 miles from the epicenter of the earthquake. The effects of this magnitude earthquake typically include trees swaying, suspended objects swinging, and objects falling off shelves. Earthquakes of greater magnitude may be possible within the region; however, this is known to be the greatest severity currently on record. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-85 4.5.5.3. Historical Occurrences Date Location Intensity (MMI) Details 09/01/1886 Hickory VI 337 miles from epicenter 02/21/1916 Hickory V 107 miles from epicenter 08/26/1916 Newton IV 42 miles from epicenter 11/03/1928 Newton III 130 miles from epicenter 05/13/1957 Claremont IV 76 miles from epicenter 05/13/1957 Conover IV 70 miles from epicenter 05/13/1957 Hickory V 59 miles from epicenter 05/13/1957 Maiden IV 73 miles from epicenter 05/13/1957 Newton IV 71 miles from epicenter 09/13/1976 Long View II 109 miles from epicenter Table 4-32: Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale for Earthquakes Source: National Geophysical Data Center/World Data Service (NGDC/WDS) Significant Earthquake Database. Date Magnitude+ Closest County Closest City Approximate Distance from City (miles) 2023-06-04 3.24 md Burke Glen Alpine 62.4 2023-05-23 2.76 md Burke Glen Alpine 61.7 2022-12-08 2.69 md Burke Glen Alpine 49.5 2022-10-25 2.59 md Alexander Taylorsville 46.8 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-86 Draft Date Magnitude+ Closest County Closest City Approximate Distance from City (miles) 2021-11-21 2.56 md Caldwell Lenoir 56.2 2021-08-17 2.65 md Burke Morganton 4.5 2021-02-12 2.79 md Burke Glen Alpine 45 2021-02-04 2.56 md Alexander Taylorsville 39.5 2020-10-25 2.81 md Alexander Taylorsville 41.5 2020-10-01 2.63 md Caldwell Cedar Rock 38.5 2020-08-11 2.87 md Alexander Taylorsville 38.5 2020-08-09 5.1 mw Alexander Taylorsville 38.4 2020-08-09 2.62 md Alexander Taylorsville 39 2019-09-12 2.54 md Burke Glen Alpine 90 2019-08-18 2.51 md Burke Glen Alpine 48 2019-03-26 2.61 md Burke Glen Alpine 92 2018-06-10 2.68 md Alexander Taylorsville 24 Table 4- 33: Earthquakes reported by the USGS between 2023 and 2018 within 100 miles of the Unifour Counties14 +Magnitude Types15:  Mw= Computed for all M5.0 or larger earthquakes worldwide, but generally robust for all M5.5 worldwide. Provides consistent results to M~4.5 within a regional network of high- quality broadband stations. Authoritative USGS magnitude if computed. o 4 or larger  Md = Based on the duration of shaking as measured by the time decay of the amplitude of the seismogram. Sometimes the only magnitude available for very small events, but often used (especially in the past) to compute magnitude from seismograms with "clipped" waveforms due to limited dynamic recording range of analog instrumentation, which makes it impossible to measure peak amplitudes. Computed by NEIC but only published when there is no other magnitude available. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-87 o 4 or smaller 4.5.5.4. Probability of Future Occurrences County Alexander Catawba Burke Caldwell EAL Value $145,000 $1.1 Million $338,000 $407,000 Rating Very Low Relatively Low Relatively Low Relatively Low Risk Index Score 54.7 83.6 69.1 68.5 Rating Very Low Relatively Low Relatively Low Very Low Frequency Chance per Year) 0.046% 0.049% 0.058% 0.054% Historic Loss Ratio Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Relatively Low Table 4- 34: NRI Earthquake EAL, Risk Index, Frequency, and Historic Loss Ratio Based on the analyses performed in IRISK, the probability of future Earthquake is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction. 4.5.5.5. Climate Change Some recent studies have suggested that climate change may cause more earthquakes by increasing the weight of water on the earth’s crust and destabilizing cracks and faults, leading to more seismic activity. However, this is only assumed to be a potential issue in areas that are more seismically volatile than the southeastern USA, and it is unlikely to impact the Unifour Region. Neither the current North Carolina State Hazard Mitigation Plan nor the North Carolina Climate Science report consider that climate change may increase the probability of earthquakes in the State. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low - Less Than 1% Annual Probability Of 500-Year Earthquake  Medium - Between 1% And 10% Annual Probability Of 500-Year Earthquake  High - More Than 10% Annual Probability Of 500-Year Earthquake Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-88 Draft Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Low Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Low Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Low City of Claremont Low City of Conover Low City of Hickory Low City of Lenoir Low City of Morganton Low City of Newton Low Town of Brookford Low Town of Cajah's Mountain Low Town of Catawba Low Town of Connelly Springs Low Town of Drexel Low Town of Gamewell Low Town of Glen Alpine Low Town of Granite Falls Low Town of Hildebran Low Town of Hudson Low Town of Long View Low Town of Maiden Low Town of Rhodhiss Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-89 Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Town of Rutherford College Low Town of Sawmills Low Town of Taylorsville Low Town of Valdese Low Village of Cedar Rock Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-90 Draft 4.5.5.6. Earthquake Hazard Vulnerability Vulnerability for earthquake for the area is considered, in relative terms, to be limited should a significant earthquake event occur. The following tables provide loss estimates for the 500-, 1,000- and 2,500- year return periods based on probabilistic scenarios. Loss data was provided by NCEM’s IHRM Program. These estimates include structural, contents and inventory losses for agricultural, commercial, education, government, industrial, religious and residential building occupancy types. The loss ratio is the loss estimate divided by the total potential exposure total of improved and contents value for all buildings located within the 100-year floodplain) and displayed as a percentage of loss. FEMA considers loss ratios greater than 10% to be significant and an indicator a community may have more difficulties recovering from an event. These loss estimates do not include income losses, such as lost wages, rental expenses, relocation costs, etc. that can occur following an earthquake. All future structures and infrastructure built in the Unifour region will be vulnerable to seismic events and may also experience damage not accounted for in these estimated losses. Contents value for all buildings located within the 100-year floodplain) and displayed as a percentage of loss. FEMA considers loss ratios greater than 10% to be significant and an indicator a community may have more difficulties recovering from an event. These loss estimates do not include income losses, such as lost wages, rental expenses, relocation costs, etc. that can occur following an earthquake. All future structures and infrastructure built in the Unifour will be vulnerable to seismic events and may also experience damage not accounted for in these estimated losses. Table 4- 35: Exposure values and vulnerability from the NRI for earthquakes Table 4- 35 represents the agricultural, population number and equivalence, building, and total exposure value in terms of USD and population number. County Agriculture Exposure Population Exposure Population Equivalence Building Exposure Total exposure Value (including population equivalent value) Alexander N/A 36,444.00 $422,750,400,000 $6,490,861,000 $429,241,261,000 Burke 87,570.00 $1,015,812,000,000 $13,643,108,000 $1,029,455,108,000 Caldwell 80,652.00 $935,563,200,000 $15,099,454,000 $950,662,654,000 Catawba 160,610.00 $1,863,076,000,000 $37,175,602,000 $1,900,251,602,000 Total N/A 365,276.00 4,237,201,600,000.00 72,409,025,000.00 4,309,610,625,000.00 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-91 4.5.6. Landslide A landslide is the downward and outward movement of slope-forming soil, rock, and vegetation, which is driven by gravity. Landslides may be triggered by both natural and human-caused changes in the environment, including heavy rain, rapid snow melt, steepening of slopes due to construction or erosion, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and changes in groundwater levels. There are several types of landslides: rock falls, rock topple, slides, and flows. Rock falls are rapid movements of bedrock, which result in bouncing or rolling. A topple is a section or block of rock that rotates or tilts before falling to the slope below. Slides are movements of soil or rock along a distinct surface of rupture, which separates the slide material from the more stable underlying material. Mudflows, sometimes referred to as mudslides, mudflows, lahars, or debris avalanches, are fast-moving rivers of rock, earth, and other debris saturated with water. They develop when water rapidly accumulates in the ground, such as heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt, changing the soil into a flowing river of mud or 'slurry.' Slurry can flow rapidly down slopes or through channels and can strike with little or no warning at avalanche speeds. Slurry can travel several miles from its source, growing as it picks up trees, cars, and other materials along the way. As the flows reach flatter ground, the mudflow spreads over a broad area where it can accumulate in thick deposits. Landslides are typically associated with periods of heavy rainfall or rapid snow melt and tend to worsen the effects of flooding that often accompanies these events. In areas burned by forest and brush fires, a lower threshold of precipitation may initiate landslides. Some landslides move slowly and cause damage gradually, whereas others move so rapidly that they can destroy property and take lives suddenly and unexpectedly. Among the most destructive types of debris flows are those that accompany volcanic eruptions. A spectacular example in the United States was a massive debris flow resulting from the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens, Washington. Areas near the bases of many volcanoes in the Cascade Mountain Range of California, Oregon and Washington are at risk from the same types of flows during future volcanic eruptions. Areas that are generally prone to landslide hazards include previous landslide areas; the bases of steep slopes; the bases of drainage channels; and developed hillsides where leach-field septic systems are used. Areas that are typically considered safe from landslides include areas that have not moved in the past; relatively flat-lying areas away from sudden changes in slope; and areas at the top or along ridges, set back from the tops of slopes. In the United States, it is estimated that landslides cause up to $2 billion in damages and from 25 to 50 death(s) annually. Globally, landslides cause billions of dollars in damage and thousands of death(s) and injuries each year. Figure 4- 42 delineates areas where large numbers of landslides have occurred and areas which are susceptible to landslides in the conterminous United States. This map layer is provided in the U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1183, Landslide Overview Map of the Conterminous United States, available online at http://landslides.usgs.gov/html_files/landslides/nationalmap/national.html . ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-92 Draft Source: United States Geological Survey Figure 4- 42: Landslide Overview Map of the Conterminous United States ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-93 4.5.6.1. Landslide Hazard Analysis Figure 4- 43: Landslide Risk in NC from the State Hazard Mitigation Plan (2023) 4.5.6.2. Location within the Planning Area The below figures show information developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) which depicts areas of landslide incidence and susceptibility. This information suggests that there is some significant potential risk that is not supported by any historical data or detailed landslide hazard mapping presently available for the planning area. In addition, the figures show slope and average annual precipitation data for the plan area. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-94 Draft Figure 4- 44: Landslide Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-95 Figure 4- 45: Landslide Hazard Areas for Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-96 Draft Figure 4- 46: Landslide Hazard Areas for Burke County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-97 Figure 4- 47: Landslide Hazard Areas for Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-98 Draft Figure 4- 48: Landslide Hazard Areas for Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-99 4.5.6.3. Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Definition: Landslide data is provided from United States Geological Survey (USGS). Extent Event: The magnitude and severity of landslides can vary greatly depending on terrain and other highly localized factors. There were four anecdotal reported landslides in the Unifour Region, however there is no data available on the severity of these landslides as they were provided by local knowledge through the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee. Mitigation strategy regarding landslide identification and mapping will be considered in future mitigation actions for the Unifour Region. 4.5.6.4. Historical Occurrences Table 4- 36 provides a summary of this historical information by participating jurisdiction. It is important to note that many of the events attributed to the county are countywide or cover large portions of the county. The individual counts by jurisdiction are for those events that are only attributed to that one jurisdiction. County Location Movement Date Rate Type Slope Configuration Fatalities Alexander Hiddenite 9/17/2014 Rapid (>5m/sec) Fall Cut Slope – Not road Related 1 Burke Morganton 12/9/2016 Slide Embankment – Not road related 0 Marrion 10/2/2019 Valdese 12/8/2020 Flow Road Embankment Valdese 1/20/2020 Slow (>1.6 m / Year) Slide Road Cut Ashford 1/30/2020 Flow Unmodified Linville Falls 1/22/2024 Linville Falls 1/31/2024 Flow ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-100 Draft County Location Movement Date Rate Type Slope Configuration Fatalities Linville Falls 2/12/2024 Flow Unmodified Caldwell Globe 1/21/2015 Extremely Rapid (>5m/sec) Flow Road Embankment 0 Table 4- 36: Landslide Points and available related data recorded by the NC Department of Environmental Quality for Caldwell, Burke, and Alexander County (No reported events for Catawba County Available)16 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-101 4.5.6.5. Probability of Future Occurrences The probability of future Landslide is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction: County Alexander Catawba Burke Caldwell EAL Value $22,000 $150,000 $182,000 $560,000 Rating Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively High Risk Index Score 49 92.3 94 98 Rating Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively High Frequency (Events per Year) 0 0 0 0.2 Historic Loss Ratio Very Low Very Low Very Low Very Low Table 4- 37: NRI Landslide EAL, Risk Index Values, Frequency, and Historic Loss Ratio 4.5.6.6. Climate Change The increasing intensity of rainfall events anticipated because of climate change will likely lead to an increase in the number and extent of global landslide occurrences. However, there is very little readily available evidence or studies that indicate a significant increase in landslide activity is likely in the Unifour Region. The current North Carolina State Hazard Mitigation Plan does not suggest that climate change may increase the increase the probability of earthquakes in North Carolina outside the mountainous regions in the western part of the state. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low: Less than 1% annual probability  Medium: Between 1% and 10% annual probability  High: Greater than 10% annual probability Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Medium ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-102 Draft Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) High City of Claremont High City of Conover High City of Hickory High City of Lenoir Medium City of Morganton Medium City of Newton High Town of Brookford Medium Town of Cajah's Mountain Medium Town of Catawba High Town of Connelly Springs Medium Town of Drexel Medium Town of Gamewell Medium Town of Glen Alpine Medium Town of Granite Falls Medium Town of Hildebran High Town of Hudson Medium Town of Long View High Town of Maiden Medium Town of Rhodhiss Medium ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-103 Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Town of Rutherford College Medium Town of Sawmills Medium Town of Taylorsville Medium Town of Valdese Medium Village of Cedar Rock Medium 4.5.6.7. Landslide Hazard Vulnerability Sufficient hazard information is not currently available with which to conduct a detailed vulnerability assessment. In addition, any specific vulnerability of individual assets would depend on individual design, building characteristics, and any existing mitigation measures currently in place. Such site-specific vulnerability determinations are outside the scope of this risk assessment but may be considered during future plan updates. Mitigation strategy regarding landslide identification and mapping will be considered in future mitigation actions for the Region. County Agriculture Exposure Population Exposure Population Equivalence Building Exposure Total exposure Value (including population equivalent value) Alexander N/A 36,444.00 $422,750,400,000 $6,490,861,000 $429,241,261,000 Burke 45,828.35 $531,608,893,634 $6,939,551,997 $538,548,445,631 Caldwell 43,002.41 $498,827,936,038 $8,693,517,302 $507,521,453,340 Catawba 58,367.72 $677,065,519,369 $13,751,638,365 $690,817,157,735 Total 183,642.48 $2,130,252,749,041.00 $35,875,568,664.00 $2,166,128,317,706.00 Table 4- 38: Landslide NRI Exposure data and vulnerability summary ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-104 Draft 4.5.7. Snow A winter storm can range from a moderate snow over a period of a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms may be large enough to affect several states, while others may affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by low temperatures and heavy and/or blowing snow, which can severely impair visibility. 4.5.7.1. Snow Hazard Analysis In general, winter weather events may include snow, sleet, freezing rain, or a mix of these wintry forms of precipitation, all of which may create locally hazardous conditions regardless of the magnitude of the overall event. Blizzards, the most dangerous of all winter storms, combine heavy snowfall, low temperatures, and winds of at least 35 mph, reducing visibility to only a few yards. Blizzards have been reported in several counties in western North Carolina. 4.5.7.2. Location within the Planning Area Winter weather, including blizzards, frosts/freezes, heavy snow and sleet, are widespread atmospheric conditions that are not isolated to a specific geographic location. Therefore, it is assumed that the entire planning area is exposed to this hazard. However, it is possible to map average annual snowfall and greatest one-day snowfall as an indicator of where severe conditions have been observed historically in the plan Area. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-105 · Areas Figure 4- 49: Snow Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-106 Draft Figure 4- 50: Snow Hazard Areas for Taylorsville ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-107 Figure 4- 51: Snow Hazard Areas Connely Springs ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-108 Draft Figure 4- 52: Snow Hazard Areas for Drexel ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-109 Figure 4- 53: Snow Hazard Areas for Glen Alpine ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-110 Draft Figure 4- 54: Snow Hazard Areas for Hildebran ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-111 Figure 4- 55: Snow Hazard Areas for Morganton ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-112 Draft Figure 4- 56: Snow Hazard Areas for Rutherford College ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-113 Figure 4- 57: Snow Hazard Areas for Valdese ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-114 Draft Figure 4- 58: Snow Hazard Areas for Cajah's Mountain ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-115 Figure 4- 59: Snow Hazard Areas for Cedar Rock ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-116 Draft Figure 4- 60: Snow Hazard Areas for Gamewell ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-117 Figure 4- 61: Snow Hazard Areas for Granite Falls ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-118 Draft Figure 4- 62: Snow Hazard Areas for Hudson ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-119 Figure 4- 63: Snow Hazard Areas for Lenoir ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-120 Draft Figure 4- 64: Snow Hazard Areas for Rhodhiss ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-121 Figure 4- 65: Snow Hazard Areas for Sawmills ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-122 Draft Figure 4- 66: Snow Hazard Areas for Brookford ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-123 Figure 4- 67: Snow Hazard Areas for Catawba ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-124 Draft Figure 4- 68: Snow Hazard Areas for Claremont ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-125 Figure 4- 69: Snow Hazard Areas for Conover ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-126 Draft Figure 4- 70: Snow Hazard Areas for Hickory ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-127 Figure 4- 71: Snow Hazard Areas for Long View ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-128 Draft Figure 4- 72: Snow Hazard Areas for Maiden ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-129 Figure 4- 73: Snow Hazard Areas for Newton ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-130 Draft Figure 4- 74: Snow Hazard Areas for Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-131 4.5.7.3. Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Definition: The extent of winter storms can be measured by the amount of snowfall received (in inches). Extent Event: The highest recorded event for the planning area occurred in Catawba County in 2004. The area received a total of 12-22 inches of snow across the county with the rate of snowfall at 3-4 incher per hour. This event created an estimated $2,000 in property damage. Alexander (Zone), Burke (Zone), Caldwell (Zone) and Catawba (Zone) include all jurisdictions. 4.5.7.4. Historical Occurrences The Appendix A contains a table with all recorded events of heavy snow, winter weather, and winter storms from 2018-2023, but the notable accounts of heavy snow in the Unifour counties are summarized below from the NCDC Storm Events database event narratives, unless sources are otherwise specified. Alexander, Caldwell, Burke, and Catawba (12/8/2018): NCDC Episode Narrative: Snow developed across northwest North Carolina around midnight the morning of the 9th and began accumulating quickly. Moderate to heavy snow continued through the morning of the 9th before tapering off during the early afternoon. Storm total accumulations were generally in the 10-to-15-inch range, with lower amounts south of I- 40, and locally higher amounts across the mountains, particularly the high peaks along the Blue Ridge, where more than two feet fell. Travel was paralyzed across this area for a couple of days. A high-pressure system brought cold air over the state and brought temperatures at or below freezing for 2/3 of the state and in the mountains accumulations of over ten inches of snow were reported, while northern parts of the state received more than a foot of snow and well above the average annual snowfall due to the event17. Burke and Caldwell (1/8/2021): Snow developed across western North Carolina around midnight and continued through the morning of the 8th as an area of low pressure moved across the coastal plain of Georgia and the Carolinas. Heavy snow accumulations were reached across much of the northern mountains during the late morning before the snow tapered off to scattered snow showers and flurries throughout the afternoon and evening. Total accumulations ranged from 3 to 6 inches across this area, with locally higher totals of as much as 8 inches reported above 4500 feet. Alexander, Caldwell, Burke, Catawba (1/16/2022) ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-132 Draft Moisture overspread the North Carolina foothills and far western Piedmont early on the 16th as strengthening low pressure moved across the Deep South. Strong northeast winds supplied ample cold air for the precipitation to begin as light snow across much of the foothills. Snow continued into the overnight, becoming moderate to occasionally heavy, with snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour reported. Heavy snowfall criteria of 2 to 4 inches were reached in many areas by sunrise, with accumulating snow continuing through the morning hours before tapering off to occasional snow showers during the afternoon and evening. Total snow accumulations ranged from 5 to 10 inches across much of the area, with locally higher amounts along the eastern Blue Ridge escarpment. Travel was difficult to nearly impossible throughout the 16th and much of the 17th. 4.5.7.5. Probability of Future Occurrences County Alexander Catawba Burke Caldwell EAL Value $24,000 $95,000 $57,000 $55,000 Rating Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Risk Index Score 33.8 68.7 56.5 54.8 Rating Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Relatively Low Frequency (Events per Year) 2.4 2.2 2.7 2.8 Historic Loss Ratio Relatively Low Relatively Low Very Low Very Low Table 4- 39: NRI EAL, Risk Index Values, expected frequency, and Historic Loss Ratio for Winter Weather The probability of future Snow is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low: Less than 1% annual probability  Medium: Between 1% and 10% annual probability  High: Greater than 10% annual probability Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Medium ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-133 Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Medium City of Claremont Medium City of Conover Medium City of Hickory Medium City of Lenoir Medium City of Morganton Medium City of Newton Medium Town of Brookford Medium Town of Cajah's Mountain Medium Town of Catawba Medium Town of Connelly Springs Medium Town of Drexel Medium Town of Gamewell Medium Town of Glen Alpine Medium Town of Granite Falls Medium Town of Hildebran Medium Town of Hudson Medium Town of Long View Medium Town of Maiden Medium Town of Rhodhiss Medium Town of Rutherford College Medium ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-134 Draft Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Town of Sawmills Medium Town of Taylorsville Medium Town of Valdese Medium Village of Cedar Rock Medium 4.5.7.6. Snow Hazard Vulnerability All the inventoried assets in the Unifour Region are exposed to potential winter weather. Any specific vulnerabilities of individual assets would depend greatly on individual design, building characteristics (such as a flat roof), and any existing mitigation measures currently in place. Such site-specific vulnerability determinations are outside the scope of this risk assessment but may be considered during future updates. A qualitative factor in terms of vulnerability is a general lack of awareness on the part of county residents in preparing for and responding to winter storm conditions, such as snow in a manner that will minimize the danger to themselves and others. This lack of awareness is especially apparent when driving/roadway conditions catch motorists off-guard. Potential losses associated with winter storms, such as snow include the cost of the removal of snow from roadways, debris clean-up, and some indirect losses from power outages, etc. All future structures and infrastructure in the region will be vulnerable to winter storms. 4.5.7.7. Climate Change The uncertainty associated with potentially changing climate conditions creates unpredictability for future severe winter storms and their accompanying snowfall. While rising global temperatures are likely to cause shorter and warmer winters in many areas, there is also the possibility that the likelihood of dangerously low temperatures may increase due to continuing trends of temperature extremes. Warmer winters, however, mean that precipitation that would normally fall as snow may begin to fall as rain or freezing rain instead. According to the North Carolina Climate Science Report, it is very likely that total snowfall in the state will decrease, and it is also likely that the number of heavy snowstorms will decrease. Analysis of snowfall at North Carolina weather observing stations with long records found decreasing trends over the period of 1930–2007 at most stations, especially those outside of the mountainous region in the west of the state. However, some global climate models predict an increase in the number of winter storms under higher emissions scenarios, but even if there were increases in the frequency or intensity of winter storms, the effects of warmer winters would nevertheless lead to decreases in average annual snowfall. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-135 The NRI categorizes winter weather as a distinct category of risk, and Table 4- 40 below summarizes the exposure value of buildings, population, and agriculture, along with the population equivalent value, potentially vulnerable to winter weather hazards. Table 4- 40: Winter Weather NRI exposure values and vulnerability 4.5.8. Dam Failure Worldwide interest in dam and levee safety has risen significantly in recent years. Communities across the county, including those in Unifour, have an elevated interest in dam safety, operation, and maintenance due to aging infrastructure, new hydrologic information, and population growth in floodplain areas from dams and near levees. There are approximately 92,000 dams in the United States as of 2024, according to FEMA’s National Inventory of Dams, most of which are privately owned. Other owners include state and local authorities, public utilities, and federal agencies. Dams provide numerous benefits, such as storage for drinking water, safe navigation channels, and agricultural irrigation. Dams also provide hydroelectric power, create lakes for fishing and recreation, and save lives by preventing or reducing the impacts of flood hazard events. Though dams have many benefits, they can also pose a risk to communities if not correctly designed, operated, and maintained. When development exists of a dam, the energy of the water stored behind even a small dam can cause loss of life and significant property damage in the event of a dam failure. If a levee breaks, scores of properties are quickly submerged, and residents may become trapped by rapidly rising floodwater. The failure of dams and levees can potentially place large numbers of people and property in harm’s way. HHPD2-a. Location within the Planning Area The figures below show counts and locations of high and intermediate-hazard dams in each participating jurisdiction. County Agriculture Exposure Population Exposure Population Equivalence Building Exposure Total Exposure Value (including population equivalent value) Alexander $202,258,636 36,437 $422,669,200,000 $6,490,937,927 $429,362,396,563 Burke $93,434,888 87,524 $1,015,278,400,000 $13,642,218,341 $1,029,014,053,229 Caldwell $55,098,567 80,475 $933,512,735,709 $15,073,052,806 $948,640,887,082 Catawba $88,641,140 160,509 $1,861,904,400,000 $37,175,998,799 $1,899,169,039,939 Total $439,433,231 364,945 $4,233,364,735,709 $72,382,207,873 $4,306,186,376,813 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-136 Draft Figure 4- 75: Dam Failure Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-137 Figure 4- 76: Dam Failure Hazard Areas for Burke County Figure 4- 77: Dam Failure Hazard Areas for Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-138 Draft Jurisdiction High Intermediate Alexander Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) 8 0 Subtotal Alexander 8 0 Burke Burke County (Unincorporated Area) 4 5 City of Morganton 0 1 Figure 4- 78: Dam Failure Hazard Areas for Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-139 Jurisdiction High Intermediate Subtotal Burke 4 6 Caldwell Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) 4 2 City of Lenoir 2 0 Town of Granite Falls 1 2 Town of Sawmills 0 1 Subtotal Caldwell 7 5 Catawba Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) 5 5 City of Conover 1 0 City of Hickory 1 0 City of Newton 1 0 Subtotal Catawba 8 5 TOTAL PLAN 27 16 Table 4- 41: Counts of High Hazard and Intermediate Hazard Dams by Jurisdiction Source: North Carolina Dams Program, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR). HHPD2-a Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Two factors influence the potential severity of a dam failure: the amount of water impounded, and the density, type, and value of development and infrastructure located The potential extent of dam failure may be classified according to its “hazard potential,” meaning the probable damage that would occur if the structure failed in terms of loss of human life and economic loss or environmental damage. The State of North Carolina classifies dam structures under its regulations according to hazard potential as described in Table 4- 42. Figure 4- 79provides locations of State-regulated dams. It is important to note that these classifications are not based on the adequacy or structural integrity of the existing dam structures. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-140 Draft Hazard Classification Description Quantitative Guidelines Low Dams located where failure may damage uninhabited, low-value, non-residential buildings, agricultural land, or low-volume roads. 1) Less than 25 vehicles per day 2) Less than $30,000 Intermediate Dams located where failure may damage highways or secondary railroads, cause interruption of use or service of public utilities, cause minor damage to isolated homes, or cause minor damage to commercial and industrial buildings. 1) 25 to less than 250 vehicles per day 2) $30,000 to less than $200,000 Figure 4- 79: Locations of State-Regulated Dams ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-141 Hazard Classification Description Quantitative Guidelines High Dams located where failure will likely cause loss of life or serious damage to homes, industrial and commercial buildings, important public utilities, primary highways or major railroads. 1) Probable loss of 1 or more human lives 2) More than $200,000 Table 4- 42: Classification of Hazard Potential for North Carolina Dams Source: North Carolina Dams Program, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR). 4.5.8.1. Historical Occurrences No historical occurrences were identified in the planning area. 4.5.8.2. Probability of Future Occurrences The table below shows the probability of future dam failure by jurisdiction based on the analyses performed in IRISK. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low: Less than 1% annual probability  Medium: Between 1% and 10% annual probability  High: Greater than 10% annual probability Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Low Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Low Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Low Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-142 Draft Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence City of Claremont Low City of Conover Low City of Hickory Low City of Lenoir Low City of Morganton Low City of Newton Low Town of Brookford Low Town of Cajah's Mountain Low Town of Catawba Low Town of Connelly Springs Low Town of Drexel Low Town of Gamewell Low Town of Glen Alpine Low Town of Granite Falls Low Town of Hildebran Low Town of Hudson Low Town of Long View Low Town of Maiden Low Town of Rhodhiss Low Town of Rutherford College Low Town of Sawmills Low Town of Taylorsville Low Town of Valdese Low Village of Cedar Rock Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-143 4.5.8.3. HHPD2-b. Dam Failure Hazard Vulnerability There is a fundamental limitation in the data available for dam/levee failure hazard events regarding the planning area’s vulnerability assessment. Excellent data is available for GIS analysis, including point locations and mapped inundation areas. However, this robust data is primarily available for the dams owned by Duke Energy Corporation. These include the Bridgewater Dam, Lookout Shoals Dam, Oxford Dam, and Rhodhiss Dam PMF Inundation Areas. These large facilities would undoubtedly profoundly impact the planning area should a failure occur; however, such failures are extremely unlikely, and the HMPC feels strongly that these are not the structures that concern the Unifour Region. The dam structures that are of concern are smaller, privately owned, and unregulated dams for which no GIS data or inventories are currently available. These facilities could cause the most damage and disruption should a more common failure occur. Given the importance of smaller, privately owned, and/or unregulated dams and their gap in available data for the Unifour Region, it has been determined that presenting detailed risk assessment results for the Duke Energy facilities, even though data is available, would be misleading and unproductive for mitigation planning. It has also been determined that any rudimentary calculations based on the point locations for the dams mapped by NCDENR would also be potentially misleading if any buffer or proximity analysis was performed to estimate surrounding impacts should a failure occur. Given these caveats, subsequent sections speak to the potential significant impacts of a dam failure event. Therefore, any mitigation actions developed for this hazard should address data limitations, education and awareness programs, and/or any jurisdiction-specific concerns that may be addressable through an appropriate mitigation project. 4.5.8.4. HHPD2-a. Climate Change Climate and weather pattern changes are expected to lead to more severe storm events, likely increasing the risk of dam overtopping, structural damage, or other failures. In addition, hydraulic structures designed to current standards may not be sufficient to handle future climate change-driven conditions of more intense rainfall and runoff. Since the likelihood of dam failure depends on many factors in addition to climate considerations, detailed projections of future changes in the frequency of dam failures cannot be made with any degree of confidence. 4.5.8.5. HHPD2-a. Potential Significant Impacts of Dam Incidents This section highlights the critical vulnerabilities of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties to dam failures, focusing on infrastructure damage, population exposure, and economic impacts. Key analyses reveal the extent of cumulative road damages, populations at risk during morning and evening hours, and the financial losses associated with residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings. This data underscores the importance of targeted mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable populations, enhance infrastructure resilience, and ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-144 Draft reduce economic disruption. This section presents data from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's State Emergency Response Application (SERA), providing valuable insights for effective hazard mitigation planning. Dam failures can have significant impacts on infrastructure. Roads vulnerable to the impacts of dam failures can cause widespread infrastructure disruption that challenges emergency response efforts and impedes evacuation routes, directly affecting community safety and recovery efforts. Alexander County has the largest length of roadways vulnerable to the impacts of dam failure at 19.72 miles, followed by Caldwell (10.43 miles), Burke (8.93 miles), and Catawba (7.02 miles). Including these analyses supports planning efforts to prioritize infrastructure resilience, improve access during emergencies, and minimize disruptions to daily life. Highlighting populations exposed to the impacts of dam failures, categorized by age groups over and under 65 during morning (AM) and evening (PM) periods, is significant because it identifies the specific demographic vulnerabilities that must be addressed in the hazard mitigation planning process. This information allows for targeted strategies to protect those most at risk, such as older adults who may have mobility limitations or special medical needs, ensuring that emergency response plans are inclusive and effective. By understanding at-risk Counties Dams* With Available Impact Data Dams* Without Available Impact Data Alexander 6 2 Burke 4 6 Caldwell 6 9 Catawba 10 3 *In this context, “Dams” refer to all High and Intermediate Hazard Dams reported in the previous sections. *In this context, “Dams” refer to all High and Intermediate Hazard Dams reported in the previous 19.72 8.93 10.43 7.02 0 5 10 15 20 25 Alexander Burke Caldwell Catawba Roads Damaged (in Miles) Cumulative Damages to Roads from Dam* Failures (in Miles) ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-145 populations' daily patterns and demographics, communities can enhance evacuation routes, communication plans, and resource allocation to reduce overall impacts, protect people and infrastructure, and increase resilience to future dam-related hazards. Alexander County has the highest morning exposure for those under 65 (1,469) and over 65 (294), highlighting a significant daytime risk, particularly for working-age adults and older residents. In contrast, Caldwell County sees a notable shift in evening exposure with increased vulnerability, especially for the under-65 population, rising from 421 in the morning to 664 in the evening, indicating a potential need for evening-focused evacuation and response measures. The consistent presence of older adults in both AM and PM periods across counties, such as 294 in Alexander and 138 in Catawba, underscores the need for tailored strategies that address the unique challenges elderly residents face during any time of day, enhancing overall community resilience to dam failures. The analysis of building risk versus damage from dam failures in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties reveals significant variations in potential impacts, highlighting the need for tailored mitigation strategies. Alexander County faces the highest residential risk, with 1,003 homes at risk and damages exceeding $58 million, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting residential areas to prevent substantial financial losses and displacement of residents. Caldwell County, although with fewer residential buildings at risk, experiences considerable commercial building damage totaling over $12.3 million, which could disrupt local economies and businesses, demonstrating the necessity for focused economic resilience measures. *In this context, “Dams” refer to all High and Intermediate Hazard Dams reported in the previous sections. 1,469 253 421 533 294 39 72 138 672 132 664 279 294 39 97 138 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 Alexander Burke Caldwell Catawba Morning & Evening Populations Over & Under 65 Years Old Potentially Impacted by Dam* Failures AM Pop U65 AM Pop O65 PM PopU65 PM Pop O65 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-146 Draft Building Risk vs. Building Damage from Dam Failures Alexander Burke Caldwell Catawba Residential Buildings at Risk Residential Building Damage 1,003 $58,154,043.84 134 $2,136,651.28 245 $7,162,217.12 424 $8,262,928.55 Commercial Buildings at Risk Commercial Building Damage 15 $4,757,358.38 5 $133,703.90 65 $12,360,319.10 6 $443,742.45 Industrial Buildings at Risk Industrial Building Damage 4 $70,392.61 9 $102,680.50 5 $1,766,374.76 4 $254,206.01 Public Buildings at Risk Public Building Damage 0 $0.00 5 $1,311,580.22 4 $539,695.71 5 $48,893.58 Total Buildings at Risk 1,022 153 319 439 Total Building Damage $62,981,794.82 $3,684,615.90 $21,828,606.69 $9,009,770.60 With lower overall risk, Burke County still shows vulnerability, especially in public infrastructure, with public building damages estimated at over $1.3 million, indicating a need to enhance protective measures for essential services. Catawba County presents a diverse risk profile, with nearly $9 million in total building damages, highlighting the importance of comprehensive risk assessments across all building types to inform strategic investments in dam safety improvements, emergency response planning, and infrastructure protection. These findings underscore the broader goal of reducing hazard impacts and building resilience in communities vulnerable to dam failures. 4.5.8.6. HHPD2-a. Cascading Impacts In *In this context, “Dams” refer to all High and Intermediate Hazard Dams reported in the previous sections. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-147 the context of high- and intermediate-hazard dams, cascading impacts refer to a chain reaction of different disasters. For example, a drought causes loss of vegetation that may cause additional stormwater runoff and erosion, leading to dam overtopping and/or silting. Due to a lack of available data and software modeling capabilities, the probability of the other 14 hazards identified in this plan having a cascading impact that results in a dam failure was not analyzed quantitatively. Cascading impacts are briefly discussed in the list below for each hazard this plan covers. The list clearly identifies whether the planning team and relevant literature judge a hazard unlikely to have a significant cascading impact on dams. River Flooding: river flooding can lead to increased water pressure on a dam, potentially causing overtopping or structural failure, creating a cascading impact. Levee Failure: levee failure could increase water flow, adding pressure on nearby dams and heightening the risk of a high-hazard dam failure. Wildfire: wildfires can remove vegetation, increasing runoff and erosion, which may contribute to dam overtopping or silting, leading to potential failure. Tornado: tornadoes could damage a dam's infrastructure or surrounding vegetation but are less likely to cause a cascading impact leading to dam failure directly. Earthquake: earthquakes can weaken a dam’s structural integrity or trigger landslides into the reservoir, increasing the risk of dam failure. Landslide: a landslide into a reservoir can displace water, causing rapid increases in water levels and potentially overtopping the dam. Snow: rapid snowmelt can lead to increased runoff, contributing to overtopping and potential dam failure. Hail: hail alone is unlikely to cause cascading impacts that result in dam failure, as it does not significantly affect water levels or structural integrity. Drought: prolonged drought can weaken a dam's foundation or cause cracks, potentially leading to structural failure when water levels rise again. Hurricane Winds: hurricane winds can cause significant structural damage or increase water inflow from heavy rainfall, raising the risk of dam failure. Ice: ice buildup can block spillways or cause structural damage, increasing the likelihood of overtopping or dam failure. Thunderstorm Winds: thunderstorm winds alone are unlikely to cause cascading impacts that lead to dam failure, though associated heavy rain could increase the risk. Erosion: ongoing erosion can weaken a dam's structural integrity over time, eventually leading to a potential failure if not addressed. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-148 Draft Sinkholes: a sinkhole near a dam can undermine its foundation, leading to sudden structural failure and a cascading disaster. 4.5.9. Hail Hailstorms are another potential damaging outgrowth of severe thunderstorms. Early in the developmental stages of a hailstorm, ice form within a low-pressure front due to the rapid rising of warm air into the upper atmosphere and the subsequent cooling of the air mass. Frozen droplets gradually accumulate on the ice until, having developed sufficient weight, they fall as precipitation—as balls or irregularly shaped masses of ice greater than 0.75 in. (1.91 cm) in diameter. The size of hailstones is a direct function of the size and severity of the storm. High velocity updraft winds are required to keep hail in suspension in thunderclouds. The strength of the updraft is a function of the intensity of heating at the Earth’s surface. Higher temperature gradients relative to elevation above the surface result in increased suspension time and hailstone size. 4.5.9.1. Hail Hazard Analysis Hail is a product of thunderstorms or intense showers. Hail is generally white and translucent, consisting of liquid or snow particles encased with layers of ice. Hail is formed within the high portion of a well-organized thunderstorm. When hailstones become too heavy to be caught in an updraft and carried back into the clouds of a thunderstorm (hailstones can be caught in numerous updrafts, adding a coating of ice to the original frozen droplets each time), they then fall as hail, and a hailstorm occurs. 4.5.9.2. Location within the Planning Area Thunderstorms are widespread atmospheric disturbances that are not isolated to a specific geographic location. Therefore, it is assumed that the entire planning area is exposed to these hazards. However, it is possible to map historic hail reporting by diameter as an indication of where in the plan area these hazards have previously been observed and to what degree. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-149 Figure 4- 80: Hail Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-150 Draft Figure 4- 81: Hail Hazard Areas for Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-151 Figure 4- 82:Hail Hazard Areas for Burke County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-152 Draft Figure 4- 83: Hail Hazard Areas for Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-153 Figure 4- 84: Hail Hazard Areas for Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-154 Draft 4.5.9.3. Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Definition: The TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale (H0 to H10) in relation to typical damage and hail size codes. Size codes are presented in Table 4- 43. TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale Intensity Category Typical Hail Diameter (mm)* Probable Kinetic Energy, J- m2 Typical Damage Impacts H0 Hard Hail 5 0-20 No damage H1 Potentially Damaging 5-15 >20 Slight general damage to plants, crops H2 Significant 10-20 >100 Significant damage to fruit, crops, vegetation H3 Severe 20-30 >300 Severe damage to fruit and crops, damage to glass and plastic structures, paint and wood scored H4 Severe 25-40 >500 Widespread glass damage, vehicle bodywork damage H5 Destructive 30-50 >800 Wholesale destruction of glass, damage to tiled roofs, significant risk of injuries H6 Destructive 40-60 Bodywork of grounded aircraft dented; brick walls pitted H7 Destructive 50-75 Severe roof damage, risk of serious injuries H8 Destructive 60-90 (Severest recorded in the British Isles) Severe damage to aircraft bodywork H9 Super Hailstorms 75-100 Extensive structural damage. Risk of severe or even fatal injuries to persons caught in the open H10 Super Hailstorms >100 Extensive structural damage. Risk of severe or even fatal injuries to persons caught in the open Table 4- 43: TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale * Approximate range (typical maximum size in bold), since other factors (e.g. number and density of hailstones, hail fall speed and surface wind speeds) affect severity. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-155 Hail size and diameter in relation to TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale. Size code Maximum Diameter mm Description 0 5-9 Pea 1 10-15 Mothball 2 16-20 Marble, grape 3 21-30 Walnut 4 31-40 Pigeon's egg > squash ball 5 41-50 Golf ball > Pullet's egg 6 51-60 Hen's egg 7 61-75 Tennis ball > cricket ball 8 76-90 Large orange > Soft ball 9 91-100 Grapefruit 10 >100 Melon Table 4- 44: Hail Size and Diameter The Size Code is the maximum reported size code accepted as consistent with other reports and evidence. 4.5.9.4. Extent Event: Hail is known to be damaging hazard occurrences in the Unifour Region that can result in multiple injuries and high loses in property damages. The largest recorded size of a hailstone in the planning area (according to NCDC) is 4.5 inches reported in Morganton in Burke County (in 2000) and in Newton in Catawba County (in 1998). Since 2000, there have been 432 reports of hail in the Unifour Region, and the report of the largest hail was in Morganton in 2008 at 2.75 in. There have been 109 reports in Catawba, 100 in Caldwell, 45 in Alexander, and 178 in Burke County total since 2000 (NCDC). Since 2018, there have been 40 days with hail reported, with no property damage reported, and the largest instance of hail was 2 in reported on July 21, 2018 (NCDC). ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-156 Draft 4.5.9.5. Historical Occurrences According to NCDC, 494 recorded instances of hail conditions have affected the planning area causing an estimated $10,053,000 in property damages, $0 in crop damages, 0 death(s), and 0 reported injuries between 1950 and 2023. The following historical occurrences have been identified based on the NCDC Storm Events database in from 2018-2023. It should be noted that only those historical occurrences listed in the NCDC database are shown here and that other, unrecorded, or unreported events may have occurred within the planning area during this timeframe. Although the NCDC Storm Events Database reports no property damage due to hail, there may be unreported property damage or other damages associated with reported hail events. Below, 10 hail events with the largest reported hail magnitude and extent are summarized below from the NCDC Storm Events Database: Catawba, Alexander, Burke, Caldwell (7/21/2018) Scattered thunderstorms developed during the afternoon across the North Carolina mountains and foothills and moved east. A few of the storms produced brief severe weather in the form of large hail and damaging winds. County Location Magnitude (in) Event Narrative Catawba Hickory 2 Public reported (via Social Media) two-inch diameter hail on the north side of Hickory. Alexander Bethlehem 1.75 Media and spotter reported half dollar to golf ball size hail in the Bethlehem area. Burke Morganton 1 Spotter and the media reported quarter size hail in the Morganton area. Caldwell Mt. Herman 1 Ham radio operator reported quarter size hail near Lenoir. Caldwell County (5/26/2022) A broad band of moderate to heavy rain showers with embedded strong to severe thunderstorms moved over western North Carolina throughout the afternoon into the evening. Several strong to severe thunderstorms produced locally damaging wind gusts, brief large hail, and even a couple of tornadoes, including a strong tornado in Iredell County. Media reported quarter to golf ball size hail in the Granite Falls and Northlakes areas. Location Granite Falls Magnitude (in) 1.75 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-157 Alexander County (7/4/2019) Scattered thunderstorms and storm clusters developed across the North Carolina Piedmont during the afternoon. A couple of the storms produced damaging wind gusts. Ham radio operator reported ping pong ball size hail on Walker Foundry Loop at Highway 16. Location Taylorsville Airport Magnitude (in) 1.5 Burke County (4/13/2019) Scattered clusters of heavy rain showers and thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of a stationary front across western North Carolina throughout the 13th. Repeated movement of showers and storms resulted in flash flooding developing across Cabarrus County beginning in the morning. Meanwhile, an isolated supercell thunderstorm produced large hail and isolated damaging wind gusts across Burke County during the afternoon. Media and the public reported quarter to half dollar size hail from the Oak Hill community to just north of Morganton. Location Oak Hill Magnitude (in) 1.25 Burke, Catawba, and Alexander County (5/10/2018) Isolated to scattered thunderstorms developed across the Blue Ridge during the afternoon and moved into the Piedmont during the evening. Some of the storms produced severe weather in the form of large hail and locally damaging winds. Strong to severe supercell thunderstorms developed repeatedly and trained across portions of the foothills, particularly in Polk County, such that some locations received multiple periods of up to golf ball size hail. County Location Magnitude (in) Event Narrative Burke Enola 1 Media reported nickel to quarter size hail off Salem Rd. Burke Chapel Public reported hail of at least quarter size. Catawba Propst Xrds Spotter reported up to quarter size hail north of Cooksville. Alexander Taylorsville Media reported mostly nickel size hail with a few quarter size stones. Burke County (6/3/2018) ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-158 Draft Scattered thunderstorms developed across the southern Appalachians throughout the afternoon and moved southeast. Several storms produced brief severe weather in the form of large hail and damaging winds across the North Carolina mountains and foothills. Location Magnitude (in) Event Narrative Brindletown 1 Media reported quarter size hail on Bennett Rd and Scott Rd and on Jenkins Rd. Burke Chapel 0.75 Spotter reported 3/4-inch hail. Burke and Catawba County (8/8/2018) Scattered thunderstorms developed across the North Carolina Blue Ridge during the afternoon, with storms developing gradually along outflows into the Piedmont throughout the afternoon and into the evening. A few of the storms produced brief damaging winds. County Location Magnitude (in) Event Narrative Burke Hildebran 1 Public reported quarter size hail On 3rd St Southeast. Catawba Duan 0.75 Spotter reported penny size hail on Saint James Church Rd. Propst Xrds 0.75 Spotter reported penny size hail on Mountain Grove Rd. Caldwell County (7/20/2019) Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed across northern North Carolina during the afternoon. A few of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts and some hail. Location Magnitude (in) Event Narrative Hudson 1 Amateur radio operator reported quarter size hail in the Hudson area. Sawmills 0.88 Ham radio operator reported nickel size hail in Sawmills. Caldwell County (9/30/2019) Isolated thunderstorms developed near the North Carolina Blue Ridge during the afternoon and evening. A couple of the storms produced brief large hail. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-159 Location Magnitude (in) Event Narrative Hartland 1 Public reported dime to quarter size hail on Macedonia Rd. Rhodhiss 1 Amateur radio reported quarter size hail on River Bend Dr near Highway 321. Burke and Caldwell County (4/25/2020) Isolated thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of a warm front across the mountains of southwest North Carolina and the northern foothills during the evening. In addition, a couple of supercell thunderstorms moved into the southern Piedmont from upstate South Carolina. Several of these storms produced large hail and brief damaging winds. County Location Magnitude (in) Event Narrative Burke Oak Hill 1 Broadcast media reported nickel to quarter size hail in the Oak Hill community. Caldwell Baton 1 Spotter reported quarter size hail on Mountain View Cir and Union Grove Rd and nearby at Oakmont Dr and Connelly Springs Rd. A table in Appendix A provides a summary of this historical information by participating jurisdiction from 2018-2023 from the NCDC Storm Events Database. It is important to note that many of the events attributed to the county are countywide or cover large portions of the county. The individual counts by jurisdiction are for those events that are only attributed to that one jurisdiction. 4.5.9.6. Probability of Future Occurrences County Alexander Catawba Burke Caldwell EAL Value $205,000 $992,000 $224,000 $198,000 Rating Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Relatively Low Risk Index Score 68.2 91.1 70.9 67.7 Rating Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Relatively Low Frequency (Events per Year) 5.3 5.7 5.5 5.1 Historic Loss Ratio Relatively Low Relatively Low Very Low Very Low Table 4- 45: NRI Hail Risk Index, EAL, Frequency, and Historic Losses The probability of future Hail is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-160 Draft Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low: Less than 1% annual probability  Medium: Between 1% and 10% annual probability  High: Greater than 10% annual probability Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Low Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Low Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Low Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Low City of Claremont Low City of Conover Low City of Hickory Low City of Lenoir Low City of Morganton Low City of Newton Low Town of Brookford Low Town of Cajah’s Mountain Low Town of Catawba Low Town of Connelly Springs Low Town of Drexel Low Town of Gamewell Low Town of Glen Alpine Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-161 Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Town of Granite Falls Low Town of Hildebran Low Town of Hudson Low Town of Long View Low Town of Maiden Low Town of Rhodhiss Low Town of Rutherford College Low Town of Sawmills Low Town of Taylorsville Low Town of Valdese Low Village of Cedar Rock Low 4.5.9.7. Hail Hazard Vulnerability All the inventoried assets in the Unifour Region are exposed to hail. Any specific vulnerability of individual assets depends greatly on individual design, building characteristics, and any existing mitigation measures currently in place. Such site-specific vulnerability determinations are outside the scope of this risk assessment but may be considered during future updates. 4.5.9.8. Climate Change Climate change can potentially produce more large hail by fueling stronger thunderstorm updrafts. Stronger updrafts suspend hail high within storms for longer, enabling them to grow and produce larger hailstones. Records show an increase in the number of large hailstones across the whole United States in recent years, and while there is also evidence of an increase in the number of hail days per year, the inherent uncertainty in reported hail size reduces the confidence in any projections. In fact, while the trend across much of the United States suggests more hail events with larger hail stones, in at least one study18 a decrease in hail frequency and damage potential is predicted over eastern and southeastern regions in spring and summer, due to a significant increase in melting that mitigates gains in hail size from increased buoyancy. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-162 Draft Table 4- 46: NRI Exposure Values for Hail and representative value of vulnerable agriculture, population, and building values 4.5.10. Drought Drought is a natural climatic condition caused by an extended period of limited rainfall beyond that which occurs naturally in a broad geographic area. High temperatures, high winds and low humidity can worsen drought conditions, and can make areas more susceptible to wildfire. Human demands and actions can also hasten drought-related impacts. Droughts are frequently classified as one of four types: meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, or socio-economic. Meteorological droughts are typically defined by the level of “dryness” when compared to an average or normal amount of precipitation over a given period. Agricultural droughts relate common characteristics of drought to their specific agricultural- related impacts. Emphasis tends to be placed on factors such as soil water deficits, water needs based on differing stages of crop development, and water reservoir levels. Hydrological drought is directly related to the effect of precipitation shortfalls on surface and groundwater supplies. Human factors, particularly changes in land use, can alter the hydrologic characteristics of a basin. Socio-economic drought is the result of water shortages that limit the ability to supply water-dependent products in the marketplace. 4.5.10.1. Drought Hazard Analysis Drought conditions typically do not cause property damages or threaten lives, but rather drought effects are most directly felt by agricultural sectors. At times, drought may also cause community-wide impacts because of acute water shortages (regulatory use restrictions, drinking water supply, and saltwater intrusion). The magnitude of impacts correlates directly with local groundwater supplies, reservoir storage, and development densities. Drought conditions can also contribute to or exacerbate extreme heat concerns, particularly about elderly populations. 4.5.10.2. Location within the Planning Area The National Weather Service looks at drought and extreme heat as episodes that impact a widespread forecast “zone,” and therefore it is not common to pinpoint a specific location within County Agriculture Exposure Population Exposure Population Equivalence Building Exposure Total exposure Value (including population equivalent value) Alexander $202,258,636 36,437.00 $422,669,200,000 $6,490,937,927 $429,362,396,563 Burke $93,436,823 87,532.00 $1,015,371,200,000 $13,643,350,490 $1,029,107,987,313 Caldwell $55,120,539 80,586.00 $934,797,600,000 $15,099,673,534 $949,952,394,073 Catawba $88,641,140 160,509.00 $1,861,904,400,000 $37,175,998,799 $1,899,169,039,939 Total $439,457,138 365,064.00 $4,234,742,400,000 $72,409,960,750 $4,307,591,817,888 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-163 a planning area that is more susceptible to these hazards than others. From this viewpoint, each county is considered uniformly at risk to drought and extreme heat. However, the most significant financial losses are likely to occur in areas that are primarily agricultural. Figure 4- 85shows the US Drought Monitor summary map for the United States Through February 2024. Source: NOAA Figure 1: U.S. Drought Monitor from February 6, 2024 Figure 4- 85: U.S. Drought Monitor from February 6, 2024 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-164 Draft Figure 4- 86 shows the most recent Palmer Drought Severity Index summary map for the Unifour Region from 1895-2013. PDSI drought classifications are based on observed drought conditions and range from -0.5 (incipient dry spell) to -4.0 (extreme drought). As can be seen, the Eastern United States has historically not seen as many significant long-term droughts as the Central and Western regions of the country. Source: NOAA NCEI Climate at a Glance Divisional Time Series ( series/3102/pdsi/1/3/1925-2023?base_prd=true&begbaseyear=1901&endbaseyear=2023 ) Figure 4- 86: Palmer Drought Severity Index for the Northern Mountains Climate Division ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-165 Figure 4- 87: Drought Hazard Areas for Alexander County Figure 4- 88: Drought Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-166 Draft Figure 4- 89: Drought Hazard Areas for Caldwell County Figure 4- 90: Drought Hazard Areas for Burke County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-167 4.5.10.3. Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Definition: Drought extent is defined by the North Carolina Drought Monitor Classifications which include Abnormally Dry, Moderate Drought, Severe Drought, Extreme Drought, and Exceptional Drought. According to the North Carolina Drought Monitor Classifications, the most severe drought condition is Exceptional. Extent Event: As of 2024, the highest recorded event for the planning area was all counties (Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba) from December 2007-March 2008. According to the North Carolina Drought Monitor, all four counties and twenty-four jurisdictions (Taylorsville, Connelly Springs, Drexel, Glen Alpine, Hildebran, Rhodhiss, Morganton, Rutherford College, Valdese, Cajah's Mountain, Cedar Rock, Gamewell, Granite Falls, Hudson, Lenoir, Sawmills, Brookford, Catawba, Claremont, Conover, Hickory, Longview, Maiden, Newton) were in a D4 (Exceptional Drought) for this time period. Another example of severe drought occurred in January 2012 following months of lowered precipitation and continued until the end of February 201219. Drought Figure 4- 91: Drought Hazard Areas for Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-168 Draft conditions have also been observed from mid-2016 to mid-2017, where D1-D4 droughts were experienced in NC20. More information about historic drought conditions in North Carolina and the percentage of land impacted can be found in Figure 4- 92 Figure 4- 92: Drought monitor from 2010 to 2024 in North Carolina. Source: NOAA National Drought Information System ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-169 4.5.10.4. Historical Occurrences The following historical occurrences of drought ranging from 1998 to 2023 have been identified based on the NCDC Storm Events database Table 4- 47. It should be noted that only those historical occurrences listed in the NCDC database are shown here and that other, unrecorded, or unreported events may have occurred within the planning area during this timeframe. Location Events Type Deaths Injuries Reported Property Damage Reported Property Damage (PV) Reported Crop Damage Reported Crop Damage (PV) Alexander Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) 35 Standard 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke Burke County (Unincorporated Area) 16 Standard 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Caldwell Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) 15 Standard 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Catawba Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) 35 Standard 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 TOTAL PLAN 101 Events 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Table 4- 47: Occurrences of Drought (1998 to 2023) Source: National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) Storm Events Database and or potential user entered data. According to NCDC 101 recorded instances of Drought conditions have affected the planning area since 1998 causing an estimated $0 in losses to property, $0 in losses to agricultural crops, 0 death(s), and 0 injury(ies). Table 4- 47 provides a summary of this historical information by participating jurisdiction. It is important to note that many of the events attributed to the county are countywide or cover large portions of the county. The individual counts by jurisdiction are for those events that are only attributed to that one jurisdiction. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-170 Draft 4.5.10.5. Probability of Future Occurrences County Alexander Catawba Burke Caldwell EAL Value $140,000 $379,000 $342,000 $183,000 Rating Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Risk Index Score 73.8 86.1 86 76.6 Rating Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Frequency (Events per Year) 31 32.1 33.2 30.7 Historic Loss Ratio Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Table 4- 48: NRI Drought EAL, Risk Index, Frequency, and Historic Loss Ratio values. Risk index for drought is only based on agricultural/crop impacts. The probability of future Drought is highly unpredictable and depend on the conditions of the specific areas that may be affected. The current risk, according to the 2023 NC Hazard Mitigation Plan, is between 1% and 0.33% annual probability. Although, the (2023) also states that the changes in weather patterns and climate suggest that the drought conditions may be experienced more frequently in specific areas that are more prone to drought conditions. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low: Less than 1% annual probability  Medium: Between 1% and 10% annual probability  High: Greater than 10% annual probability Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Medium ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-171 Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Medium City of Claremont Medium City of Conover Medium City of Hickory Medium City of Lenoir Medium City of Morganton Medium City of Newton Medium Town of Brookford Medium Town of Cajah's Mountain Medium Town of Catawba Medium Town of Connelly Springs Medium Town of Drexel Medium Town of Gamewell Medium Town of Glen Alpine Medium Town of Granite Falls Medium Town of Hildebran Medium Town of Hudson Medium Town of Long View Medium Town of Maiden Medium Town of Rhodhiss Medium Town of Rutherford College Medium Town of Sawmills Medium Town of Taylorsville Medium ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-172 Draft Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Town of Valdese Medium Village of Cedar Rock Medium 4.5.10.6. Drought Hazard Vulnerability It is estimated that annualized losses to the drought hazard will decrease over time due to the continued trend of decreasing agricultural production within the Region, much of which has to do with decreases in the number of farms and land available for farming. While future agricultural losses may decrease other sectors of the Region that are dependent on water supply will likely continue to experience future economic impacts during periods of severe to extreme drought conditions. 4.5.10.7. Climate Change Future changes in weather patterns and climate may have effects on the vulnerability to the drought hazard for all counties in North Carolina. These changes could impact the probability of drought occurrences, as well as the extent or location of droughts. Lasting drought conditions may be experienced in some areas more frequently. The North Carolina Climate Science Report predicts future droughts to be warmer than historical events with a high level of confidence. The warmer conditions will lead to more rapid drying through increases in potential evapotranspiration. Therefore, it is likely that future droughts in the Unifour Region in their multiple forms will be more frequent and severe in terms of soil moisture deficits and the impacts on rainfed agriculture and natural vegetation. County Agriculture Exposure Population Exposure Population Equivalence Building Exposure Total exposure Value (including population equivalent value) Alexander $9,296,672 N/A $9,296,672 Burke $21,668,012 $21,668,012 Caldwell $12,091,164 $12,091,164 Catawba $24,258,990 $24,258,990 Total $67,314,838 $67,314,838 Table 4- 49: NRI Agricultural Exposure to Drought ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-173 4.5.11. Hurricane Winds Hurricanes and tropical storms, along with nor’easters and typhoons, are classified as cyclones and are any closed circulation developing around a low-pressure center in which the winds rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere (or clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere) and whose diameter averages 10 to 30 miles across. A tropical cyclone refers to any such circulation that develops over tropical waters. Tropical cyclones act as a “safety-valve,” limiting the continued build-up of heat and energy in tropical regions by maintaining the atmospheric heat and moisture balance between the tropics and the pole-ward latitudes. The primary damaging forces associated with these storms are high-level sustained winds, heavy precipitation, and tornadoes. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to storm surge, wind- driven waves, and tidal flooding which can prove more destructive than cyclone wind. The key energy source for a tropical cyclone is the release of latent heat from the condensation of warm water. Their formation requires a low-pressure disturbance, warm sea surface temperature, rotational force from the spinning of the earth, and the absence of wind shear in the lowest 50,000 feet of the atmosphere. Most hurricanes and tropical storms form in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico during the official Atlantic hurricane season, which encompasses the months of June through November. The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is in early to mid-September. Based on a long-term average, approximately six storms reach hurricane intensity per year. Figure 4- 93: Empirical Probability of a Named Hurricane or Tropical Storm ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-174 Draft Figure 4- 94 shows, for any location, the chance of a hurricane or tropical storm affecting the area sometime during the Atlantic hurricane season. The figure was created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hurricane Research Division, using data from 1949/1886-2016. The figure shows the number of times a storm or hurricane was located within approximately 100 miles (165 kilometers) of a given spot in the Atlantic basin. Figure 4- 94: Empirical Probability of a Named Hurricane or Tropical Storm Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hurricane Research Division As an incipient hurricane develops, barometric pressure (measured in millibars or inches) at its center falls and winds increase. If the atmospheric and oceanic conditions are favorable, it can intensify into a tropical depression. When maximum sustained winds reach or exceed 39 miles per hour, the system is designated a tropical storm, given a name, and is monitored by the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida. When sustained winds reach or exceed 74 miles per hour the storm is deemed a hurricane. Hurricane intensity is further classified by the Saffir- Simpson Scale which rates hurricane intensity on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most intense. The Saffir-Simpson Scale is shown in Table 4- 50. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-175 CATEGORY MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WIND SPEED(MPH) MINIMUM SURFACE PRESSURE(MILLIBARS) STORM SURGE (FEET) 1 74–95 Greater than 980 3–5 2 96–110 979–965 6–8 3 111–130 964–945 9–12 4 131–155 944–920 13–18 5 155 + Less than 920 19+ Table 4- 50: Saffir-Simpson Scale The Saffir-Simpson Scale categorizes hurricane intensity linearly based upon maximum sustained winds, barometric pressure, and storm surge potential, which are combined to estimate potential damage. Categories 3, 4, and 5 are classified as “major” hurricanes, and while hurricanes within this range comprise only 20 percent of total tropical cyclones making landfall, they account for over 70 percent of the damage in the United States. Table 4- 51 describes the damage that could be expected for each hurricane category. Storm Category Damage Level Description of Damages Photo Example 1 MINIMAL No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some coastal flooding and minor pier damage. 2 MODERATE Some roofing material, door, and window damage. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes, etc. Flooding damages piers and small craft in unprotected moorings may break their moorings. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-176 Draft Storm Category Damage Level Description of Damages Photo Example 3 EXTENSIVE Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings, with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Mobile homes are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures, with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may be flooded well inland. 4 EXTREME More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland. 5 CATASTROPHIC Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas may be required. Table 4- 51: Hurricane Damage Classifications Sources: National Hurricane Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency While not directly relevant to the planning area, storm surge is another common element of hurricane activity. A storm surge is a large dome of water often 50 to 100 miles wide and rising anywhere from four to five feet in a Category 1 hurricane up to 20 feet in a Category 5 storm. The storm surge arrives ahead of the storm’s actual landfall and the more intense the hurricane is, the sooner the surge arrives. Water rise can be very rapid, posing a serious threat to those who have not yet evacuated flood-prone areas. A storm surge is a wave that has outrun its generating source and become a long period swell. The surge is always highest in the right-front quadrant of the direction in which the hurricane is moving. As the storm approaches shore, the greatest storm surge will be to the north of the hurricane eye. Such a surge of high water topped ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-177 by waves driven by hurricane force winds can be devastating to coastal regions, causing severe beach erosion and property damage along the immediate coast. Hurricane Floyd brought a devastating 15 feet of storm surge that damaged or destroyed hundreds of houses along the ocean front of Long Beach on Oak Island, North Carolina in September 1999. A prime example of successful hazard mitigation, the elevated home (right) survived while the older, ground-level block foundation of the home on the left was undermined and crushed. (Photo by Dave Gatley/FEMA News Photo) Storm surge heights and associated waves are dependent upon the shape of the continental shelf (narrow or wide) and the depth of the ocean bottom (bathymetry). A narrow shelf, or one that drops steeply from the shoreline and subsequently produces deep water close to the shoreline, tends to produce a lower surge but higher and more powerful storm waves. Damage during hurricanes may also result from spawned tornadoes and inland flooding associated with heavy rainfall that usually accompanies these storms. Hurricane Floyd, for example, was at one time a Category 4 hurricane racing towards the North Carolina coast. As far inland as Raleigh, the state capital located more than 100 miles from the coast, communities were preparing for winds exceeding 100 miles per hour. While Floyd made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane it caused the worst inland flooding disaster in North Carolina’s history. Rainfall amounts exceeded 20 inches in certain locales and 67 counties sustained damages. Like hurricanes, nor’easters are ocean storms capable of causing substantial damage to coastal areas in the Eastern United States due to their strong winds and heavy surf. Nor'easters are named for the winds that blow in from the northeast and drive the storm up the East Coast along the Gulf Stream, a band of warm water that lies off the Atlantic coast. They are caused by the interaction of the jet stream with horizontal temperature gradients and generally occur during the fall and winter months when moisture and cold air are plentiful. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-178 Draft Nor’easters are known for dumping heavy amounts of rain and snow, producing hurricane-force winds, and creating high surf that causes severe beach erosion and coastal flooding. There are two main components to a nor'easter: a Gulf Stream low-pressure system (counter- clockwise winds) generated off the southeastern U.S. coast, gathering warm air and moisture from the Atlantic, and pulled up the East Coast by strong northeasterly winds at the leading edge of the storm; and an Arctic high-pressure system (clockwise winds) which meets the low-pressure system with cold, arctic air blowing down from Canada. When the two systems collide, the moisture and cold air produce a mix of precipitation and have the potential for creating dangerously high winds and heavy seas. As the low-pressure system deepens, the intensity of the winds and waves increase and can cause serious damage to coastal areas as the storm moves northeast. Figure 4- 95: Hurricane Winds Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-179 4.5.11.1. Location within the Planning Area The figures below show the probability of future named storms and paths of historic storms in the planning area Figure 4- 96: · Hurricane Winds Hazard Areas for Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-180 Draft Figure 4- 97: Hurricane Winds Hazard Areas for Burke County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-181 Figure 4- 98: Hurricane Winds Hazard Areas for Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-182 Draft Figure 4- 99: Hurricane Winds Hazard Areas for Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-183 4.5.11.2. Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Definition: Hurricane extent is defined by the Saffir-Simpson Scale which classifies hurricanes into Category 1 through Category 5. Extent Event: Hurricanes and tropical storms of any magnitude and severity are theoretically possible within the planning area, however major hurricanes (Category 3 and greater) are less likely to retain that classification as far inland as the Unifour Region. Since the 1850s, the greatest magnitude hurricane to impact the planning area has been a Category 1 hurricane in 1989 (Hurricane Hugo) (see Historical Occurrences section below). A Category 1 hurricane typically results in minimal damages, including damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some coastal flooding and minor pier damage, etc. that is not applicable to the planning area. 4.5.11.3. Historical Occurrences Table 4- 52 lists the 50 hurricanes, tropical depression, and tropical storm paths that have crossed within a 100-mile radius of the mean center of the planning area between 1859 to 202321. Between 1950 and 2023 there was a reported total property damage of $6,000 in Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and Alexander counties. The most powerful hurricane recorded remains as an unnamed hurricane that occurred in 1893 which reached a maximum recorded wind speed of 85 mph. Name Date Magnitude Maximum Recorded Wind Speed (mph) Unnamed 09/17/1859 Tropical Storm 45 Unnamed 09/11/1882 Tropical Storm 45 Unnamed 06/22/1886 Tropical Storm 45 Unnamed 09/24/1889 Tropical Storm 50 Unnamed 08/28/1893 Category 1 Hurricane 85 Unnamed 07/19/1901 Tropical Depression 35 Unnamed 10/11/1902 Extra-tropical Storm 35 Unnamed 10/11/1905 Extra-tropical Storm 25 Unnamed 09/23/1907 Extra-tropical Storm 35 Unnamed 08/30/1911 Extra-tropical Storm 30 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-184 Draft Name Date Magnitude Maximum Recorded Wind Speed (mph) Unnamed 09/04/1913 Tropical Storm 45 Unnamed 08/03/1915 Tropical Depression 35 Unnamed 09/23/1920 Tropical Storm 65 Unnamed 10/03/1927 Tropical Storm 45 Unnamed 08/11/1928 Extra-tropical Storm 30 Unnamed 08/18/1939 Tropical Depression 30 Unnamed 08/14/1940 Extra-tropical Storm 35 Unnamed 08/28/1949 Tropical Storm 45 Able 08/31/1952 Tropical Storm 50 Gracie 09/30/1959 Tropical Storm 70 Cleo 08/30/1964 Tropical Depression 30 Abby 06/08/1968 Tropical Depression 30 Babe 09/08/1977 Tropical Depression 30 David 09/05/1979 Tropical Storm 65 Bob 07/25/1985 Tropical Storm 65 Danny 08/18/1985 Tropical Depression 30 Chris 08/29/1988 Tropical Depression 30 Hugo 09/22/1989 Category 1 Hurricane 85 Beryl 08/17/1994 Tropical Depression 15 Bill 07/02/2003 Tropical Depression 25 Ivan 09/09/2004 Tropical Depression 25 Jeanne 09/13/2004 Tropical Depression 25 Cindy 07/03/2005 Extra-tropical Storm 20 Florence 09/10/2018 Tropical Depression 25 Michael 10/11/2018 Tropical Storm 52 Florence 9/13/2018 Tropical Depression 29 Bertha 5/27/2020 Tropical Depression 29 Claudette 6/21/2021 Tropical Depression 35 Ian 10/1/2022 Extratropical Storm 23 Table 4- 52: Historical Occurrences of Hurricane Storm Paths Crossing within 75 Miles of the Planning Area Source: NOAA National Hurricane Center and North Carolina State University Climate Office Hurricane Database ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-185 4.5.11.4. Probability of Future Occurrences County Alexander Catawba Burke Caldwell EAL Value $430,000 $1,900,000 $537,000 $555,000 Rating Very Low Relatively Low Very Low Relatively High Risk Index Score 61 75.1 63.8 63.9 Rating Very Low Relatively Low Relatively Low Relatively Low Frequency (Events per Year) 0 0.1 0 1.1 Historic Loss Ratio Relatively Low Relatively Low Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Table 4- 53: NRI Risk Index, EAL, Frequency, and Historic Loss Ratio for Hurricanes Based on the analyses performed in IRISK, the probability of future Hurricane Winds is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low: Less than 1% annual probability  Medium: Between 1% and 10% annual probability  High: Greater than 10% annual probability Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Medium City of Claremont Medium City of Conover Medium ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-186 Draft Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence City of Hickory Medium City of Lenoir Medium City of Morganton Medium City of Newton Medium Town of Brookford Medium Town of Cajah's Mountain Medium Town of Catawba Medium Town of Connelly Springs Medium Town of Drexel Medium Town of Gamewell Medium Town of Glen Alpine Medium Town of Granite Falls Medium Town of Hildebran Medium Town of Hudson Medium Town of Long View Medium Town of Maiden Medium Town of Rhodhiss Medium Town of Rutherford College Medium Town of Sawmills Medium Town of Taylorsville Medium Town of Valdese Medium Village of Cedar Rock Medium ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-187 4.5.11.5. Climate Change Changing climate and weather conditions are likely to impact the number and intensity of future hurricane events in North Carolina. The amount of influence that human-induced climate warming has had on hurricanes to date is believed to be relatively small, and this, in conjunction with observational limitations and large natural variations, makes it difficult to establish whether there are as yet any clear trends in hurricanes that can be attributed to human-induced warming. Studies conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have predicted that while there may be less frequent, low-category storm events (Tropical Storms, Category 1 Hurricanes), there will be more high-category storm events (Category 4 and 5 Hurricanes) in the future. In other words, there may be fewer hurricanes overall in any given year, but when hurricanes do form, it is more likely that they will become larger storms that can cause massive damage. That said, while a consistent finding of numerous previous studies of hurricanes and climate change was that the strongest storms will become stronger as the climate continues to warm, there is now less consistency regarding how hurricane frequency will change. Some earlier projections of decreases in hurricane activity now appear less confident in light of more recent high-resolution modeling studies. On a global scale, it is predicted with high confidence that the intensity of the strongest hurricanes is likely to increase with a warming climate. For specific regions such as North Carolina, the confidence in this outcome is lower, but there is no known reason to suggest that North Carolina will not experience stronger hurricanes in future. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-188 Draft 4.5.11.6. Hurricane Winds Hazard Vulnerability Continued enforcement of building codes, flood damage prevention ordinances and other local regulatory tools and policies designed to mitigate the effects of high hazard winds is expected to minimize future losses as construction and planning continue to seek higher standards. Based on historical events the most significant local impacts for the Unifour Region regarding future events will likely be damage to trees (and the requisite management of vegetative debris) and widespread power outages to the area. The following tables provide counts and values by jurisdiction relevant to Hurricane Winds hazard vulnerability in the Unifour Regional HMP Area. 4.5.12. Ice Winter storms may include snow, sleet, freezing rain, or a mix of these wintry forms of precipitation. Sleet—raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground—usually bounce when hitting a surface and do not stick to objects; however, sleet can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists. Freezing rain is rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing, forming a glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard, especially on power lines and trees. An ice storm occurs when freezing rain falls and freezes immediately upon impact. Communications and power can be disrupted for days, and even small accumulations of ice may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians. A freeze is weather marked by low temperatures, especially when below the freezing point (zero degrees Celsius or thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit). Agricultural production is seriously affected when temperatures remain below the freezing point. 4.5.12.1. Ice Hazard Analysis In general, winter weather events may include snow, sleet, freezing rain, or a mix of these wintry forms of precipitation, all of which may create locally hazardous conditions regardless of the magnitude of the overall event. Ice storms occur when moisture falls and freezes immediately upon impact on trees, power lines, communication towers, structures, roads, and other hard surfaces. Ice storms can down trees, cause widespread power outages, damage property, and cause fatalities and injuries to human life. 4.5.12.2. Location within the Planning Area Winter weather, including blizzards, frosts/freezes, heavy snow, ice storms and sleet, are widespread atmospheric conditions that are not isolated to a specific geographic location. Therefore, it is assumed that the entire planning area is exposed to this hazard. In the figures below, the measurements ranging from 0.0-1.5 are in inches. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-189 Figure 4- 100: Ice Hazard Areas with Average Annual Accumulation in inches ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-190 Draft Figure 4- 101: Ice Hazard Areas with Average Annual Accumulation in inches for Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-191 Figure 4- 102: Ice Hazard Areas with Average Annual Accumulation in inches for Burke County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-192 Draft Figure 4- 103: Ice Hazard Areas with Average Annual Accumulation in inches for Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-193 Figure 4- 104: Ice Hazard Areas with Average Annual Accumulation in inches for Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-194 Draft 4.5.12.3. Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Definition: Severity of ice storms can be measured by the accumulation amount of ice received in inches. Extent Event: The highest recorded event for the planning area was in all four counties (Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba) and the 24 cities (Taylorsville, Connelly Springs, Drexel, Glen Alpine, Hildebran, Rhodhiss, Morganton, Rutherford College, Valdese, Cajah's Mountain, Cedar Rock, Gamewell, Granite Falls, Hudson, Lenoir, Sawmills, Brookford, Catawba, Claremont, Conover, Hickory, Longview, Maiden, Newton) in December 2002. The planning area received 3-4 inches of snow then transitioned into sleet and freezing rain accumulating approximately 1/4-1/2 inches of ice. 4.5.12.4. Historical Occurrences The following historical occurrences ranging from 1996 to the present have been identified based on the NCDC Storm Events database. NCDC presents winter weather hazards under multiple subcategories. The table below shows occurrences of winter weather events, frost/freezes, ice storms and sleet. Because winter weather affects a large geographic area, this information is processed by NCDC in forecast “zones,” and therefore a municipal-level breakdown is not provided. Similarly, it is important to note that many of the events shown for one county are the same events that are counted for one of the other four counties in the planning area. For these reasons, totals are not provided in the table for the Unifour area as some double counting would be inherent in the numbers. Also, only those historical occurrences listed in the NCDC database are shown here and other smaller, unrecorded, or unreported events may have occurred within the planning area during this timeframe. The following are summaries from the NCDC Storm Events Database episode narratives and are the only reported events of Ice Storms between 2018 and 2023: Burke and Caldwell County (11/14/2018) Precipitation developed in association with weak low pressure moving across the Southeast during the overnight of the 14th and early morning of the 15th. Precipitation began as rain and/or snow across the mountains but transitioned to liquid as temperatures warmed aloft. However, a wedge of cool air remained in place across the Blue Ridge, resulting in freezing rain, mainly within a few miles either side of the Continental Divide. While most areas saw around a tenth of an inch or less of ice accretion, damaging ice accumulations were reported across the high elevations of Caldwell and Burke Counties, as well as eastern portions of Avery County. Burke and Caldwell County (11/24/2018) ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-195 For the second time in 10 days, a freezing rain event developed across portions of the mountains and foothills of North Carolina. Precipitation developed during the overnight, as a wave of low pressure moved along the Gulf Coast. Precipitation began as rain and snow but transitioned to freezing rain across all but the highest elevations (where more of a wintry mix was reported), as a wedge of cold air locked in near the Blue Ridge. As freezing rain continued through daybreak, damaging accumulations of ice, generally between one quarter and one half inch were reported across the area. Quite a few trees and power lines, along with numerous power outages were reported across the area. Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba County (1/12/2019) Moist air flowing over a wedge of cold air banked against the eastern slopes of the Appalachians resulted in precipitation development across the Blue Ridge and surrounding areas beginning during the evening of the 12th. The atmosphere quickly cooled to or below freezing near the escarpment and out across the lower elevations of the foothills and far northwest Piedmont. This resulted in much of the precipitation falling as freezing rain in these areas. The freezing rain continued through the overnight across the Blue Ridge and surrounding areas before tapering off around daybreak on the 13th. Total ice accretion of one quarter to one half inch was reported, with the heaviest amounts being across the foothills and immediately along the Blue Ridge escarpment. Scattered downed trees and power outages were reported throughout the area. Burke and Caldwell County (2/17/2021) Moisture and precipitation overspread the western North Carolina late in the evening of the 17th and continued into the morning of the 18th in association with an area of low pressure moving along the Gulf Coast. Enough cold air was trapped along the eastern Blue Ridge escarpment to allow much of this precipitation to fall as freezing rain. By the time the precipitation tapered off during the morning of the 18th, total ice accretion was generally around one quarter inch, although spotty amounts closer to one half inch were reported. Due to warm road temperatures, accretion was primarily limited to elevated surfaces and limited travel difficulties. Probability of Future Occurrences County Alexander Catawba Burke Caldwell EAL Value 90.9 97.7 96.3 95.7 Rating Relatively High Very High Very High Relatively High Risk Index Score 92 98.2 97.2 96.4 Rating Relatively High Very High Very High Very High Frequency (Events per Year) 1.4 1.7 1.5 1.1 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-196 Draft County Alexander Catawba Burke Caldwell Historic Loss Ratio Relatively Moderate Relatively Low Relatively Moderate Relatively Moderate Table 4- 54: NRI Ice Storm Risk Index, EAL, Frequency, and Historic Loss Ratio The probability of future Ice is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low: Less than 1% annual probability  Medium: Between 1% and 10% annual probability  High: Greater than 10% annual probability Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Medium City of Claremont Medium City of Conover Medium City of Hickory Medium City of Lenoir Medium City of Morganton Medium City of Newton Medium Town of Brookford Medium Town of Cajah's Mountain Medium Town of Catawba Medium ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-197 Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Town of Connelly Springs Medium Town of Drexel Medium Town of Gamewell Medium Town of Glen Alpine Medium Town of Granite Falls Medium Town of Hildebran Medium Town of Hudson Medium Town of Long View Medium Town of Maiden Medium Town of Rhodhiss Medium Town of Rutherford College Medium Town of Sawmills Medium Town of Taylorsville Medium Town of Valdese Medium Village of Cedar Rock Medium 4.5.12.5. Ice Hazard Vulnerability A qualitative factor in terms of vulnerability is a general lack of awareness on the part of county residents in preparing for and responding to winter storm conditions, such as ice in a manner that will minimize the danger to themselves and others. This lack of awareness is especially apparent when driving/roadway conditions catch motorists off-guard. Potential losses associated with winter storms, such as ice include the cost of the removal of ice from roadways, debris clean-up, and some indirect losses from power outages, etc. All future structures and infrastructure in the region will be vulnerable to winter storms. 4.5.12.6. Climate Change ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-198 Draft The uncertainty associated with potentially changing climate conditions creates unpredictability for future severe winter storms including those that result in significant ice formation and accumulation. While it is generally assumed that rising global temperatures will result in shorter and warmer winters in many areas, warmer winters may mean that precipitation that would normally fall as snow may begin to fall as freezing rain instead. The North Carolina Climate Science Report similarly states that there is considerable uncertainty about future changes in the number and severity of extratropical cyclones which cause winter storms, and consequently there is low confidence concerning future changes in the number of ice storms and incidents of freezing rain likely to occur. 4.5.13. Thunderstorm Wind 4.5.13.1. Thunderstorm Winds Hazard Analysis Thunderstorms are caused when air masses of varying temperatures meet. Rapidly rising warm moist air serves as the “engine” for thunderstorms. These storms can occur singularly, in lines, or in clusters. They can move through an area very quickly or linger for several hours. According to the National Weather Service, more than 100,000 thunderstorms occur each year, though only about 10% of these storms are classified as “severe.” Although thunderstorms generally affect a small area when they occur, they are very dangerous because of their ability to generate tornadoes, hailstorms, strong winds, flash flooding, and damaging lightning. While thunderstorms can occur in all regions of the United States, they are most common in the central and southern states because atmospheric conditions in those regions are most ideal for generating these powerful storms. 4.5.13.2. Location within the Planning Area Straight-line winds, which in extreme cases have the potential to cause wind gusts that exceed 100 miles per hour, are responsible for most thunderstorm wind damage. One type of straight- line wind, the downburst, can cause damage equivalent to a strong tornado and can be extremely dangerous to aviation. Figure 4- 105 shows how the frequency and strength of extreme windstorms vary across the United States. The map was produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is based on 40 years of tornado history and over 100 years of hurricane history. Zone IV, the darkest area on the map, has experienced both the greatest number of tornadoes and the strongest tornadoes. As shown by the map key, wind speeds in Zone IV can be as high as 250 MPH. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-199 Figure 4- 105: Wind Zones in the United States Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency The National Weather Service collected data for thunder days, number and duration of thunder events, and lightning strike density for the 30-year period from 1948 to 1977. A series of maps was generated showing the annual average thunder event duration, the annual average number of thunder events, and the mean annual density of lightning strikes. Figure 4- 107 illustrates the annual average number of severe thunderstorm warnings from 2004-2023. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-200 Draft Source: NOAA Severe Weather Maps, Graphics, and Data Figure 4- 106: Thunderstorm Hazard Areas for Alexander County Figure 4- 107: Annual Average Number of Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (2004-2023) ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-201 Figure 4- 108: Thunderstorm Hazard Areas for Caldwell County Figure 4- 109: Thunderstorm Hazard Areas for Burke County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-202 Draft 4.5.13.3. Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Definition: Thunderstorm extent is defined by the number of thunder events and wind speeds reported. Extent Event: Thunderstorms are known to be damaging hazard occurrences in the Unifour Region that can result in multiple injuries. There is currently no specific overall scale to rank the potential severity of severe events of this type, but it is assumed that the magnitude and severity of future occurrences will be like that of historical occurrences. The highest recorded thunderstorm winds in the planning area (according to NCDC) were 75 knots reported in Rutherford College in Burke County in 1997. There are some national studies that suggest that the risk of severe thunderstorms that produce torrential rain, damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes may increase due to changes in the climate. Figure 4- 110: Thunderstorm Hazard Areas for Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-203 4.5.13.4. Historical Occurrences The following historical occurrences have been identified based on the NCDC Storm Events database as the most damaging events between 2018 and 2023, and all the episode and event narratives identified by the NCDC Storm Events database can be seen in Appendix A. It should be noted that only those historical occurrences listed in the NCDC database are shown here and that other, unrecorded, or unreported events may have occurred within the planning area during this time frame. It is important to note that many of the events attributed to the county are countywide or cover large portions of the county. The individual counts by jurisdiction are for those events that are only attributed to that one jurisdiction. According to NCDC 641 recorded instances of Thunderstorm Winds conditions have affected the planning area causing an estimated $3,193,000 in losses to property between 1955 and 2023, and one death and one 2 injuries reported between 2018 and 2023. The total reported property damage due to thunderstorm winds between A summary of all the accounts of thunderstorm winds between 2018 and 2023 from the NCDC database can be found in Appendix A along with the event narratives. The following are summaries from the NCDC Storm Events Database of 10 of the most damaging reported thunderstorm wind events between 2018 and 2023 in terms of property damage and spatial extent: Caldwell County (7/6/2018) Scattered thunderstorms developed across the North Carolina mountains and foothills during the afternoon and moved into the western Piedmont by early evening. A few of the storms produced strong to damaging winds that caused tree damage, with one tree falling on a vehicle north of Lenoir, killing one of the occupants. EM reported a large tree was blown down on a vehicle in Green Mountain Park killing a 78-year-old occupant and causing minor injuries to two others. A few other trees were blown down in Lenoir and areas just east of the city. Alexander, Burke, Catawba, and Caldwell County (8/7/2023) Numerous thunderstorms and storm clusters moved across western North Carolina throughout the afternoon. Many of these storms produced severe weather, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts, some of which were long-lived. A couple of weak tornadoes also developed in the Piedmont, including a long-track EF1. Deaths 1 Injuries 2 Property Damage $5,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-204 Draft County Location Property Damage Episode Narrative Alexander Bethlehem $50,000 Fire dept reported multiple trees and some power lines blown down, some blocking roads across southern Alexander County. Structural damage occurred to a couple of buildings, including a structure at Alexander County fairgrounds. Burke Hildebran $10,000 Public reported (via social media) a tree blown down on a home. Glen Alpine $2,000 County comms and spotter reported numerous trees and some power lines blown down from Glen Alpine across Morganton and vicinity. One tree fell on an outbuilding near Glen Alpine. Caldwell Hudson 0 Emergency manager reported a billboard blown over along Highway 321 near Hudson. Ham radio operator reported a tree blown down on power lines in Sawmills. Catawba Brookford $200,000 NWS storm survey found a swath of intense straight line wind damage across central Catawba County, from Mountain View and Hickory to Conover and Newton. Large numbers of trees were snapped and/or uprooted with numerous large tree branches downed. Several power poles were snapped, and a few structures were damaged, including a building at the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds and a greenhouse that was destroyed. Maiden 0 Public reported (via social media) numerous trees and power lines blown down across Maiden and vicinity. Claremont 0 Public reported (via social media) trees blown down on I-40 in the Claremont area, and additional trees down on nearby Rock Barn Rd. Total $262,000 Alexander, Burke, Catawba, and Caldwell County (6/25/2018) For the third day in a row, multiple thunderstorm clusters, some producing damaging winds moved from East Tennessee into western North Carolina during the afternoon into the evening. While severe weather was confined to the mountains on the 23rd and 24th, storms on the 25th also produced severe weather in the foothills and northwest Piedmont. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-205 County Location Property Damage Event Narrative Alexander All Healing Springs 0 Media reported multiple trees blown down on Mountain Ridge Church Road. Burke Table Rock 0 Spotter reported numerous trees and power lines blown down in western Burke County. Media reported numerous trees down in the Morganton area, especially along the Catawba River. At least one road was closed in Morganton due to falling trees. Additional sporadic tree damage was also reported outside of this corridor, including at Highway 18 and Antioch Rd near the Caldwell County line. Caldwell Gamewell $200,000 Multiple sources reported numerous trees blown down in the Gamewell area. Trees fell on and destroyed one house and severely damaged two others. Roads blocked by downed trees included Miller Hill Rd, Dulatown Rd, and Connelly Springs Rd in Granite Falls. Catawba Longview 0 Media reported trees blown down along Highway 321. Claremont 0 Broadcast media reported several trees blown down along River Bend Rd. Public also reported (via social media) reported numerous small trees blown down in the Catfish community. Alexander and Burke County (7/6/2022) Scattered thunderstorms and storm clusters developed over western North Carolina during the afternoon and evening. Several of the storms produced strong-to-damaging wind gusts. County Location Property Damage Event Narrative Alexander Bethlehem 0 Media reported trees blown down in Bethlehem and along Lake Hickory near Highway 16. Burke Burke Chapel $50,000 Public reported multiple trees blown down with one on a trailer, part of the roof removed from a house, and a destroyed barn on Buzz Lowman St. Media reported numerous trees blown down nearby on Old Laurel Rd and significant damage to the roof of a manufacturing building on Claude Britton Rd. Ham radio operator reported multiple large trees down on Highway 18. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-206 Draft Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba County (4/13/2020) A strong storm system impacted the Southeast, resulting in an area of widespread heavy rain and embedded strong to severe thunderstorms that moved across western North Carolina during the late night and early morning hours. Localized flash flooding, some of which was quite significant developed across the mountains. Isolated severe weather also occurred, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts. Strong southerly gradient winds also caused some damage across mainly the high elevations of western North Carolina. County Location Property Damage Event Narrative Burke Drexel 0 Media reported several trees blown down along John Berry Rd. Caldwell Gamewell $50,000 County comms reported trees blown down on Highway 18 in Gamewell. Spotter reported a large tree down on Connelly Springs Rd. Catawba Hickory 0 Public reported a tree and power line fell on a vehicle and structure in the Hickory area. Spotter reported multiple trees down along I-40 east of Hickory. Alexander, Burke, Catawba, and Caldwell County (8/21/2019) Widely scattered thunderstorms developed along the Blue Ridge during the afternoon and moved southeast. Several storms produced brief severe weather across the Piedmont, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts. County Location Date Property Damage Event Narrative Alexander Bethlehem 8/13/2019 5000 Amateur radio operator reported two trees blown down and blocking traffic near the intersection of Highway 127 and Telephone Exchange Rd. Spotter reported minor damage to a structure on Highway 127. Power lines were also blown down in the area. Burke Morganton 8/13/2019 0 Spotter reported trees blown down on Valley View St. Catawba Oyama 8/13/2019 0 County comms reported a tree blown down and blocking Snow Creek Rd NE and multiple trees and power lines down along Laurel Springs Dr, Lee Cline Rd, and County Home Rd. Bandy 8/13/2019 0 Public reported a tree and multiple large limbs blown down. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-207 Burke County (4/14/2019) Numerous showers along with strong to severe thunderstorms developed across western North Carolina throughout the 14th in advance of a strong frontal system. Some of these storms produced areas of wind damage throughout the afternoon and evening. Location Date Property Damage Event Narrative Morganton 4/14/201 9 $50,000 NWS storm survey reported numerous trees blown down throughout Morganton and vicinity, with several trees down on homes, including along West Fleming Dr, King St, and Antioch Rd. Pleasant Grove Brke 4/14/201 9 0 County comms reported multiple trees and power lines blown down on River Meadows Ln at the intersection Of River Rd. Enola 4/14/201 9 0 County comms reported multiple trees blown down near the intersection of Watershed Rd and Enola Rd.  Morganton, Burke County (7/27/2021) Scattered thunderstorms and storm clusters developed across western North Carolina during the afternoon and early evening. A couple of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts over the foothills. Spotter reported a tree blown down across on 3 cars and another tree on a house in the city of Morganton. Reported Property Damage $30,000  Alexander and Catawba County (8/2/2020) Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed along a cold front across western North Carolina during the afternoon. A couple of the storms produced brief damaging winds across the northern foothills. County Location Property Damages Event Narrative Alexander Taylorsville Airport $20,000 Fire dept reported part of a chicken house destroyed and numerous trees and a few power lines blown down at the ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-208 Draft County Location Property Damages Event Narrative intersection of Sulfur Springs Rd and Hiddenite Church Rd. Catawba Oyama 0 Fire dept reported trees blown down at County Home Rd and Lee Cline Rd on Herman Sipe Rd and on 1st Ave Place NE.  Duan, Catawba County (6/16/2022) Scattered thunderstorms developed over western North Carolina during the afternoon and moved southeast. Some of the storms organized into small clusters. Several of the clusters and individual cells produced large hail and damaging wind gusts. Public reported a large tree was blown down on a house along Highway 16 south of Newton. Property Damage $10,000 County Total Event Reports Property Damage Total Deaths Total Injuries Alexander 15 $120,000 0 0 Burke 59 $157,000 0 0 Caldwell 18 $221,000 1 2 Catawba 36 $292,000 0 0 Table 4- 55: Summary of thunderstorm wind damages, deaths, injuries, and total injuries between 2018 and 2023 from the NCDC Storm Events Database 4.5.13.5. Probability of Future Occurrences Based on the analyses performed in IRISK, the probability of future Thunderstorm Winds is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-209 4.5.13.6. Climate Change As reported by the North Carolina State Hazard Mitigation Plan, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), predicts that thunderstorm events in the future are likely to become more frequent in the southeastern USA as a result of weather extremes. Thunderstorm potential is measured by an index that NASA created called the Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) index. This measures how warm and moist the air is, which is a major contributing factor in thunderstorm formation. NASA projects that by the period of 2072-2099 the CAPE in the Unifour Region will increase by 300-400J/kg, which places it in the area likely to experience the second greatest increase in CAPE in the United States. This indicates that there will potentially be even more frequent thunderstorms in the Unifour Region going forward. The North Carolina Climate Science Report also suggests that the occurrence of severe thunderstorms will likely increase due to climate change throughout the State. Global climate models consistently project an increase in the frequency of severe thunderstorm events across the United States over the mid-to late 21stcentury. Based on the increased frequency of very high CAPE, increases in storm intensity are also projected for the Unifour Region over this same period. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low: Less than 1% annual probability  Medium: Between 1% and 10% annual probability  High: Greater than 10% annual probability Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Medium Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Medium ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-210 Draft Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence City of Claremont Medium City of Conover Medium City of Hickory Medium City of Lenoir Medium City of Morganton Medium City of Newton Medium Town of Brookford Medium Town of Cajah's Mountain Medium Town of Catawba Medium Town of Connelly Springs Medium Town of Drexel Medium Town of Gamewell Medium Town of Glen Alpine Medium Town of Granite Falls Medium Town of Hildebran Medium Town of Hudson Medium Town of Long View Medium Town of Maiden Medium Town of Rhodhiss Medium Town of Rutherford College Medium Town of Sawmills Medium Town of Taylorsville Medium ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-211 Jurisdiction IRISK Probability of Future Occurrence Town of Valdese Medium Village of Cedar Rock Medium 4.5.13.7. Thunderstorm Winds Hazard Vulnerability However, continued enforcement of building codes, flood damage prevention ordinances and other local regulatory tools and policies designed to mitigate the effects of high hazard winds is expected to minimize future losses as construction and planning continue to seek higher standards. Based on historical events the most significant local impacts for the Unifour Region regarding future events will likely be damage to trees (and the requisite management of vegetative debris) and widespread power outages to the area. The following tables provide counts and values by jurisdiction relevant to Thunderstorm Winds hazard vulnerability in the Unifour Regional HMP Area. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-212 Draft Table 0-1: Population Impacted by the 25 Year Thunderstorm Winds Jurisdiction Total Population Population At Risk All Elderly Population Elderly Population At Risk All Children Population Children At Risk Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Alexander Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) 33,016 33,016 100% 4,995 4,995 100% 1,961 1,961 100% Town of Taylorsville 4,180 4,180 100% 632 632 100% 248 248 100% Subtotal Alexander 37,196 37,196 100% 5627 5627 100% 2209 2209 100% Burke Burke County (Unincorporated Area) 49,470 49,457 100% 7,997 7,995 100% 2,762 2,761 100% City of Hickory 456 48,988 10743% 74 6,892 9313.5% 25 3,052 12208% City of Morganton 22,546 22,546 100% 3,645 3,645 100% 1,259 1,259 100% Town of Connelly Springs 1,659 1,659 100% 268 268 100% 93 93 100% Town of Drexel 5,506 5,506 100% 890 890 100% 307 307 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-213 Jurisdiction Total Population Population At Risk All Elderly Population Elderly Population At Risk All Children Population Children At Risk Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Town of Glen Alpine 1,964 1,964 100% 318 318 100% 110 110 100% Town of Hildebran 1,945 1,945 100% 314 314 100% 109 109 100% Town of Long View 698 4,879 699% 113 700 619.5% 39 300 769.2% Town of Rhodhiss 640 1,025 160.2% 103 162 157.3% 36 58 161.1% Town of Rutherford College 1,502 1,502 100% 243 243 100% 84 84 100% Town of Valdese 4,387 4,387 100% 709 709 100% 245 245 100% Subtotal Burke 90,773 143,858 158.5% 14674 22136 150.9% 5069 8378 165.3% Caldwell Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) 34,680 34,673 100% 5,352 5,351 100% 1,940 1,940 100% City of Hickory 51 48,988 96054.9% 8 6,892 86150% 3 3,052 101733.3% City of Lenoir 20,837 20,837 100% 3,216 3,216 100% 1,166 1,166 100% Town of Blowing Rock 51 1,376 2698% 8 172 2150% 3 54 1800% ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-214 Draft Jurisdiction Total Population Population At Risk All Elderly Population Elderly Population At Risk All Children Population Children At Risk Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Town of Cajah's Mountain 2,789 2,789 100% 430 430 100% 156 156 100% Town of Gamewell 4,043 4,043 100% 624 624 100% 226 226 100% Town of Granite Falls 7,104 7,104 100% 1,096 1,096 100% 397 397 100% Town of Hudson 6,431 6,431 100% 992 992 100% 360 360 100% Town of Rhodhiss 385 1,025 266.2% 59 162 274.6% 22 58 263.6% Town of Sawmills 6,380 6,380 100% 985 985 100% 357 357 100% Village of Cedar Rock 294 294 100% 45 45 100% 16 16 100% Subtotal Caldwell 83,045 133,940 161.3% 12815 19965 155.8% 4646 7782 167.5% Catawba Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) 70,017 70,011 100% 9,835 9,834 100% 4,368 4,368 100% City of Claremont 1,957 1,957 100% 275 275 100% 122 122 100% City of Conover 9,669 9,669 100% 1,358 1,358 100% 603 603 100% ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-215 Jurisdiction Total Population Population At Risk All Elderly Population Elderly Population At Risk All Children Population Children At Risk Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent City of Hickory 48,481 48,988 101% 6,810 6,892 101.2% 3,024 3,052 100.9% City of Newton 14,214 14,214 100% 1,997 1,997 100% 887 887 100% Town of Brookford 371 371 100% 52 52 100% 23 23 100% Town of Catawba 1,152 1,152 100% 162 162 100% 72 72 100% Town of Long View 4,181 4,879 116.7% 587 700 119.3% 261 300 114.9% Town of Maiden 4,964 4,972 100.2% 697 698 100.1% 310 310 100% Subtotal Catawba 155,006 156,213 100.8% 21773 21968 100.9% 9670 9737 100.7% TOTAL PLAN 366,020 471,207 128.7% 54889 69696 127% 21594 28106 130.2% Source: GIS Analysis ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-216 Draft 4.5.14. Erosion 4.5.14.1. Erosion Hazard Analysis Erosion is the gradual breakdown and movement of land due to both physical and chemical processes of water, wind, and general meteorological conditions. Natural, or geologic, erosion has occurred since the Earth’s formation and continues at a very slow and uniform rate each year. There are two types of soil erosion: wind erosion and water erosion. Wind erosion can cause significant soil loss. Winds blowing across sparsely vegetated or disturbed land can pick up soil particles and carry them through the air, thus displacing them. Water erosion can occur over land or in streams and channels. Water erosion that takes place over land may result from raindrops, shallow sheets of water flowing off the land, or shallow surface flow, which becomes concentrated in low spots. Stream channel erosion may occur as the volume and velocity of water flow increases enough to cause movement of the streambed and bank soils. An area’s potential for erosion is determined by four factors: soil characteristics, vegetative cover, climate or rainfall, and topography. Soils composed of a large percentage of silt and fine sand are most susceptible to erosion. As the clay and organic content of these soils increases, the potential for erosion decreases. Well-drained and well-graded gravels and gravel-sand mixtures are the least likely to erode. Coarse gravel soils are highly permeable and have a good capacity for absorption, which can prevent or delay the amount of surface runoff. Vegetative cover can be very helpful in controlling erosion by shielding the soil surface from falling rain, absorbing water from the soil, and slowing the velocity of runoff. Runoff is also affected by the topography of the area including size, shape, and slope. The greater the slope length and gradient, the more potential an area has for erosion. Climate can affect the amount of runoff, especially the frequency, intensity, and duration of rainfall and storms. When rainstorms are frequent, intense, or of long duration, erosion risks are high. Seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall amounts define the period of highest erosion risk of the year. During the past 20 years, the importance of erosion control has gained the increased attention of the public. Implementation of erosion control measures consistent with sound agricultural and construction operations is needed to minimize the adverse effects associated with harmful chemicals run-off due to wind or water events. The increase in government regulatory programs and public concern has resulted in a wide range of erosion control products, techniques, and analytical methodologies in the United States. The preferred method of erosion control in recent years has been the restoration of vegetation. 4.5.14.2. Location within the Planning Area No data is currently available with which to map identified areas of erosion concern. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-217 4.5.14.3. Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Definition: The extent of erosion can be defined by the measurable rate of erosion that occurs over time for a specific land area. Extent Event: No data is currently available with which to determine magnitudes or severity of erosion hazard areas within the Unifour Region. 4.5.14.4. Historical Occurrences No historical occurrences were identified in the planning area. 4.5.14.5. Probability of Future Occurrences The probability of future Erosion is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction. 4.5.14.6. Climate Change Since erosion in this context is associated primarily with extreme runoff and flood events, and to a lesser extent extreme wind events, it is likely that the increasing frequency or intensity of these events as a result of climate change will cause greater erosion problems in the future. However, there is very little readily available information that could be used to evaluate in more detail any potential increase in the risk of erosion specifically in the Unifour Region. Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low: Less than 1% annual probability  Medium: Between 1% and 10% annual probability  High: Greater than 10% annual probability Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Low Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-218 Draft Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Low Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Low City of Claremont Low City of Conover Low City of Hickory Low City of Lenoir Low City of Morganton Low City of Newton Low Town of Brookford Low Town of Cajah's Mountain Low Town of Catawba Low Town of Connelly Springs Low Town of Drexel Low Town of Gamewell Low Town of Glen Alpine Low Town of Granite Falls Low Town of Hildebran Low Town of Hudson Low Town of Long View Low Town of Maiden Low Town of Rhodhiss Low Town of Rutherford College Low Town of Sawmills Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-219 Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Town of Taylorsville Low Town of Valdese Low Village of Cedar Rock Low 4.5.14.7. Erosion Hazard Vulnerability Based upon a lack of historical events, relevant GIS data, and any immediate threat to life or property, a detailed vulnerability assessment has not been conducted for this hazard. 4.5.15. Sinkholes 4.5.15.1. Sinkholes Hazard Analysis There are three general types of sinkholes known to occur in North Carolina: geologic, debris- related, and infrastructure failure-related. Typical geologic sinkholes are directly related to the dissolving of limestone or other carbonate rocks by rainwater which has become acidic from contact with either tannic acid from leaf litter or acids emitted from the burning of fossil fuels. This is the process of how caverns are formed. The surface water melts the carbonate as the water percolates downward. When a cavern is created, the thickness of the remaining carbonate continues to diminish until the weight of the cover rock exceeds the strength of the cover rock. The hole which is created can be circular or elongated. The second type of sinkhole is one that is debris-related and is caused by the decomposition of building materials such as buried wood. Many times, a circular sinkhole develops along a newly paved or widened road, where a tree was cut down, but the root ball was never removed. When the root ball rots, the pavement collapses. The final type of sinkhole is one associated with the failure of buried infrastructure, such as pipes, culverts, or the settling of soil used to cover buried power lines, cables, water lines, or sewer lines. In most cases, sinkholes associated with settling are from recently buried pipes or utility lines, where the cover material was not completely compacted and settled naturally over time. Significant infrastructure failure-related sinkholes are also caused by water (stormwater, potable water, or sewer) which carries soil and sediment from a crack, hole, or other point of failure in a pipe. The failure of a stormwater pipe can be dramatic because, during storm events when there are high water flows, there can be very rapid erosion of the soil and fill material used to cover buried pipes. In addition to the sinkhole causes explained above, there is a fourth potential cause of ground collapse in North Carolina and that is a mine collapse. While not specifically considered a sinkhole occurrence, the effects are similar. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-220 Draft 4.5.15.2. Location within the Planning Area The geologic formations under Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties are composed of igneous and metamorphic granitic rocks, which are not the types of rocks which can be dissolved by acidic water. Therefore, geologic sinkholes are not a significant concern for the planning area. Debris and infrastructure-related sinkholes are largely dependent upon undocumented human activity, construction practices, and natural course of events and therefore no portions of the planning area can be specifically mapped as known sinkhole hazard areas. Figure 4- 111: Sinkhole Hazard Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-221 Extent (Magnitude and Severity) Definition: The of these natural conduits are often measured in feet for width and depth. Extent Event: Sinkholes are typically small, highly localized events that can have a varied magnitude and severity based on a wide range of site-specific variables. Since all historical data was provided by the HMPC no further information is available on the severity or depth of the previously occurred sinkholes. 4.5.15.3. Historical Occurrences Figure 4- 112: Sinkhole Hazard Areas in Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-222 Draft Location Date Type Deaths Injuries Reported Property Damage Reported Property Damage (PV) Reported Crop Damage Reported Crop Damage (PV) Catawba City of Hickory 08/17/02 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 City of Hickory 07/01/05 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 City of Hickory 05/19/11 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 City of Hickory 07/30/13 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Catawba 4 Events 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 TOTAL PLAN 4 Events 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Table 4- 56: Historical Occurrences of Sinkholes (2002 to 2019) Source: Catawba County Emergency Management. Figure 4- 113: Karst Map of the United States ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-223 Table 4- 57 and Table 4- 56 provide a summary of this historical information by participating jurisdiction. It is important to note that many of the events attributed to the county are countywide or cover large portions of the county. The individual counts by jurisdiction are for those events that are only attributed to that one jurisdiction. Jurisdiction Number of Occurrences Deaths Injuries Reported Property Damage Reported Property Damage (PV) Reported Crop Damage Reported Crop Damage (PV) Catawba City of Hickory 4 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Catawba 4 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 TOTAL PLAN 4 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Table 4- 57: Summary of Historical Sinkholes Occurrences by Participating Jurisdiction Source: Catawba County Emergency Management 4.5.15.4. Probability of Future Occurrences The probability of future Sinkholes is shown in the table below, by jurisdiction. 4.5.15.5. Climate Change Similar to landslides, sinkholes can be caused by heavy rains and flooding. An increase in the number and intensity of severe storms, and resulting heavy rains and flooding, may also result in sinkholes developing more frequently. Occurrence of sinkholes associated with the failure of drainage systems and other infrastructure will also be a likely consequence of the increased rainfall intensity associated with climate change. However, there is very little readily available information that could be used to evaluate in more detail any potential increase in the risk of sinkhole occurrence specifically in the Unifour Region. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-224 Draft Definitions for Descriptors Used for Probability of Future Hazard Occurrences  Low: Less than 1% annual probability  Medium: Between 1% and 10% annual probability  High: Greater than 10% annual probability Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) Low Burke County (Unincorporated Area) Low Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) Low Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) Low City of Claremont Low City of Conover Low City of Hickory Low City of Lenoir Low City of Morganton Low City of Newton Low Town of Brookford Low Town of Cajah's Mountain Low Town of Catawba Low Town of Connelly Springs Low Town of Drexel Low Town of Gamewell Low Town of Glen Alpine Low Town of Granite Falls Low Town of Hildebran Low Town of Hudson Low Town of Long View Low Town of Maiden Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-225 Jurisdiction Probability of Future Occurrence Town of Rhodhiss Low Town of Rutherford College Low Town of Sawmills Low Town of Taylorsville Low Town of Valdese Low Village of Cedar Rock Low 4.5.15.6. Sinkhole Hazard Vulnerability Due to what is assumed to be a relatively low probability of a sinkhole occurrence producing significant damages in the participating jurisdictions, as well as insufficient data and methodology to produce a region-wide assessment, a detailed vulnerability analysis was not conducted for this hazard. 4.6. Hazard Extent Summary The table below is a summary of the extent and impacts of the various hazards shown in this plan. Hazard Description River Flooding Definition Flood Extent can be measured by the amount of land and property in the floodplain as well as flood height and velocity. Flood depth and velocity are recorded via the USGS stream gages throughout the region. River Flooding Extent Event The highest recorded peak river stage on record is 28.6 feet at John’s River in Burke County, recorded September 7-9, 2004, during Hurricane Frances. It is worth noting that this is based on available records from existing river gages and may not represent the worst flooding in the Region’s history. Similarly, a database of high-water marks is not available for all areas of the Region for comparison, validation, or further reliable research on the magnitude of historical occurrences. Wildfire Definition The average size of wildfires in the Unifour Region is typically small. Wildfire Extent Event Wildfire data was provided by the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources and is reported annually by county Tornado Definition Tornado hazard extent is measured by tornado occurrences in the US provided by FEMA as well as the Fujita/Enhanced Fujita Scale. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-226 Draft Hazard Description Tornado Extent Event Tornadoes of any magnitude and severity are possible within the planning area. Since 1951, the highest magnitude tornado to impact the Unifour Region has been an F4 on the Fujita Scale for Tornado Damage which has occurred on two separate occasions in two different counties in the planning area. Earthquake Definition Earthquake extent can be measured by the Richter Scale and the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. Earthquake Extent Event The most severe earthquake felt in the Unifour Region since the mid-1800s was a six (VI) on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. This event occurred in 1886, the effects of which were reported specifically in the City of Hickory which was 337 miles from the epicenter of the earthquake. The effects of this magnitude earthquake typically include trees swaying, suspended objects swinging, and objects falling off of shelves. Earthquakes of greater magnitude may be possible within the region; however, this is known to be the greatest severity currently on record. Landslide Definition Landslide data is provided from United States Geological Survey (USGS). Landslide Extent Event The magnitude and severity of landslides can vary greatly depending on terrain and other highly localized factors. In addition, there is no overall severity rating scale for landslides that can be applied to the Unifour Region. Snow Definition The extent of winter storms can be measured by the amount of snowfall received (in inches). Snow Extent Event There is currently no overall scale to rank the potential severity of severe winter weather events of this type, but it is assumed that the magnitude and severity of future occurrences will be like that of historical occurrences. Ice Definition There is currently no overall scale to rank the potential severity of ice storms. Ice Extent Event There is currently no overall scale to rank the potential severity of severe winter weather events of this type, but it is assumed that the magnitude and severity of future occurrences will be like that of historical occurrences. Hail Definition There is currently no specific overall scale to rank the potential severity of severe events of this type Hail Extent Event Hail is known to be damaging hazard occurrences in the Unifour Region that can result in multiple injuries. There is currently no specific overall scale to rank the potential severity of severe events of this type, but it is assumed that the magnitude and severity of future occurrences will be like that of historical occurrences. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-227 Hazard Description Drought Definition Drought extent is defined by the North Carolina Drought Monitor Classifications which include Abnormally Dry, Moderate Drought, Severe Drought, Extreme Drought, and Exceptional Drought. According to the North Carolina Drought Monitor Classifications, the most severe drought condition is Exceptional. Drought Extent Event As supported by the historical occurrences presented in the following subsection, the magnitude and severity of the drought/extreme heat hazard in the planning area is relatively mild. No deaths, injuries, property damages, or crop damages have been reported according to NCDC since 1998, so it is difficult to assign any specific severity rating to this hazard. Hurricane Winds Definition Hurricane extent is defined by the Saffir-Simpson Scale which classifies hurricanes into Category 1 through Category 5. Hurricane Winds Extent Event Hurricanes and tropical storms of any magnitude and severity are theoretically possible within the planning area, however major hurricanes (Category 3 and greater) are less likely to retain that classification as far inland as the Unifour Region. Since the 1850s, the greatest magnitude hurricane to impact the planning area has been a Category 1 hurricane in 1989 (Hurricane Hugo) (see Historical Occurrences section below). A Category 1 hurricane typically results in minimal damages, including damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some coastal flooding and minor pier damage, etc. that is not applicable to the planning area. Thunderstorm Winds Definition Thunderstorm extent is defined by the number of thunder events and wind speeds reported. Thunderstorm Winds Extent Event Thunderstorms are known to be damaging hazard occurrences in the Unifour Region that can result in multiple injuries. There is currently no specific overall scale to rank the potential severity of severe events of this type, but it is assumed that the magnitude and severity of future occurrences will be like that of historical occurrences. Erosion Definition The extent of erosion can be defined by the measurable rate of erosion that occurs. Erosion Extent Event No data is currently available with which to determine magnitudes or severity of erosion hazard areas within the Unifour Region. Sinkholes Definition The of these natural conduits are often measured in feet. Sinkholes Extent Event Sinkholes are typically small, highly localized events that can have a varied magnitude and severity based on a wide range of site-specific variables. Table 4- 58: Summary of Hazard Extents ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-228 Draft 4.7. Conclusions on Hazard Risk No changes in development impacted the Region and all its jurisdiction’s overall vulnerability for all hazards addressed. Based on consensus of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee, in addition to the results presented in this Risk Assessment, the hazards addressed in this plan have been ranked according to the following prioritized list: High Risk Hazards  Flood  Tornado  Thunderstorm  Wildfire Moderate Risk Hazards  Snow  Ice  Sinkhole  Dam Failure  Hail  Hurricane Low Risk Hazards  Drought  Erosion  Landslide  Levee Failure In addition to the results presented throughout this Risk Assessment, The Expected Annualized Losses (EAL) determined by FEMAs NRI is presented in Table 4- 59 and summarized above further help substantiate the priority ranking stated here in these conclusions on hazard risk. The EAL Values are calculated by FEMA to represent the expected average economic loss in dollars from natural hazards each year with three consequence types: Buildings, People, and Agriculture. The EAL is calculated by the equation: Exposure X Annualized Frequency X Historic Loss Ratio, (Terms are defined in Error! Reference source not found.).  The Exposure Value represents the natural consequence factor which represents the value of the three consequence types (People, buildings, and agriculture) that have the potential to be exposed to the natural hazard occurrence and was determined by exposure data which has the best accuracy and national data for each natural hazard.  The Annualized Frequency is a natural hazard incidence factor which represents the probability of a natural hazard event occurring per year based on historical data. The ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-229 Annualized Frequency is defined by the number of recorded events per year over the period of record or the modeled probability of a hazards occurrence each year.  The Historic Loss Ratio (HLR) represents the estimated percentage of building value, population, or agriculture which are expected to be lost due to natural hazards. The Historic Loss Ratio is calculated by loss by consequence type documented for each hazard type from source data divided by the total value, by consequence type (People, Buildings, and Agriculture), estimated to be exposed to a natural hazard occurrence. Please see the NRI Technical Documentation for more information about datasets, calculations and methodology22. In addition to the results presented throughout this Risk Assessment, the EAL in Table 4- 59 with information about EAL calculations summarized above further help substantiate the priority ranking stated here in these conclusions on hazard risk. Certain hazards (such as Hail, Ice, Snow, Thunderstorm Winds and Wildfire) occur very frequently, and are only summarized by total counts and total damages in each jurisdiction. Below are the summaries of Expected Annual Loss and Exposure Values in Table 4- 60, EAL by consequence type in Table 4- 59 and Expected Annual Frequency and Historic Loss Ratio in Table 4- 61. Hazard Expected Annual Loss Alexander Burke Catawba Caldwell EAL Exposure EAL Exposure EAL Exposure EAL Exposure Cold Wave $0 $0 $11,000 $14B $0 $0 $23,000 $50B Drought $140,000 $9.3M $342,000 $22M $379,000 $24M $183,000 $12M Earthquake $145,000 $429B $338,000 $1T $1.1M $1.9T $407,000 $951B Hail $205,000 $429B $224,000 $1T $992,000 $1.9T $198,000 $950B Heat Wave $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Hurricane $430,000 $429B $537,000 $1T $1.9M $1.9T $555,000 $950B Ice Storm $612,000 $429B $1.4M $1T $2M $1.9T $1.3M $950B Landslide $22,000 $146B $182,000 $539B $150,000 $691B $560,000 $508B Lightning $213,000 $429B $726,000 $1T $219,000 $1.9T $461,000 $950B Riverine Flooding $37,000 $2.3B $934,000 $8.7B $541,000 $13B $312,000 $19B Strong Wind $464,000 $429B $411,000 $1T $1.1M $1.9T $1M $950B Tornado $872,000 $429B $2.2M $1T $5.2M $1.9T $1.6M $950B Wildfire $27,000 $26B $64,000 $34B $62,000 $167B $76,000 $39B Winter Weather $24,000 $429B $57,000 $1T $95,000 $1.9T $55,000 $949B Table 4- 59: NRI Expected Annual Loss and Exposure Values by Hazard Type for the Unifour Counties ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-230 Draft EAL Consequences or Components Alexander Burke Catawba Caldwell Composite EAL $3,189,537.7 8 $7,459,011.53 $13,763,907.36 $6,747,375.78 Total Building EAL $1,727,076.4 4 $4,308,976.5 4 $9,086,511.01 $4,106,089.49 EAL Rate $1 per $3.76K of building value $1 per $3.17K of building value $1 per $4.09K of building value $1 per $3.68K of building value Population EAL 0.09 Fatalities 0.21 Fatalities 0.36 Fatalities 0.19 Fatalities EAL Rate 1 per 421.81K people 1 per 420.38K people 1 per 450.72K people 1 per 416.27K people Equivalence EAL $1,002,030.4 0 $2,415,382.3 4 $4,130,966.33 $2,245,633.35 Agriculture EAL $460,430.95 $734,652.65 $546,430.03 $395,652.94 EAL Rate $1 per $439.28 of Agriculture value $1 per $127.19 of agriculture value $1 per $162.22 of agriculture value $1 per $139.32 of agriculture value Table 4- 60: NRI EAL by Consequence or Components for the Unifour Counties Hazard Expected Annual Loss Alexander Burke Catawba Caldwell Frequency (Events Per Year) Historic Loss Ratio Frequency (Events Per Year) Historic Loss Ratio Frequency (Events Per Year) Historic Loss Ratio Frequency (Events Per Year) Historic Loss Ratio Cold Wave 0 No Rating 0 No Rating 0 No Rating 0.1 Relatively Low Drought 31 Relatively Moderate 33.2 Relatively Moderate 32.1 Relatively Moderate 30.7 Relatively Moderate Earthquake 0.046% Chance Per Year Relatively Low 0.058% Chance per Year Relatively Low 0.049% Chance per year Relatively Moderate 0.054% Chance Per Year Relatively Low Hail 5.3 Relatively Low 5.5 Very Low 5.7 Relatively Low 5.1 Very Low Heat Wave 0 No Rating 0 No Rating 0 No Rating 0 No Rating Hurricane 0 Relatively Low 0 Relatively Low 0.1 Relatively Low 0 Relatively Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-231 Hazard Expected Annual Loss Alexander Burke Catawba Caldwell Frequency (Events Per Year) Historic Loss Ratio Frequency (Events Per Year) Historic Loss Ratio Frequency (Events Per Year) Historic Loss Ratio Frequency (Events Per Year) Historic Loss Ratio Ice Storm 1.4 Relatively Moderate 1.5 Relatively Moderate 1.7 Relatively Low 1.1 Relatively Moderate Landslide 0 Very Low 0 Very Low 0 Very Low 0.2 Very Low Lightning 62.7 Relatively Moderate 54 Relatively Moderate 65.8 Very Low 57.1 Relatively Moderate Riverine Flooding 0.4 Very Low 2 Relatively Low 1 Very Low 2.3 Very Low Strong Wind 2.7 Relatively Low 2.6 Very Low 2.6 Relatively Low 2.8 Relatively Low Tornado 0.14 Relatively Moderate 0.2 Relatively Moderate 0.2 Relatively Moderate 0.2 Relatively Low Wildfire 0.016% Chance per Year Relatively Low 0.034% Chance Per year Relatively Low 0.007% Chance Per Year Relatively Low 0.029% Chance per Year Relatively Low Winter Weather 2.4 Events Per Year Relatively Low 2.7 Very Low 2.2 Relatively Low 2.8 Very Low Table 4- 61: NRI Expected Annual Frequency and Historic Loss Ratio Rating Formatting Checklist Grammar and Spelling Initial Figure and Table Cross References Header and Footer Pages Citation style consistent Figure and table numbers updated Checked – 9/13/2024 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-232 Draft 1 Zuzak, Sheehan, Goodenough, McDougall, Stanton, McGuire, Mowrer, Roberts, & Rozelle, J. (2023). National Risk Index: Technical Documentation. In Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA.gov. Retrieved May 28, 2024, from 2 North Carolina Historic Preservation Office & North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. (2019). HPOWEB 2.0 (2.0) [Dataset]. NC Historic Preservation Office. 3 NOAA’s National Weather Service. 80-Year List of Severe Weather Fatalities. 4 NOAA’s National Weather Service. Flood related hazards. hazards 5 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]. Storm Events Database (By National Center for Environmental Information [NCEI]). National Center for Environmental Information. 6 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]. Storm Events Database (By National Center for Environmental Information [NCEI]). National Center for Environmental Information. 7 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]. Storm Events Database (By National Center for Environmental Information [NCEI]). National Center for Environmental Information. 8 Federal Emergency Management Administration [FEMA]. National Risk Index Data Resources [Dataset]. In Department of Homeland Security [DHS], FEMA National Risk Index. 9 Wildland Fire Interagency Geospatial Services. (2024). Wildland fire incident locations [Dataset]. In National Interagency Fire Center, NIFC Open Data Site. National Interagency Fire Center. nifc.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/b4402f7887ca4ea9a6189443f220ef28_0/explore?location=0.000000%2C 0.000000%2C1.93&showTable=true 10 Wildland Fire Interagency Geospatial Services. (2024). Wildland fire incident locations [Dataset]. In National Interagency Fire Center, NIFC Open Data Site. National Interagency Fire Center. nifc.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/b4402f7887ca4ea9a6189443f220ef28_0/explore?location=0.000000%2C 0.000000%2C1.93&showTable=true 11 Wildland Fire Interagency Geospatial Services. (2024). Wildland fire incident locations [Dataset]. In National Interagency Fire Center, NIFC Open Data Site. National Interagency Fire Center. nifc.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/b4402f7887ca4ea9a6189443f220ef28_0/explore?location=0.000000%2C 0.000000%2C1.93&showTable=true 12 North Carolina Emergency Management & North Carolina Department of Public Safety. (2022). State of North Carolina 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan. In NC Department of Public Safety. 13National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]. Storm Events Database (By National Center for Environmental Information [NCEI]). National Center for Environmental Information. 14 U.S. Geological Survey. Earthquake Catalog [Dataset]. In USGS Earthquake Hazards Program. USGS. 15 U.S. Geological Survey. Magnitude Types. USGS Earthquake Hazards Program. Retrieved June 27, 2024, from 16 Bozdog, N. (2023). North Carolina landslide points [Dataset]. In NC Department of Environmental Quality, NC One Map. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 4: Risk Assessment 4-233 17Davis, C. (2021, August 10). Rapid reaction: A season’s worth of snow in one day - North Carolina State Climate Office. North Carolina State Climate Office - A Public Service Center. 18 The Changing Hail Threat Over North America in Response to Anthropogenic Climate Change: J. C. Brimelow, W. R. Burrows and J. M. Hanesiak, Published online at www.nature.com, 26 June 2017 19 20 21 22 Zuzak, Sheehan, Goodenough, McDougall, Stanton, McGuire, Mowrer, Roberts, & Rozelle, J. (2023). National Risk Index: Technical Documentation. In Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA.gov. Retrieved May 28, 2024, from ---PAGE BREAK--- Contents SECTION 5: CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT 1 5.1. OVERVIEW 2 5.2. CONDUCTING THE CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT 2 5.3. CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT FINDINGS 3 5.3.1. Planning and Regulatory Capability 3 5.3.2. Emergency Management 8 5.3.1.1. Updated Capabilities 8 5.3.1.2. Hazard Mitigation 11 5.3.1.3. Disaster Recovery Plan 11 5.3.1.4. Emergency Operations Plan 11 5.3.1.5. Continuity of Operations Plan 11 5.3.3. General Planning 11 5.3.2.1. Updated Capabilities by Jurisdiction 5.3.2.2. Comprehensive/General Plan 5.3.2.3. Capital Improvements Plan 5.3.2.4. Historic Preservation Plan 5.3.2.5. Zoning Ordinance 5.3.2.6. Subdivision Ordinance 5.3.2.7. Building Codes, Permitting, and Inspections 5.3.4. Floodplain Management 5.3.3.1. Updated Capabilities Alexander County Catawba County Caldwell County Burke County 5.3.3.2. Community Rating System 5.3.3.3. Floodplain Management Plan 5.3.3.4. Open Space Management Plan 5.3.3.5. Stormwater Management Plan 5.3.4. Administrative and Technical Capability 5.3.5. Fiscal Capability 5.3.6. Education and Outreach Capability 5.3.6.1. Added Capabilities 5.3.7. Mitigation Capability 5.3.7.1. Added Capabilities: 5.3.8. Political Capability 5.3.9. Local 5.4. CONCLUSIONS ON LOCAL CAPABILITY Section 5: Capability Assessment This section discusses the capability of the Plan Area to implement hazard mitigation activities. It consists of the following four subsections: 5.1 Overview 5.2 Conducting the Capability Assessment 5.3 Capability Assessment Findings 5.4 Conclusions on Local Capability ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-2 Draft 5.1. Overview The purpose of conducting a Capability Assessment is to determine the ability of a local jurisdiction to implement a comprehensive Mitigation Strategy, and to identify potential opportunities for establishing or enhancing specific mitigation policies, programs, or projects. As in any planning process, it is important to try to establish which goals, objectives, and actions are feasible, based on an understanding of the organizational capacity of those agencies or departments tasked with their implementation. A Capability Assessment helps to determine which mitigation actions are practical and likely to be implemented over time given a local government’s planning and regulatory framework, level of administrative and technical support, number of fiscal resources, and current political climate. A Capability Assessment has two primary components: 1) an inventory of a local jurisdiction’s relevant plans, ordinances, and programs already in place; and 2) an analysis of its capacity to carry them out. Careful examination of local capabilities will detect any existing gaps, shortfalls, or weaknesses with ongoing government activities that could hinder proposed mitigation activities and possibly exacerbate community hazard vulnerability. Capability Assessment also highlights the positive mitigation measures already in place or being implemented at the local government level, which should continue to be supported and enhanced through future mitigation efforts. The Capability Assessment completed for the Plan Area serves as a critical planning step and an integral part of the foundation for designing an effective Mitigation Strategy. Coupled with the Risk Assessment, the Capability Assessment helps identify and target meaningful mitigation actions for incorporation into the Mitigation Strategy portion of the Plan. It helps establish the goals and objectives for the Region to pursue under this Plan and ensures that those goals are realistically achievable under given local conditions. 5.2. Conducting the Capability Assessment To facilitate the inventory and analysis of local government capabilities within the Plan counties, a detailed Local Capability Assessment Survey was distributed to members of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) at the second planning committee meeting. The survey questionnaire requested information on a variety of “capability indicators” such as existing local plans, policies, programs, or ordinances that contribute to and/or hinder the Region’s ability to implement hazard mitigation actions. Other indicators included information related to the Region’s fiscal, administrative, and technical capabilities, such as access to local budgetary and personnel resources for mitigation purposes, as well as any existing education and outreach programs that can be used to promote mitigation. Survey respondents were also asked to comment on the current political climate regarding hazard mitigation, an important consideration for local planning or decision-making. At a minimum, the survey results provide an extensive and consolidated inventory of existing local plans, ordinances, programs, and resources in place or under development, in addition to their overall effect on hazard loss reduction. In completing the survey, local officials were also required to conduct a self-assessment of their jurisdiction’s specific capabilities. The survey instrument thereby not only helps accurately assess the degree of local capability, but it also serves as a good source of introspection for counties and local jurisdictions that want to improve their capabilities as identified gaps, weaknesses, or conflicts can be recast as opportunities for specific actions to be proposed as part of the mitigation strategy. Each jurisdiction was asked to rate their planning and regulatory, general planning, floodplain management, administrative and technical, fiscal, education and outreach, mitigation, political, and overall capabilities. The jurisdictions were also given the opportunity to provide details about their ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-3 capabilities in terms of management plans which relate to their capabilities. These include hazard mitigation plans, comprehensive or general plans, disaster recovery plan, emergency operations plan, continuity of operations plans, capital improvement plans, historic preservation plan, zoning ordinances, subdivision ordinances, building codes, community rating system, floodplain management plans, open space management plans, and stormwater management plans. The capabilities assessments were used along with the completed mitigation actions to inventory the hazard mitigation capabilities of each jurisdiction to highlight their existing and ongoing capabilities along with areas of improvement. The jurisdictions were also asked to rate their capabilities in terms of “High,” “Moderate,” or “Limited” for hazard mitigation in terms of overall hazard mitigation, planning and regulatory, general planning, floodplain management, administrative and technical, fiscal, education and outreach, mitigation, and political. Along with rating their capabilities for these categories, they were also given the opportunity to provide comments about their capability ratings. This allows the jurisdictions to think about the entire hazard mitigation planning process to get a sense of their overall hazard mitigation capabilities and are designed to provide nothing more than a general assessment of local government capability. In combination with the narrative responses provided by local officials, the results of this Capability Assessment provide critical information for developing an effective and meaningful mitigation strategy. 5.3. Capability Assessment Findings The findings of the Capability Assessment are summarized in this Plan to provide insight into the relevant capacity of the Plan Area to implement hazard mitigation activities. All information is based on local government officials' input through the Local Capability Assessment Survey. 5.3.1. Planning and Regulatory Capability Planning and regulatory capability is based on the implementation of plans, ordinances, and programs that demonstrate a local jurisdiction’s commitment to guiding and managing growth, development, and redevelopment in a responsible manner, while maintaining the general welfare of the community. It includes emergency response and mitigation planning, comprehensive land use planning, and transportation planning, in addition to the enforcement of zoning or subdivision ordinances and building codes that regulate how land is developed, and structures are built, as well as protecting environmental, historic, and cultural resources in the community. Although some conflicts can arise, these planning initiatives generally present significant opportunities to integrate hazard mitigation principles and practices into the local decision-making process. This assessment is designed to provide a general overview of the key planning and regulatory tools or programs in place or under development for the Plan Area, along with their potential effect on loss reduction. This information will help identify opportunities to address existing gaps, weaknesses, or conflicts with other initiatives and integrate the implementation of this Plan with existing planning mechanisms where appropriate. Table 5- 1 provides a summary of the relevant local plans, ordinances, and programs already in place or under development for the Plan Area. A checkmark indicates that the given item is currently in place and being implemented. An asterisk indicates that the given item is currently Element A4-a. Does the plan document what existing plans, studies, reports, and technical information were reviewed for the development of the plan, as well as how they were incorporated into the document? ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-4 Draft being developed for future implementation. Each of these local plans, ordinances, and programs should be considered available mechanisms for incorporating the requirements of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Listed below are existing plans, studies, reports, and technical information reviewed for plan development and update. Relevant information such as hazard analysis, NFIP data, building codes, ordinances and communication procedures were incorporated into the mitigation plan via coordination with ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-5 Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan Comprehensive Use Plan Floodplain Management Plan Open Space Management Plan Stormwater Management Plan Emergency Operations Plan SARA Title III Plan Radiological Emergency Plan Continuity of Operations Plan Evacuation Plan Disaster Recovery Plan Capital Improvement Plan Economic Development Plan Historic Preservation Plan Transportation Plan Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Flood Prevention Ordinance Zoning Ordinance Subdivision Ordinance Site Plan Review Requirements Unified Development Ordinance Post Disaster Redevelopment Ordinance Building Code Fire Code Community Wildfire Protection Plan National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System Alexander County Town of Taylorsville Burke County City of Morganton Town of Connelly Springs Town of Drexel Town of Glen Alpine Town of Hildebran Town of Rutherford College Town of Taylorsville ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-6 Draft Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan Comprehensive Use Plan Floodplain Management Plan Open Space Management Plan Stormwater Management Plan Emergency Operations Plan SARA Title III Plan Radiological Emergency Plan Continuity of Operations Plan Evacuation Plan Disaster Recovery Plan Capital Improvement Plan Economic Development Plan Historic Preservation Plan Transportation Plan Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Flood Prevention Ordinance Zoning Ordinance Subdivision Ordinance Site Plan Review Requirements Unified Development Ordinance Post Disaster Redevelopment Ordinance Building Code Fire Code Community Wildfire Protection Plan National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System Town of Valdese Catawba County City of Claremont City of Conover City of Hickory City of Newton Town of Brookford Town of Catawba Town of Long View ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-7 Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan Comprehensive Use Plan Floodplain Management Plan Open Space Management Plan Stormwater Management Plan Emergency Operations Plan SARA Title III Plan Radiological Emergency Plan Continuity of Operations Plan Evacuation Plan Disaster Recovery Plan Capital Improvement Plan Economic Development Plan Historic Preservation Plan Transportation Plan Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Flood Prevention Ordinance Zoning Ordinance Subdivision Ordinance Site Plan Review Requirements Unified Development Ordinance Post Disaster Redevelopment Ordinance Building Code Fire Code Community Wildfire Protection Plan National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System Caldwell County City of Lenoir Town of Cajah's Mountain Town of Gamewell Town of Granite Falls Town of Hudson Town of Rhodhiss Town of Sawmills Village of Cedar Rock Table 5- 1: Review and Incorporation of Existing Plans, Studies, Reports, Ordinances, Technical Information and Programs ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-8 Draft A more detailed discussion on the Region’s planning and regulatory capability follows, along with the incorporation of additional information based on the narrative comments provided by local officials in response to the survey questionnaire. 5.3.2. Emergency Management Hazard mitigation is widely recognized as one of the four primary phases of emergency management. The three other phases are preparedness, response, and recovery. Each phase is interconnected with hazard mitigation, as Figure 5-1 suggests. Opportunities to reduce potential losses through mitigation practices are most often implemented before a disaster event, such as elevation of flood-prone structures or through the continuous enforcement of policies that prevent and regulate development that is vulnerable to hazards because of its location, design, or other characteristics. Mitigation opportunities can also be identified during immediate preparedness or response activities (such as installing storm shutters in advance of a hurricane), and in many instances during the long-term recovery and redevelopment process following a disaster event. Figure 5-1: The Four Phases of Emergency Management Planning for each phase is a critical part of a comprehensive emergency management program and a key to the successful implementation of hazard mitigation actions. As a result, the Local Capability Assessment Survey asked several questions across a range of emergency management plans to assess the Area’s willingness to plan and their level of technical planning proficiency. 5.3.1.1. Updated Capabilities Alexander County  Community Alert System: Code Red notification platform has been implemented and the County continues to work with the local Information Team to increase the capabilities of the unified messaging system. This is maintained quarterly.  E-911 Center: The County has constructed a E-911 Center that addresses new businesses and residences to add to the 911 address database. This is updated or as needed to add new addresses as new construction projects obtain permits. This system addresses all the communities in Alexander County. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-9  HyperReach: The County has established HyperReach as their early warning system that uses social media, apps, and websites to share information with communities about early warnings of dam failure and potential hazards. The HyperReach system is a reverse 911 system that notifies residents about potentially hazardous conditions and is maintained quarterly. Applies to all communities in Alexander County.  Protocol for Monitoring Tail Race Areas: Data about tail race monitoring areas below the Catawba River has been established by Duke Energy for real time information and alerts.  Transfer Switch Connections for New and Existing Public Facilities: The County has added generators to newly constructed public facilities including the County Offices, Health Department, and Board of Elections.  Portable Generator: The County has obtained a deployable trailer mounted generator for emergency response.  City of Morganton: Major Sewer and Wastewater Upgrades have been completed, including wastewater plant renovations and line upgrades for the City’s wastewater sewer systems. The City has also installed new water plant generators above the flood hazard areas to serve as a power source backup during catastrophic events to maintain the systems drinking water.  Town of Taylorsville Increased Emergency Response Forces: the Town has increased the emergency response force by assisting with pay increases to assist with staffing issues, train more law enforcement, and maintain credentials. Catawba County  Quick Connect Installation at Critical Public Facilities: The County has coordinated with the American Red Cross to install pre-wired connections to use in portable generators at critical public facilities including two elementary schools (Startown Elementary and Bandys High School) with Department of Homeland Security Grants.  Requirement for Pre-wired Connections in New School Facilities: The County has met with the Catawba County School representatives and established a policy to have pre-wired connections installed during any new construction to be more cost effective.  Protocol for Monitoring Tail Race Areas: Data about tail race monitoring areas below the Catawba River has been established by Duke Energy for real time information and alerts.  Identification of Emergency Access Areas on Public Properties: The County has established evacuation procedures for parks which include alternative routes. They have also established natural breaks to reduce the spread of wildfires to the adjoining properties.  Protocol for Notification of Log Jamming in Priority Watershed: Established to notify the appropriate agencies and community partners to assist in clearing the log jam. The NCDOT is also notified of log jams, possible or existing, that can jeopardize bridge abutments.  City of Claremont is Installing Generator Hook-ups for Critical Facilities: The City of Claremont Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works Department, McLin Sewer Treatment Plant, Rescue Squad, and four out of five lift stations now have emergency generators. Public works is scheduled to be building a new permanent generator in the near future.  City of Conover has installed Generators at all Critical Facilities: All critical facilities now have permanent full backup capability with generators including the City Hall, Police Stations, Fire Stations, and Public Works buildings. Brush and Wildland Fire Training has incorporated the training into the annual training schedule in the City Fire Department.  City of Lenoir has Installed Backup Generator at City Hall ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-10 Draft  City of Newton added an additional tree trimming crew to keep trees and limbs clear of electric lines to prevent damage.  Town of Maiden has constructed a Remote Fire Station at the intersection of Elbow Road and Startown Road, and another fire station is currently under construction.  City of Hickory has added Additional Commanders in the Fire Department: the City of Hickory had realigned the structure of its fire department to allow for better management of multiple incidents and provide safety for public safety personnel. The City has purchased 11 four-wheel drive vehicles with Off-Road Capability Vehicles to utilize when residents become stranded or cut-off from services due to hazardous weather events. The City of Hickory Police department have acquired an elevated platform Police Skytower that can support police personnel and or surveillance equipment. It has provided firsthand management of severe weather events and can also be used to observe areas impacted by severe weather. A Second Ladder Company within the Hickory Fire Department has provided the City and has the ability to reduce the existing 43 square mile coverage to two 21.5 square miles of coverage. The Hickory Police Department has installed the Radio Frequency Interoperability Hardware to prevent communication breakdown due to compatibility issues between radio and telephone systems. The City continues to update the system as needed and provide training to other local governments and emergency service groups as needed.  Town of Brookford has prepared a Local Evacuation Route to ensure the safety of its residents in anticipation of hazard events, particularly wildfires and floodings. The Town of Brookford has developed a Mutual Aid Agreement with the City of Hickory and works with Catawba County.  Town of Long View has obtained gear through a grant to train 2-3 times a year for Brush and Forest Firefighting Training. The Town of Long View has developed a Hazard Awareness Month to promote hazard awareness throughout the town in the month of March.  Town of Catawba routinely relies on Scheduled Tree Clearing through a private company and Duke Energy to prune and trim trees in order to prevent damage from hazard events. Burke County  HyperReach: The County has established HyperReach as their early warning system that uses social media, apps, and websites to share information with communities about early warnings of dam failure and potential hazards. The HyperReach system is a reverse 911 system that notifies residents about potentially hazardous conditions and is maintained quarterly. Applies to all communities in Alexander County.  Community Health and Disaster Mitigation Explorer (CHADME): the WPCOG has created a community health and disaster mitigation tool that has an inventory of all Burke County infrastructure, critical facilities, and areas of concern.  E-911 Expansion: Burke County has updated and expanded their E-911 program to include municipalities to cover the entire County with one system. The E-911 center updated the system with new addresses on a continuous basis when new residences and businesses are built or permitted. Building permits require a 911 address to be given for any new construction projects.  Town of Rutherford College has obtained a portable generator that is used for the pump station when the power is out.  Town of Valdese has installed a Quick Connect Emergency Generator in 2018 in the Valdese Water Department Pump Station. The Town of Valdese continually monitors and inspects storm drainage systems to clear debris and present debris from blocking the drain. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-11 5.3.1.2. Hazard Mitigation Plan A hazard mitigation plan represents a community’s blueprint for how it intends to reduce the impact of natural, and in some cases human-caused, hazards on people and the built environment. The essential elements of a hazard mitigation plan include a risk assessment, capability assessment, and mitigation strategy.  28 of the 28 participating jurisdictions in this regional planning effort have previously been covered by their county’s multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan. 5.3.1.3. Disaster Recovery Plan A disaster recovery plan serves to guide the physical, social, environmental, and economic recovery and reconstruction process following a disaster event. In many instances, hazard mitigation principles and practices are incorporated into local disaster recovery plans to capitalize on opportunities to break the cycle of repetitive disaster losses. Disaster recovery plans can also lead to the preparation of disaster redevelopment policies and ordinances to be enacted following a hazard event.  7 of the 28 participating jurisdictions have a disaster recovery plan either in place or under development. (5 jurisdictions have one in place; 4 have one under development; 0 covered under a county plan) 5.3.1.4. Emergency Operations Plan An emergency operations plan outlines responsibility and how resources are deployed during and following an emergency or disaster.  20 of the 28 participating jurisdictions have an emergency operation plan either in place or are covered under a county plan.  Alexander County has undergone a complete re-write of their EOP and expect it to be completed by the end of 2024 with opportunities to review and revise annually in the future. This EOP establishes a program for evaluating and improving critical services and critical facilities to reduce risks of damage due to natural hazards.  Catawba County has established procedures in their EOP to address dams, monitoring, and high-water events for public notification and awareness. 5.3.1.5. Continuity of Operations Plan A continuity of operations plan establishes a chain of command, line of succession, and plans for backup or alternate emergency facilities in case of an extreme emergency or disaster event.  10 of the 28 participating jurisdictions have a continuity of operations plan in place. 5.3.3. General Planning The implementation of hazard mitigation activities often involves agencies and individuals beyond the emergency management profession. Stakeholders may include local planners, public works officials, economic development specialists, and others. In many instances, concurrent local planning efforts will help to achieve or complement hazard mitigation goals, even though they are not designed as such. The Local Capability Assessment Survey also asked questions regarding ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-12 Draft general planning capabilities and the degree to which hazard mitigation is integrated into other ongoing planning efforts in the Plan Area. 5.3.2.1. Updated Capabilities by Jurisdiction Alexander County  Land Use Development plan: The County updated their Land Use Development plan in May 2024.  Town of Taylorsville developed a Unified Development Ordinance has been adopted that combines the County and Town of Taylorsville zoning districts. A Land Use Development Code covering the area was also adopted in May 2024 Catawba County  Carolina Thread Master Plan: Catawba County created and adopted the plan in coordination with the Carolina Thread Trail Organization which lays out a system of 126 miles of interconnected trails within the county, and 56 miles of the trail systems are located along river corridors which help preserve sensitive floodplain areas through the acquisition of easements.  Corridor Plans: The County updated its corridor and small area plans to incorporate hazard mitigation elements into new development in areas where utilities, emergency services, and public facilities exist.  City of Claremont has developed an Infrastructure Database that the WPCOG maintains with infrastructure and utilities database in a GIS system that is updated when changes are made. Caldwell County  City of Lenoir has developed a Minimum Housing Database to catalog vacant, substandard, and abandoned houses to prioritize the enforcement actions based on a formula that is weighted for factors such as public safety. Within 5 years, over 150 houses have been removed from the list as they are being abated. The City continues to identify houses for abatement and foreclosure every year. Burke County  Town of Glen Alpine reviews zoning ordinances on an annual basis and the Planning Board meets to review ordinances, subdivision plans, future projects, and public concerns.  Town of Rutherford College has revised its zoning regulations to require a 50-foot buffer for new development along the Catawba River and has revised the subdivision regulations to require all perennial and intermittent streams to be shown on subdivision plats. 5.3.2.2. Comprehensive/General Plan A comprehensive land use plan, or general plan, establishes the overall vision for what a community wants to be and serves as a guide for future governmental decision making. Typically, a comprehensive plan contains sections on demographic conditions, land use, transportation elements, and community facilities. Given the broad nature of the plan and its regulatory standing ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-13 in many communities, the integration of hazard mitigation measures into the comprehensive plan can enhance the likelihood of achieving risk reduction goals, objectives, and actions.  28 of the 28 participating jurisdictions have a comprehensive land use plan either in place or under development.  Alexander County updated their Comprehensive Plan in May 2024, and it will be reviewed annually.  City of Morganton has developed the Imagine Morganton 2040 comprehensive plan which will be adopted by the City Council in 2024 and includes a Land Development Plan.  Burke County, along with The Town of Long View, have updated their Comprehensive Land Use Plan which was adopted in 2022 and will be continually monitored until the next scheduled review in 2030. This includes preparing a development plan to relocate public infrastructure out of hazard areas and has been awarded a BRIC grant to update a pumping station within the County to reduce flooding. 5.3.2.3. Capital Improvements Plan A capital improvements plan guides the scheduling of spending on public improvements. A capital improvements plan can serve as an important mechanism for guiding future development away from identified hazard areas. Limiting public spending in hazardous areas is one of the most effective long-term mitigation actions available to local governments.  19 of the 28 participating jurisdictions have a capital improvements plan in place or under development.  City of Morganton has updated their CIP with a development plan to relocate public infrastructure out of hazard areas.  Burke County has developed a Capital Improvement Plan for public facilities that steer capital projects out of hazard areas. 5.3.2.4. Historic Preservation Plan A historic preservation plan is intended to preserve historic structures or districts within a community. An often-overlooked aspect of the historic preservation plan is the assessment of buildings and sites located in areas subject to natural hazards, and the identification of ways to reduce future damage. This may involve retrofitting or relocation techniques that account for the need to protect buildings that do not meet current building standards or are within a historic district that cannot easily be relocated out of harm’s way.  5 of the 28 participating jurisdictions have an historic preservation plan in place or under development. 5.3.2.5. Zoning Ordinance Zoning represents the primary means by which land use is controlled by local governments. As part of a community’s police power, zoning is used to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of those in each jurisdiction that maintains zoning authority. A zoning ordinance is the mechanism through which zoning is typically implemented. Since zoning regulations enable municipal ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-14 Draft governments to limit the type and density of development, a zoning ordinance can serve as a powerful tool when applied in identified hazard areas.  27 of the 28 participating jurisdictions have a zoning ordinance in place or under development.  The City of Lenoir continues to enforce the City’s Minimum Housing Ordinance and rehabilitate and move unsafe structures in addition to creating and maintaining a database of abandoned and at-risk structures to help with enforcement.  The Town of Taylorsville has developed a unified development ordinance that combines the Alexander County and the Town of Taylorsville zoning districts.  Town of Glen Alpine planning board and staff meet to review ordinances, subdivision plans, and future projects.  5.3.2.6. Subdivision Ordinance A subdivision ordinance is intended to regulate the development of residential, commercial, industrial, or other uses, including associated public infrastructure, as land is subdivided into buildable lots for sale or future development. Subdivision design that accounts for natural hazards can dramatically reduce the exposure of future development.  27 of the 28 participating jurisdictions have a subdivision ordinance in place or under development.  The Town of Rutherford College requires subdivision regulations to require that all perennial and intermittent streams be show on subdivision plats. 5.3.2.7. Building Codes, Permitting, and Inspections Building codes regulate construction standards. In many communities, permits and inspections are required for new construction. Decisions regarding the adoption of building codes (that account for hazard risk), the type of permitting process required both before and after a disaster, and the enforcement of inspection protocols all affect the level of hazard risk faced by a community.  26 of the 28 participating jurisdictions have building codes in place.  Burke County has updated its building codes to prevent new structures from being built in the tail race area below the Catawba River dams. The adoption and enforcement of building codes by local jurisdictions is routinely assessed through the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) program, developed by the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO). In North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Insurance assesses the building codes in effect in a particular community and how the community enforces its building codes, with special emphasis on mitigation of losses from natural hazards. The results of BCEGS assessments are routinely provided to ISO’s member private insurance companies, which in turn may offer ratings credits for new buildings constructed in communities with strong BCEGS classifications. The concept is that communities with well-enforced, up-to-date codes should experience fewer disaster-related losses, and as a result should have lower insurance rates. In conducting the assessment, ISO collects information related to personnel qualification and continuing education, as well as number of inspections performed per day. This type of information combined with local building codes is used to determine a grade for that jurisdiction. The grades range from 1 to 10, with a BCEGS grade of 1 representing exemplary commitment to building code ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-15 enforcement, and a grade of 10 indicating less than minimum recognized protection. Table provides NFIP policy and claim information for each participating jurisdiction in the Plan Area. 5.3.4. Floodplain Management Flooding represents the greatest natural hazard facing our nation. At the same time, the tools available to reduce the impacts associated with flooding are among the most developed when compared to other hazard-specific mitigation techniques. In addition to approaches that cut across hazards such as education, outreach, and the training of local officials, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) contains specific regulatory measures that enable government officials to determine where and how growth occurs relative to flood hazards. Participation in the NFIP is voluntary for local governments; however, program participation is strongly encouraged by FEMA as a first step for implementing and sustaining an effective hazard mitigation program. It is therefore used as part of this Capability Assessment as a key indicator for measuring local capability. For a county or municipality to participate in the NFIP, they must adopt a local flood damage prevention ordinance that requires jurisdictions to follow established minimum building standards in the floodplain. These standards require that all new buildings and substantial improvements to existing buildings will be protected from damage by a 100-year flood event, and that new development in the floodplain will not exacerbate existing flood problems or increase damage to other properties. A key service provided by the NFIP is the mapping of identified flood hazard areas. Once completed, the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are used to assess flood hazard risk, regulate construction practices, and set flood insurance rates. FIRMs are an important source of information to educate residents, government officials, and the private sector about the likelihood of flooding in their community. Table 5-2 provides NFIP policy and claim information for each participating jurisdiction in the Plan Area. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-16 Draft Jurisdiction Date Joined NFIP Current Effective Map Date NFIP Policies In Force Insurance In Force Written Premium In Force Closed Losses Total Payments Alexander County Alexander County (Unincorporated Area) 06/09/78 07/07/09 22 $5,737,000 $36,031 $44,910 Town of Taylorsville 12/18/07 07/07/09 3 $1,750,000 $8,345 $10,572 Subtotal Alexander - - 25 $7,487,000 $44,376 $55,480 Burke County Burke County (Unincorporated Area) 01/15/74 07/07/09 55 $14,438,000 $64,021 $80,728 City of Morganton 03/22/74 07/07/09 41 $12,219,000 $72,545 $92,579 Town of Connelly Springs 01/15/74 07/07/09 2 $700,000 $1,090 $1,319 Town of Drexel 08/08/75 07/07/09 4 $1,208,000 $4,428 $5,517 Town of Glen Alpine 01/15/74 07/07/09 2 $546,000 $1,447 $1,966 Town of Hildebran 09/05/07 07/07/09 Town of Rutherford College 01/15/74 07/07/09 1 $350,000 $571 $690 Town of Valdese 07/25/75 07/07/09 5 $1,856,000 $9,108 11,955 Subtotal Burke - - 107 $1,317,000 $153,210 $1,945,823 Caldwell County Caldwell County (Unincorporated Area) 04/28/78 07/07/09 60 $14,895 $77,704 $96,287 City of Lenoir 12/03/76 07/07/09 82 $22,818,000 $157,465 $195,715 Town of Cajah's Mountain 08/16/88 07/07/09 1 350,000 434 $529 Town of Gamewell 08/16/88 07/07/09 1 $149,000 $720 $1,091 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-17 Jurisdiction Date Joined NFIP Current Effective Map Date NFIP Policies In Force Insurance In Force Written Premium In Force Closed Losses Total Payments Town of Granite Falls 08/16/88 07/07/09 4 $766,000 $2,700 $3,251 Town of Hudson 08/16/88 07/07/09 5 $2,936,000 $5,173 $6,636 Town of Rhodhiss 06/21/74 07/07/09 5 $1,290,100 $3,223 $12,587 Town of Sawmills 04/28/78 07/07/09 1 $350,000 $856 $1,027 Village of Cedar Rock 04/28/78 07/07/09 0 0 0 0 Subtotal Caldwell - - 159 $28,673,995 $232,613 $317,123 Catawba County Catawba County (Unincorporated Area) 06/10/77 07/07/09 84 $22,714,000 $74,614 $92,811 City of Claremont 09/05/07 07/07/09 11 $3,056,000 $6,929 $9,257 City of Conover 06/21/74 07/07/09 19 $5,539,000 $25,181 $30,702 City of Hickory 09/13/74 07/07/09 94 $26,046,000 $78,611 $98,041 City of Newton 06/28/74 07/07/09 13 $4,407,000 $18,437 $23,096 Town of Brookford 09/06/74 07/07/09 0 0 0 0 Town of Catawba 06/28/74 07/07/09 3 $949,000 $2,455 $2,947 Town of Long View 06/28/74 07/07/09 5 $1,387,000 $4,946 $6,369 Town of Maiden 09/20/74 07/07/09 9 $4,478,000 $15,436 $19,263 Subtotal Catawba - - 238 $68,576,000 $226,609 $1,376,882 TOTAL PLAN - - 529 $106,053,995 $656,808 $3,695,308 Table 5-2: NFIP Policy and Claim Information ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-18 Draft All jurisdictions listed above participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and will continue to comply with all required provisions and work to adequately comply in the future, utilizing several strategies. Floodplain management is managed through zoning ordinances, building code restrictions, and the county building inspection program. The jurisdictions will coordinate with NCEM and FEMA to develop maps and regulations related to Special Flood Hazard Areas within their jurisdictional boundaries and, through a consistent monitoring process, will design and improve their floodplain management program in a way that reduces the risk of flooding to people and property. Each county and its municipalities while participating in the National Flood Insurance Program comply with regulations as demonstrated in regular Community Assessment Visits (see attached Appendix 5.3.3.1. Updated Capabilities Alexander County  Flood Prevention Ordinance: Alexander County is expected to have a Land Development Code which has a section on flood prevention ordinances by September 2024 and to be updated annually. This also includes zoning and subdivision regulations in floodplain, steep slope, and wildfire hazard areas.  Updated Regulatory Floodplain Maps: The County adopts and utilizes the current NC Floodplain Mapping Program Data, and it is reviewed annually.  Coordinated Floodplain Permitting System: The County is setting up a centralized online permitting system which will be used by all inspection agencies with floodplain permitting and is estimated to start in 2025.  Town of Taylorsville: has installed a New Culvert For Muddy Creek to improve drainage. The Town has worked to widen streets and improve the stormwater drainage for Right-of- way and Ditch Maintenance with funding to prevent damage to streets and property from stormwater. Catawba County  Stormwater Requirements in the County Master Plan: The County includes stormwater management requirements in the County Master Plan and maintenance plans are required and reviewed by staff.  Stormwater Committee: A multi-jurisdictional Stormwater Committee to prioritize stormwater issues and projects within the area has been established with fire department, law enforcement, emergency managers, and the NCDOT staff, meeting quarterly to discuss issues of concern. Public service announcements are also periodically run to encourage the clearing of private road drains and driveway culvert drains.  City of Claremont has adopted a Floodplain Regulation in their Comprehensive Use Plan which has floodplain regulation and current floodplain data. The new floodplain maps will be updated when FEMA adopts the updated FIRMs. The City of Claremont verified the height of manhole flood zones by GPS to ensure proper equipment is present and manholes along creeks have risers to improve Water, Sewer, and Storm Facilities Data Collection.  Town of Maiden received a NC Department of Environmental Quality grant to improve the Maiden Reservoir Dam for Dam Failure Study and has multi-phase plan to address the issues with the dam. The Town has installed Risers for Sewer Manholes to improve infiltration and inflow during heavy rains. The Town continues to conduct Public ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-19 Awareness for Storm Drain Clearing training to encourage residents to keep storm drains clear of debris during storms.  Town of Brookford adopted a Flood Prevention Ordinance based on models provided by the State of North Carolina. The Town has worked closely with Catawba County to dispose of debris and development of a Debris Management Plan. The Town continues to work with the Public Works Department to do weekly Routine Storm Drain Inspection as a preventative action.  City of Newton has maintained continued NFIP Compliance with digital floodplain elevation certificates for all construction in the floodplain, including ongoing development.  Town of Catawba routinely Cleans and Repairs Stormwater Drains as an ongoing preventative action. Caldwell County  Flood Insurance Rate Maps: The County has maintained comprehensive Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with current Flood Insurance Rate Map panels to ensure that information is readily available to the County citizens along with historical FIRM panels.  Town of Gamewell keeps Flood Insurance Rate Maps on file at the Town Hall and on the County website.  City of Lenoir continued to enforce the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and regulate construction within special flood hazard areas by requiring that all floodplain developments obtain floodplain development permits from the Lenoir Planning Department. In 2018 the City hired Freese and Nichols Inc. to begin an inventory of all Underground stormwater infrastructure and Piped Stream Mapping and to develop a Capital Improvements Plan based on the stormwater infrastructure needs of the City. This included a database to record any reported issues, develop an inventory of stormwater hotspots, and known structural issues or failures within pipes prioritized by a weighting system to allow the Council to prioritize funding needs. In 2023, the City hired WPCOG who have mapped half of the City’s stormwater system as of June 2024. City of Lenoir staff continue to monitor storm drains before, during, and after storms to ensure Obstruction Removal of Storm Drains are completed in a timely manner. The staff also continue to collect reports from the public and utilize this information to identify problem areas where obstructions occur more frequently to prevent future occurrences.  Town of Hudson: o Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance: the Town of Hudson has developed a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance which was adopted in 2022 and they continue to enforce floodplain requirements. o Flood Insurance Rate Maps: The Town of Hudson continues to maintain FIRMs in the Hudson Town Hall and on the Caldwell County Tax Mapping website. o Stormwater Regulation Enforcement: The City of Lenoir continues to administer stormwater regulations for the Town of Hudson. Burke County  Updated Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance: The County along with the Town of Long View and the City of Morganton have continued to review and update their Flood Damage Prevention Ordinances based on changing hazard information, and they will be reviewed again based on map updated in 2025 if necessary. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-20 Draft  Update of Regulatory Floodplain Maps: the County adopts and utilizes the current NC Floodplain Mapping Program data which coincides with state update maps. The County continues to monitor the maps for updates.  Centralized Permitting: The County, along with the Town of Long View, have set up a centralized permitting process including a filing and permitting process that ensures that compliance is maintained with floodplain regulations.  City of Morganton continues to work with FEMA to adopt and Update Regulatory Flood Maps as they are released. There have been public meetings with the State and County representatives for concerned citizens. The City is currently waiting on the State to change the future Preliminary Maps to the Effective Maps. The City Public Works Department Established a Drainage System Inspection Program performs an annual critical systems maintenance, inspection, repair, and replacement of failed systems. The City continues to maintain the drainage system with an ADWI Grant to help document their assets and plan for future stormwater projects. Acquisition and Inventory of High- Risk Properties in Flood Prone Areas is ongoing, as The City continues to identify high risk properties and maintain a list of the properties, and as funding becomes available the City acquires the high-risk properties to eliminate the catastrophic loss of life and damage to property. Most of the properties are incorporated into greenways and parks within flood-prone areas.  Town of Hildebran works with property owners and developers to ensure Management of Future Development in Flood-Prone Areas outside of the designated floodplain.  Town of Rutherford College has developed a Stormwater Management Plan which meets all of the Federal Phase II stormwater regulations. The Town has also completed their stormwater map and conducted stormwater outreach.  Town of Valdese has addressed drainage system management with the Town Stormwater and Watershed Ordinance which is under continuous observation and evaluation. 5.3.3.2. Community Rating System An additional indicator of floodplain management capability is the active participation of local jurisdictions in the Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS is an incentive-based program that encourages counties and municipalities to undertake defined flood mitigation activities that go beyond the minimum requirements of the NFIP, adding extra local measures to provide protection from flooding. All the 18 creditable CRS mitigation activities are assigned a range of point values. As points are accumulated and reach identified thresholds, communities can apply for an improved CRS class. Class ratings, which range from 10 to 1, are tied to flood insurance premium reductions as shown in Table 5- 3. As class ratings improve (the lower the number, the better), the percent reduction in flood insurance premiums for NFIP policyholders in that community increases. CRS Class Premium Reduction 1 45% 2 40% 3 35% ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-21 CRS Class Premium Reduction 4 30% 5 25% 6 20% 7 15% 8 10% 9 5% 10 0% Table 5- 3: CRS Premium Discounts by Class Community participation in the CRS is voluntary. Any community in full compliance with the rules and regulations of the NFIP may apply to FEMA for a CRS classification better than class 10. The CRS application process has been greatly simplified over the past several years, based on community comments intended to make the CRS more user friendly, and extensive technical assistance available for communities who request it. 5.3.3.3. Floodplain Management Plan A floodplain management plan (or a flood mitigation plan) provides a framework for action regarding corrective and preventative measures to reduce flood-related impacts.  15 of the 28 participating jurisdictions have a floodplain management plan in place. 5.3.3.4. Open Space Management Plan An open space management plan is designed to preserve, protect, and restore largely undeveloped lands in their natural state, and to expand or connect areas in the public domain such as parks, greenways, and other outdoor recreation areas. In many instances open space management practices are consistent with the goals of reducing hazard losses, such as the preservation of wetlands or other flood-prone areas in their natural state in perpetuity.  8 of the 28 participating jurisdictions have an open space management plan in place or under development. 5.3.3.5. Stormwater Management Plan A stormwater management plan is designed to address flooding associated with stormwater runoff. The stormwater management plan is typically focused on design and construction measures that are intended to reduce the impact of more frequently occurring minor urban flooding.  16 of the 28 participating jurisdictions have a stormwater management plan in place.  Burke County, along with The Town of Valdese, have developed a countywide stormwater management plan covering the Catawba river basin which was completed in 2015. The Town of Valdese has also assigned a director of the Storm Water Management Program to assist with the plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-22 Draft 5.3.4. Administrative and Technical Capability The ability of a local government to develop and implement mitigation projects, policies, and programs is directly tied to its ability to direct staff time and resources for that purpose. Administrative capability can be evaluated by determining how mitigation-related activities are assigned to local departments and if there are adequate personnel resources to complete these activities. The degree of intergovernmental coordination among departments will also affect administrative capability for the implementation and success of proposed mitigation activities. Technical capability can generally be evaluated by assessing the level of knowledge and technical expertise of local government employees, such as personnel skilled in using geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze and assess community hazard vulnerability. The Local Capability Assessment Survey was used to capture information on administrative and technical capability through the identification of available staff and personnel resources. The Local Capability Assessment Survey was used to capture information on administrative and technical capability through the identification of available staff and personnel resources. Error! Reference source not found. provides a summary of the Local Capability Assessment Survey results for the Plan Area regarding relevant staff and personnel resources. A checkmark indicates the presence of a staff member(s) in that jurisdiction with the specified knowledge or skill. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-23 Draft JurisdicƟon Planners with knowledge of land development and land management pracƟces Engineers or professionals trained in construcƟon pracƟces related to b ildi d/ Planners or engineers with an understanding of natural and/or human-caused h d Building Official Emergency manager Floodplain manager Land surveyors ScienƟst familiar with the hazards of the community Staff with educaƟon or experƟse to assess the community’s vulnerability t h d Personnel skilled in Geographic InformaƟon Systems (GIS) and/or HAZUS Resource development staff or grant writers Maintenance programs to reduce risk Warning systems/services Burke County City of Morganton Caldwell County City of Lenoir Town of Rhodhiss Catawba County Town of Brookford Town of Catawba City of Conover City of Hickory Town of Long View Town of Maiden City of Newton Town of Drexel ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-24 Draft JurisdicƟon Planners with knowledge of land development and land management pracƟces Engineers or professionals trained in construcƟon pracƟces related to b ildi d/ Planners or engineers with an understanding of natural and/or human-caused h d Building Official Emergency manager Floodplain manager Land surveyors ScienƟst familiar with the hazards of the community Staff with educaƟon or experƟse to assess the community’s vulnerability t h d Personnel skilled in Geographic InformaƟon Systems (GIS) and/or HAZUS Resource development staff or grant writers Maintenance programs to reduce risk Warning systems/services Town of Valdese Alexander County Town of Granite Falls Town of Hudson Town of Gamewell Town of Taylorsville Town of Hildebran City of Claremont Town of Glen Alpine Town of Connelly Springs Town of Rutherford College Town of Sawmills Town of Cajah's Mountain Village of Cedar Rock Table 5- 4: Relevant Staff/Personnel Resources ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-25 Draft 5.3.5. Fiscal Capability The ability of a local government to act is often closely associated with the amount of money available to implement policies and projects. This may take the form of outside grant funding awards or locally based revenue and financing. The costs associated with mitigation policy and project implementation vary widely. In some cases, policies are tied primarily to staff time or administrative costs associated with the creation and monitoring of a given program. In other cases, direct expenses are linked to an actual project such as the acquisition of flood-prone houses, which can require a substantial commitment from local, state, and federal funding sources. The Local Capability Assessment Survey was used to capture information on the Region’s fiscal capability through the identification of locally available financial resources. Table 5- 5 provides a summary of the results for the Plan Area regarding relevant fiscal resources. A checkmark indicates that the given fiscal resource is locally available for hazard mitigation purposes (including match funds for state and federal mitigation grant funds). Jurisdiction Capital Improvement Programming Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Special Purpose Taxes Gas/Electric Utility Fees Water/Sewer Fees Stormwater Utility Fees Development Impact Fees General Obligation Bonds Revenue Bonds Special Tax Bonds Other Burke County City of Morganton Caldwell County City of Lenoir Town of Rhodhiss Catawba County Town of Brookford Town of Catawba City of Conover City of Hickory Town of Long View Town of Maiden City of Newton Town of Drexel ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-26 Draft Jurisdiction Capital Improvement Programming Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Special Purpose Taxes Gas/Electric Utility Fees Water/Sewer Fees Stormwater Utility Fees Development Impact Fees General Obligation Bonds Revenue Bonds Special Tax Bonds Other Town of Valdese Alexander County Town of Granite Falls Town of Hudson Town of Gamewell Town of Taylorsville Town of Hildebran City of Claremont Town of Glen Alpine Town of Connelly Springs Town of Rutherford College Town of Sawmills Town of Cajah's Mountain Village of Cedar Rock Table 5- 5: Relevant Fiscal Resources 5.3.6. Education and Outreach Capability This type of local capability refers to education and outreach programs and methods already in place that could be used to implement mitigation activities and communicate hazard-related information. Examples include natural disaster or safety related school programs; participation in community programs such as Firewise or StormReady; and activities conducted as part of hazard awareness campaigns such as a Tornado Awareness Month. Table 5- 6 provides a summary of the results for the Plan Area with regard to relevant education and outreach resources. A checkmark indicates that the given resource is locally available for hazard mitigation purposes. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-27 5.3.6.1. Added Capabilities Alexander County  Public Floodplain Management Information: The County reviews a library of retrofitting techniques and continues to build a library of techniques which is reviewed  Community Alert System Education: The City works with the Catawba County Emergency Services Department to conduct public outreach about the Community Alert System and the HyperReach Alert and Warning System along with the Town of Taylorsville. Burke County  Retrofitting Technique Library: Burke County maintains documentation related to retrofitting techniques and continues to add new documents as needed.  Community Alert System Outreach: The County completed an outreach campaign to educate the public about the Community Alert System, how to obtain pre and post disaster resources, mitigation strategies, and mitigation actions for homeowners.  City of Morganton offers access to online Flood Elevation Certificates, FIRMs, and other flood mapping protection services for their Hazard Awareness Program through NCEM. City staff consults with property owners and developers as to how to access this information and obtain guidance on a routine basis.  Town of Glen Alpine offers Education and Safety Training in Schools through continuous programs, and will offer education in fire prevention, safety training, and mitigating natural hazards training to the schools and citizens. These will be focusing on talks to civic groups, children, Town citizens, and elderly adults. The Fire Department visits schools and civic clubs annually to present programs on fire prevention and safety, natural hazard awareness.  Town of Hildebran has participated and will continue to participate in Hazard Mitigation Outreach both locally and regionally.  Town of Rutherford College plans to conduct Pre-Disaster Preparation Outreach to educate the public at disaster fairs for the region.  Town of Valdese continues to educate the public on safety and disaster preparedness in Pre- Disaster Preparation Outreach. The Valdese Fire Marshal was assigned to address continued education for the public on disaster preparedness and safety. Catawba County  Community Alert System Outreach: The County completed an outreach campaign to educate the public about the Community Alert System, how to obtain pre and post disaster resources, mitigation strategies, and mitigation actions for homeowners. This also includes the City of Conover, the Town of Brookford, and the Town of Maiden.  Local Emergency Planning Committee Network: The LEPC meets semi-annually to discuss emergency preparedness and an environmental specialist has been added to the group to provide additional expertise for the group. The committee has been established to do the work and is up and running.  Firewise Community Programs: County Forest Service Agency provided information about the Firewise program during various events throughout the past several years. They have also shared information with various fire departments when speaking about fire prevention. The County’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan addresses areas of concern which are monitored by the Forest Service. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-28 Draft  Manufactured Home Evacuation Outreach: Outreach has been conducted to manufactured homeowners about emergency preparedness, such as participating in the County’s Community Alert System. Information has been directly delivered to these owners and programs have also been conducted to inform owners of manufactured homes.  Flood-Prone Area Education and Outreach: Staff has conducted door-to-door meetings with property owners in the Carpenters Cove area of Lake Lookout and shared information with the owners included: emergency preparedness, the County’s Community Alert System, and flood insurance information. Countywide community and school programs have been conducted about the County’s Community Alert System and flood prevention/insurance issues. An owner in Carpenters Cove applied for a flood mitigation grant and has completed mitigation actions for his structures.  Storm and Drought Resistant Landscape Manual: Information about species of plants that grow well in the county has been obtained from various nurseries in the county. A list of the plants has been complied and illustrations have been developed and incorporated into a user- friendly manual.  Standard Hook Up Emergency Generator Education and Outreach: Staff have worked with the nursing homes in the County and conducted testing of generators at schools and hospitals.  Tree-Trimming Outreach: The County continues to educate residents about tree-trimming techniques to reduce power outages due to downed tree limbs.  City of Claremont has a full-time Public Information Officer who provides information about hazard events and storm drainage clearing on social media and other forms of communication. The Public Information Officer who assists with social media outreach will continue educating residents about Drainage Clearing and Voluntary Water Use Restrictions during water conservation times. This will also include the development of hazard impacts in the City of Claremont and resources available for mitigation.  City of Conover continues to highlight mitigation practices for homeowners through Public Service Announcements through social media and the City Website such as tree trimming, during wildfire and winter storm seasons and promotes education via social media, website, and brochures before, during, and after storm events. The City works with the Catawba County Emergency Services Department to conduct public outreach about the Community Alert System and all new utility customers are enrolled automatically in public outreach newsletters.  Town of Maiden works with Catawba County Emergency Services Department to conduct public outreach about the Community Alert System and information about the system is also linked on the website.  Town of Long View has established a Hazard Awareness Month in the month of March to spread awareness about natural hazards in the town.  Town of Brookford has worked in coordination with Catawba County, the American Red Cross, and other organizations to continually update residents Community Disaster Preparedness. The Town of Brookford continually updates its residents about evacuation plans and the use of the community buildings as safe houses in extreme situations. Additionally, the Town continues to update and educate community members through Facebook and quarterly announcements. Caldwell County  Hazard and Development Regulations: The County had maintained information about hazards and development regulations in the local library, providing FEMA resources and links ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-29 in the county’s websites, and ensuring that all municipalities provide a link regarding flooding information. Jurisdiction Local citizen groups or non- profit organizations focused on environmental protection, emergency preparedness, access, and functional needs Ongoing public education or information program responsible water use, fire safety, household preparedness, Natural disaster or safety related school programs StormReady certification Firewise Communities certification Public-private partnership initiatives addressing disaster- related issues Other Burke County City of Morganton Caldwell County City of Lenoir Town of Rhodhiss Catawba County Town of Brookford Town of Catawba City of Conover City of Hickory Town of Long View Town of Maiden City of Newton Town of Drexel Town of Valdese Alexander County Town of Granite Falls Town of Hudson Town of Gamewell Town of Taylorsville Town of Hildebran City of Claremont Town of Glen Alpine ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-30 Draft Jurisdiction Local citizen groups or non- profit organizations focused on environmental protection, emergency preparedness, access, and functional needs Ongoing public education or information program responsible water use, fire safety, household preparedness, Natural disaster or safety related school programs StormReady certification Firewise Communities certification Public-private partnership initiatives addressing disaster- related issues Other Town of Connelly Springs Town of Rutherford College Town of Sawmills Town of Cajah's Mountain Village of Cedar Rock Table 5- 6: Education and Outreach Resources 5.3.7. Mitigation Capability This type of local capability refers to the mitigation strategies and actions developed by the communities in this plan. Table 5- 7 provides a summary of the results for the planning area regarding relevant mitigation resources. A checkmark indicates that the given resource is locally available for hazard mitigation purposes. 5.3.7.1. Added Capabilities: Catawba County  County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was amended to encourage the planting of drought tolerant plant materials as part of the landscaping requirements for new development. A Landscaping Manual is in the final stages of development which will include specific drought tolerant species for planting in the county. Also, the UDO encourages the use of sustainable maintenance systems for landscaping, such as rain barrels or cisterns. Catawba County adopted a policy whereby it will rebate 50% of fees related to plan review or express plan review for commercial buildings seeking LEED, Energy Star, and/or NC Healthy Built Homes certification. Catawba County is a signatory to the Duke Energy Relicensing Agreements which established a Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) in managing the river system during times of drought.  Carbon Footprint Analysis For The County’s Facilities; An Evaluation was conducted of current policies to identify ways to reduce greenhouse gases. Implement priority strategies identified in the study, which may include the production of biodiesel fuel at the County’s EcoComplex, renewable energy sources such as windmills, reduction of particulate matter and ozone through recommendations of the Early Action Compact, and the development of an energy plan which may include purchasing policies that address energy reduction strategies and contractor policies for equipment emissions.  Green Purchasing Policy: The Green Purchasing Policy was established to promote green friendly operations throughout the County government. All County owned buildings have been retrofitted for lighting. 100% of county lighting has been converted to T-8 lighting or better. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-31 Projects in progress to convert landfill gas to renewable natural gas. Plans continue to install solar panels on existing landfill property.  Farm and Food Sustainability Plan: the plan was developed by a committee of over 20 partners which identified 66 action items to be implemented over the next 5+ years to help promote and sustain agriculture in the county. Action items included identifying conservation lands to be protected by local land trusts and advocating for bottomlands to be incorporated into the State’s Ecosystem Enhancement Program.  Preservation of Large, Intact Forest Through the Unified Development Ordinance: Catawba County acquired 580 acres of land on Lake Norman (referred to as the Mountain Creek tract) in late 2010and this tract of land consists of an old growth forest with planted pines which will be preserved in perpetuity. The County Staff continue efforts to reduce invasive species including efforts related to pine tree removal and replacement at Riverbend and Mountain Creek Parks. Hudson Chapel property has been acquired by the County to preserve natural habitat.  Catawba County Parks Master Plan: The Parks Master Plan was updated in 2017 to identify locations and funding sources for greenways to preserve sensitive land along river systems. Funding sources include Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Carolina Thread Trail, and others.  Local Land Trust Cooperation to Preserve Sensitive Land Along River Systems: The county continues to work with two area land trusts to secure conservation easements on farmland to preserve sensitive land along river systems.  City of Conover works with property owners and the NC Department of Transportation for Tree Trimming of City Property to address situations where dead or damaged trees are observed near the street rights of way. The City Utility Department continues to remove problematic trees and incorporate tree trimming into street maintenance activities. Utilities Department also clears problematic trees near critical infrastructure as part of routine maintenance.  City of Morganton evaluates its Tracking System for Mitigation Activities and improves upon the information it provides to the public regarding mitigation activities. Weekly department head assessment meetings and interdepartmental review of the information provided generates routine updates through the City’s website, CoMPAS Cable Programing, public awareness notices, press releases, and other educational brochures. Jurisdiction Do you apply for mitigation grant funding? Do you perform reconstruction projects? Do you perform building elevations? Do you perform acquisitions? Burke County City of Morganton Caldwell County City of Lenoir Town of Rhodhiss Catawba County Town of Brookford Town of Catawba City of Conover ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-32 Draft Jurisdiction Do you apply for mitigation grant funding? Do you perform reconstruction projects? Do you perform building elevations? Do you perform acquisitions? City of Hickory Town of Long View Town of Maiden City of Newton Town of Drexel Town of Valdese Alexander County Town of Granite Falls Town of Hudson Town of Gamewell Town of Taylorsville Town of Hildebran City of Claremont Town of Glen Alpine Town of Connelly Springs Town of Rutherford College Town of Sawmills Town of Cajah's Mountain Village of Cedar Rock Table 5- 7: Mitigation Resources 5.3.8. Political Capability One of the most difficult capabilities to evaluate involves the political will of a jurisdiction to enact meaningful policies and projects designed to reduce the impact of future hazard events. Hazard mitigation may not be a local priority or may conflict with or be seen as an impediment to other goals of the community, such as growth and economic development. Therefore, the local political climate must be considered in designing mitigation strategies, as it could be the most difficult hurdle to overcome in accomplishing their adoption and implementation. The Local Capability Assessment Survey was used to capture information on the political capability of the Plan Area. Survey respondents were asked to identify some general examples of local political capability, such as guiding development away from identified hazard areas, restricting public investments or capital improvements within hazard areas, or enforcing local development standards that go beyond minimum state or federal requirements building codes, floodplain management, etc.). The comments provided by the participating jurisdictions are listed below: ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-33 The agency responsible for monitoring this Plan is the Caldwell County Emergency Management Department. Periodic revisions and updates of the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan are required to ensure that the goals of the Plan are kept current, considering potential changes in hazard vulnerability and mitigation priorities. In addition, revisions may be necessary to ensure that the Plan is in full compliance with applicable federal and state regulations. Periodic evaluation of the Plan will also ensure that specific mitigation actions are being reviewed and carried out according to each jurisdiction’s individual Mitigation Action Plan. The HMPC will continue to meet regularly, as determined by the Caldwell County Emergency Management Department. These regular meetings will take place in the fall of each year so that sufficient time is available to prepare public outreach messages and assess the status of any mitigation actions relevant to the upcoming severe seasonal spring weather and the start of hurricane season. Meetings will also be convened as necessary following any disaster events warranting a reexamination of the mitigation actions being implemented or proposed by the participating jurisdictions. County and local staff of each participating jurisdiction will also continue to attend training workshops sponsored by the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management or others as appropriate to keep up to date with any changing guidance or planning requirements and to communicate that information to other representatives of participating jurisdictions. As part of this monitoring, evaluation, and enhancement process, each participating jurisdiction will be expected to provide an annual status update to Caldwell County for their respective Mitigation Action Plans to evaluate the Plan’s implementation effectiveness. This will ensure that the Plan is continuously maintained and updated to reflect changing conditions and needs within the Region. If determined appropriate or as requested, an annual report on the Plan will be developed and presented to local governing bodies of participating jurisdictions to report progress on the actions identified in the Plan and to provide information on the latest legislative requirements and/or changes to those requirements. 5.3.9. Local Self-Assessment In addition to the inventory and analysis of specific local capabilities, the Local Capability Assessment Survey asked counties and local jurisdictions within the Plan Area to conduct a self- assessment of their perceived capability to implement hazard mitigation activities. As part of this process, local officials were encouraged to consider the barriers to implementing proposed mitigation strategies in addition to the mechanisms that could enhance or further such strategies. In response to the survey questionnaire, county officials classified each of the capabilities as either “limited,” “moderate,” or “high.” Jurisdiction Plans, Ordinances, Codes and Programs Administrative and Technical Capability Fiscal Capability Education and Outreach Capability Mitigation Capability Political Capability Overall Capability Burke County Limited Moderate Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited City of Morganton Moderate Moderate Moderate Limited Limited Moderate Moderate Caldwell County Limited High Limited Moderate Limited Limited ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-34 Draft Jurisdiction Plans, Ordinances, Codes and Programs Administrative and Technical Capability Fiscal Capability Education and Outreach Capability Mitigation Capability Political Capability Overall Capability City of Lenoir High Limited High Limited Limited Moderate Limited Town of Rhodhiss Limited Limited Moderate Limited Limited Limited Limited Catawba County Moderate High High High Moderate High Moderate Town of Brookford Moderate Limited Limited Limited Moderate Limited Town of Catawba High Moderate Limited Limited Moderate High City of Conover High Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited City of Hickory High High High High Moderate High High Town of Long View High High High High High High High Town of Maiden Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate City of Newton Unrated Unrated Unrated Unrated Unrated Unrated Unrated Town of Drexel Limited Limited Moderate Limited Limited Limited Limited Town of Valdese Moderate Limited Limited Limited Unrated Unrated Limited Alexander County Moderate Limited Limited Moderate Limited Limited Moderate Town of Granite Falls Moderate Moderate Moderate Limited Moderate Limited Moderate Town of Hudson Moderate Moderate Limited Moderate Moderate Moderate Town of Gamewell Limited Limited Moderate Limited Limited Limited Limited Town of Taylorsville Moderate Limited Limited Moderate Limited Limited Limited/ Moderate Town of Hildebran Moderate Moderate Limited Limited Limited Moderate Moderate City of Claremont Moderate Limited Moderate Moderate Limited Unrated Moderate Town of Glen Alpine Limited Moderate Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Town of Connelly Springs Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Town of Rutherford College Moderate Moderate Moderate Limited Limited Limited Moderate Town of Sawmills Moderate Moderate Limited Moderate Moderate Moderate Town of Cajah's Mountain Moderate Moderate Limited Limited Limited Moderate Village of Cedar Rock Limited Limited Limited High Moderate Moderate Moderate Table 5- 8: Self-Assessment of Capability ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 5: Capability Assessment 5-35 5.4. Conclusions on Local Capability As previously discussed, one of the reasons for conducting a Capability Assessment is to examine local capabilities to detect any existing gaps or weaknesses within ongoing government activities that could hinder proposed mitigation activities and possibly exacerbate community hazard vulnerability. These gaps or weaknesses have been identified, for each jurisdiction, in the tables found throughout this section. The participating jurisdictions used the Capability Assessment as part of the basis for the mitigation actions that are identified in Section 7; therefore, each jurisdiction addresses their ability to expand on and improve their existing capabilities through the identification of their mitigation actions. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 6: Mitigation Strategy 6-1 Section 6: Mitigation Strategy The Mitigation Strategy section provides the blueprint for the participating jurisdictions in the Plan Area to follow to become less vulnerable to the negative effects of the natural hazards identified and addressed in this Plan. It is based on the consensus of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) and the Risk Assessment and Capability Assessment findings and conclusions. It consists of the following five subsections: 6.1 Overview 6.2 Mitigation Goals 6.3 Identification and Analysis of Mitigation Techniques 6.4 Selection of Mitigation Techniques for the Plan Area 6.5 Plan Update Requirement 6.1. Overview The intent of the Mitigation Strategy is to provide the Plan Area with overall goals that will serve as guiding principles for future mitigation policy and project administration, along with an analysis of mitigation techniques deemed available to meet those goals and reduce the impact of identified hazards. The HMPC identified and analyzed a comprehensive range of specific mitigation actions and projects for each jurisdiction being considered to reduce the effects of hazards, with emphasis on new and existing buildings and infrastructure. It is designed to be comprehensive, strategic, and functional in nature:  In being comprehensive, the development of the Mitigation Strategy included a thorough review of all-natural hazards and identifies extensive mitigation measures intended to not only reduce the future impacts of high-risk hazards, but also to help the Plan Area achieve compatible economic, environmental, and social goals.  In being strategic, the development of the Mitigation Strategy ensures that all policies and projects proposed for implementation are consistent with pre-identified, long-term planning goals.  In being functional, each proposed mitigation action is linked to established priorities and assigned to specific departments or individuals responsible for their implementation with target completion deadlines. When necessary, funding sources are identified that can be used to assist in project implementation. The first step in designing the Mitigation Strategy included the identification of mitigation goals. Mitigation goals represent broad statements achieved through implementing more specific mitigation actions. These actions include both hazard mitigation policies (such as the regulation of land in known hazard areas through a local ordinance), as well as hazard mitigation projects that seek to address specifically targeted hazard risks (such as the acquisition and relocation of a repetitive loss structure). The second step involves the identification, consideration, and analysis of available mitigation measures to help achieve the identified mitigation goals. This is a long-term, continuous process sustained through the development and maintenance of this Plan. Alternative mitigation ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-2 Draft measures will continue to be considered as future mitigation opportunities are identified, as data and technology improve, as mitigation funding becomes available, and as the Plan is maintained over time. The third and last step in designing the Mitigation Strategy is the selection and prioritization of specific mitigation actions for the Plan Area (found in Section 7: Mitigation Action Plans). Each County and participating jurisdiction has its own Mitigation Action Plans (MAP) that reflect the needs and concerns of that jurisdiction. The MAP represents an unambiguous and functional action plan and is considered the most essential outcome of the mitigation planning process. A significant amount of time and effort was applied to this step in the process. The MAP includes a prioritized listing of proposed hazard mitigation actions (policies and projects) for the plan counties and incorporated municipalities to complete. Each action has accompanying information, such as those departments or individuals assigned responsibility for implementation, potential funding sources, and an estimated target date for completion. The MAP provides the departments or individuals responsible for implementing mitigation actions with a clear roadmap that also serves as an important tool for monitoring success or progress over time. The cohesive collection of actions listed in the MAP can also serve as an easily understood menu of mitigation policies and projects for those local decision makers who want to quickly review the recommendations and proposed actions of the area Hazard Mitigation Plan. In preparing each Mitigation Action Plans for the Plan Area, officials considered the overall hazard risk and capability to mitigate the effects of hazards as recorded through the risk and capability assessment process, in addition to meeting the adopted mitigation goals and unique needs of the planning area. Prioritization of the proposed mitigation actions was based on the factors outlined in subsection 6.1.1. 6.1.1. Mitigation Action Prioritization The priority for each mitigation action was determined by the participating jurisdiction by identifying each action as high, moderate, or low priority. To make this decision, local government officials reviewed and considered the findings of the Risk Assessment and Capability Assessment. Other considerations included each individual mitigation action’s effect on overall risk to life and property, its ease of implementation, its degree of political and community support, its general cost-effectiveness, and funding availability (if necessary). Benefits include losses avoided and population protected from injury and loss of life.  The point of contact for each county helped coordinate the prioritization process by reviewing each action and working with the lead agency/department responsible to determine a priority for each action. Actions were classified as high, moderate, or low priority by the participating jurisdiction officials. Only a general cost/benefit review was considered through the process of selecting and prioritizing mitigation actions. Mitigation actions with “high” priority were determined to be the most cost effective and most compatible with the participating jurisdictions’ unique needs. Actions with a “moderate” priority were determined to be cost-effective and compatible with jurisdictional needs but may be more challenging to complete administratively or fiscally than “high” priority actions. Actions with a “low” priority were determined to be important community needs, but the community likely identified several potential challenges in terms of implementation (e.g. lack ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 6: Mitigation Strategy 6-3 of funding, technical obstacles). A more detailed cost/benefit analysis will be applied to projects prior to the application for or obligation of funding, as appropriate. 6.2. Mitigation Goals The primary goal of all local governments is to promote the public health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. In keeping with this standard, the Plan area counties and participating municipalities have developed 4 goal statements for local hazard mitigation planning in the Plan Area. These goals are presented in Table 6- 1. Each goal, purposefully broad in nature, establishes the parameters used to review and update existing mitigation actions and aids in formulating new ones. The consistent implementation of mitigation actions over time will ensure that these mitigation goals are achieved. GOAL #1 Encourage conservation of natural environments including forests, surface waters, wetlands, floodplains, and stream corridors GOAL #2 Evaluate and revise existing and/or create new plans, policies, procedures, regulations and ordinances that will help reduce the damaging effects of natural hazards through effective mitigation GOAL #3 Increase capabilities to support and implement effective mitigation measures GOAL #4 Increase public awareness of hazard mitigation and hazard risk Table 6- 1: Regional Mitigation Goals 6.3. Identification and Analysis of Mitigation Techniques In formulating the Mitigation Strategy for the Plan Area, a wide range of activities were considered to help achieve the established mitigation goals, in addition to addressing any specific hazard concerns. These activities were discussed during the HMPC meetings. In general, all activities considered by the planning committee can be classified under one of the following four broad categories of mitigation techniques: local plans and regulations, structure and infrastructure projects, natural systems protection, and education and awareness programs. These are described in detail below. 6.3.1. Local Plans and Regulations Mitigation actions that fall under this category include government authorities, policies, or codes that influence the way land, and buildings are developed and built. Examples of these types of actions include: ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-2 Draft  Comprehensive plans  Land use ordinances  Subdivision regulations  Development review  NFIP Community Rating System  Capital improvement programs  Open space preservation  Stormwater management regulations and master plans 6.3.2. Structure and Infrastructure Projects Mitigation actions that fall under this category involve modifying existing structures and infrastructure to protect them from a hazard or remove them from a hazard area. This could apply to public or private structures as well as critical facilities and infrastructure. This type of action also involves projects to construct manmade structures to reduce the impact of hazards. Many of these types of actions are projects eligible for funding through the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) program. Examples of these types of actions include:  Acquisitions and elevations of structures in flood-prone areas  Utility undergrounding  Structural retrofits  Floodwalls and retaining walls  Detention and retention structures  Culverts  Safe rooms 6.3.3. Natural Systems Protection Mitigation actions that fall under this category minimize damage and losses and preserve or restore the functions of natural systems. Examples of these types of actions include:  Sediment and erosion control  Stream corridor restoration  Forest management  Conservation easements  Wetland restoration and preservation 6.3.4. Education and Awareness Programs Mitigation actions that fall under this category inform and educate citizens, elected officials, and property owners about hazards and potential ways to mitigate them. These actions may also include participation in national programs, such as Storm Ready or Fire wise communities. Although this type of mitigation reduces risk less directly than structural projects or regulation, it is an important foundation. A greater understanding and awareness of hazards and risk among local officials, stakeholders, and the public is more likely to lead to direct actions. Examples of these types of actions include:  Radio or television spots  Websites with maps and information ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 6: Mitigation Strategy 6-5  Real estate disclosure  Presentations to school groups or neighborhood organizations  Mailings to residents in hazard-prone areas  StormReady  Firewise 6.3.5. Other Types of Actions Participating jurisdictions may wish to include other types of actions in their Mitigation Action Plans that do not fit into one of the categories listed above. In some cases, these may not be viewed as pure examples of mitigation, but they may be related in ways that make sense to the local government adopting the actions. Examples of these types of actions include:  Warning systems  Communications enhancements  Emergency response training and exercises  Evacuation management  Sandbagging for flood protection  Installing temporary shutters for immediate wind protection  Other forms of emergency services 6.4. Selection of Mitigation Techniques for the Plan Area To determine the most appropriate mitigation techniques for the jurisdictions in the Plan Area, the HMPC thoroughly reviewed and considered the findings of the Risk Assessment and Capability Assessment to determine the best activities for their respective communities. Other considerations included the effect of each mitigation action on overall risk to life and property, its ease of implementation, its degree of political and community support, its general cost-effectiveness, and funding availability (if necessary). 6.5. Plan Update Requirement In keeping with FEMA requirements for plan updates, the mitigation actions identified in the previous plan were evaluated to determine their current implementation status. Updates on the implementation status of each existing mitigation action are provided as part of the Mitigation Action Plans found in Section 7. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7.1. Overview The Mitigation Action Plans section includes Mitigation Action Plans (MAP) for each participating jurisdiction. As stated in Section 6, each County and participating jurisdiction has its own MAP that reflects the needs and concerns of that jurisdiction. The MAP represents an unambiguous and functional action plan and is considered the most essential outcome of the mitigation planning process. The participating jurisdictions are listed below in the order that the MAPs are included in this section. Alexander County  Town of Taylorsville Burke County  City of Morganton  Town of Connelly Springs  Town of Drexel  Town of Glen Alpine  Town of Hildebran  Town of Rutherford College  Town of Valdese Caldwell County  City of Lenoir  Town of Cajah's Mountain  Town of Gamewell  Town of Granite Falls  Town of Hudson  Town of Rhodhiss  Town of Sawmills  Village of Cedar Rock Catawba County  City of Claremont  City of Conover  City of Hickory  City of Newton  Town of Brookford  Town of Catawba ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-2 Draft  Town of Long View  Town of Maiden The Mitigation Action Plan is organized by mitigation strategy category (Prevention, Property Protection, Natural Resource Protection, Structural Projects, Emergency Services, or Public Education and Awareness). The following are the key elements described in the Mitigation Action Plan:  Hazard(s) Addressed—Hazard which the action addresses.  Relative Priority—High, Moderate, or Low priority as assigned by the jurisdiction.  Lead Agency/Department—Department responsible for undertaking the action.  Potential Funding Sources—Local, State, or Federal sources of funds are noted here, where applicable.  Cost Estimate—High (greater than $50,000) Medium (between $20,000 & $50,000) Low (less than $20,000), Minimal (Generally only staff time is required)  Implementation Schedule—Date by which the action the action should be completed. More information is provided when possible.  Implementation Status (2024)—Indication of completion, progress, deferment, or no change since the previous plan. If the action is new, that will be noted here: Mitigation Action Status Definition To Be Continued: Continuing action or program; requires annual or periodic maintenance to continue the action Complete: No further action required for mitigation action to be implemented or used In Progress: Action is currently being implemented Deferred: Action will be reevaluated at a later date Deleted: The Jurisdiction will no longer utilize the action as a viable mitigation action that can be implemented. New The mitigation action has just been added to the 2024 HMP Update Priority High Medium Low Table 7- 1: Mitigation Action Status Definitions ---PAGE BREAK--- 7.2. Summary of Mitigation Actions by Jurisdiction Jurisdiction All Hazards River Flooding Levee Failure Wildfire Tornado Earthquake Landslide Snow Dam Failure Hail Drought Hurricane Winds Ice Thunderstorm Winds Erosion Sinkholes Alexander County 10 12 2 1 Town of Taylorsville 2 3 1 1 2 2 1 3 2 2 Burke County 12 11 1 Town of Connelly Springs 2 5 Town of Drexel 2 3 Town of Glen Alpine 3 1 Town of Hildebran 5 2 City of Morganton 4 7 1 Town of Rutherford College 3 5 1 1 1 1 Town of Valdese 6 6 Burke County 12 11 1 Town of Connelly Springs 2 5 Catawba County 7 14 2 4 2 2 2 6 2 3 8 6 7 3 2 Town of Brookford 6 6 2 2 3 2 4 Town of Catawba (WPCOG) 6 10 2 3 3 3 3 3 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-4 Draft Jurisdiction All Hazards River Flooding Levee Failure Wildfire Tornado Earthquake Landslide Snow Dam Failure Hail Drought Hurricane Winds Ice Thunderstorm Winds Erosion Sinkholes City of Claremont 4 7 1 2 City of Conover 3 2 4 3 4 3 3 4 3 City of Hickory 6 10 1 1 2 1 2 1 Town of Long View 7 10 2 1 2 2 2 Town of Maiden 2 8 3 2 2 1 1 2 3 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 City of Newton 4 9 1 3 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 Caldwell County 4 13 10 2 1 1 3 11 1 3 3 Town of Cajah's Mountain 3 7 6 2 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 Village of Cedar Rock 2 5 3 1 3 1 Town of Gamewell 2 5 3 1 3 1 Town of Granite Falls 5 8 6 2 6 5 6 5 7 5 7 Town of Hudson 2 6 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 City of Lenoir 2 6 4 12 2 Town of Rhodhiss 3 5 5 2 1 1 5 1 1 1 Town of Sawmills 3 8 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 Table 7- 2: Mitigation Action Counts by Jurisdiction (entries marked with Winter weather = Snow and Ice, Thunderstorm = Thunderstorm Wind, and Dam or Levee Failure = Dam Failure and Levee Failure.) ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-5 7.3. Alexander County Alexander County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Conduct outreach to the public regarding Alexander County’s Community Alert System to educate them on how to obtain information both pre- and post- disaster event. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Alexander County 911 Director and EM Coordinator Minimal (Staff time only) Alexander County General Fund 1-2 years High To Be Continued Completed and continual work with County PIO with messaging on county webpage and social media. Creation of Local Information Team with county and school system PIO to increase unified messaging. This is maintained quarterly. 2 Improve information sharing with Duke Energy regarding its operational procedures for the movement of water through its hydro-electric systems on the Catawba River. Public Information and Awareness Flood Alexander County Emergency Management Minimal (Staff time only) Alexander County General Fund 5 years High To Be Continued Maintained and continue to meet once a year for training and tabletop exercises. The County has a great working relationship with staff and communicate Increased communication with Duke Liaison during storm events. 3 Establish a protocol for monitoring the tail race areas below the Catawba River dams during high water events to ensure security of the area and limiting public access. Dam Monitoring and Inspection Flood Alexander County Emergency Management Minimal (Staff time only) Alexander County General Fund 5 years High Complete Data sharing webpage established by Duke Energy for real time information and alerts to impacted areas. 4 Install generator transfer switch connections during the construction of new public facilities (schools, fire stations, County buildings, etc.). Structural Retrofitting All Hazards Alexander County Public Works Director and Emergency Management Coordinator To Be Determined Alexander County General Fund; Department of Homeland Security – Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) 5 years High To Be Continued Recently installed Generator on County EOC. Transfer switches install on Board of Elections. Generator for Cold storage installed on Health Department. County has a deployable trailer mounted generator and have added distribution box for generator to capital improvement planning. Reviewed annually during CIP. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-6 Draft Alexander County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 5 Upgrade centralized coordinated permitting process, including effective filing/permitting system to ensure compliance with floodplain regulations. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Alexander County Planning Director and Alexander County Chief Code Enforcement Officer Local staff time Local staff time 2025 Moderate To Be Continued Upgrading to an online permitting software utilized by all inspection agencies which will include flood plain permitting. Pending updates in CY 2025. 6 Upgrade and maintain Early Warning System. Emergency Warning Systems All Hazards Alexander County 911 Director and EM Coordinator Local staff time Local; state; federal; private (Duke Energy) grants 5 Years High To Be Continued HyperReach is used as early warning system for Alexander County. Alexander County can send IPAWS messaging through HyperReach. Use of social media, Website, and Apps to share information with citizens. Use of local radio station is still ongoing. Formation of Local Information Team to assist with unified messaging throughout the county. Maintained quarterly. 7 Establish a program for evaluating and improving critical services (roads, bridges, water, sewer, electricity, etc.) and critical facilities (fire, rescue, medical, etc.) to reduce risk to natural hazards. Utility Improvements All Hazards Alexander County Planning Director and Alexander County Emergency Management Coordinator Local staff time Local; state; federal grants Annually Moderate To Be Continued Critical Infrastructure is listed in Comprehensive Plan 2045. They are also listed in the Emergency Operations Plan and maintained in the 911 Center. Planning on making an addition for EMS, warehouse space, and new courthouse pending funding availability. Reviewed Annually 8 Prepare countywide stormwater management plan covering the Catawba River basin. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood Alexander County Planning Director Local staff time Local; state grants 2020 Moderate To Be Continued Pending the hiring of an engineer to fully adopt and implement changes in the Land Development Code. Reviewed annually 9 Prepare development plan for relocating public infrastructure out of hazardous areas. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Alexander County Emergency Management, Alexander County Public Works Director Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 years Low In Progress Comprehensive Plan was updated in April 2024 and Land Use Development was updated in May 2024 addressing mitigation actions moving forward. Currently no plans to relocate infrastructure out of this area. Reviewed annually. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-7 Alexander County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 10 Improve Emergency Operations Plan, which outlines warning and evacuation procedures for critical facilities, instructions for getting persons out of flood-prone or isolated areas, and protocols for controlling vehicles on evacuation routes. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Alexander County Emergency Management Local staff time Local, State, Federal 5 Years High To Be Continued Emergency Operations Plan is going through complete rewrite. Expected completion will be end of CY 2024. Evacuations will be covered in the new rewrite. Pending CY 2024. 11 Review/update Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Alexander County Planning Director Local staff time Local staff time 5 Years Moderate To Be Continued Expected to have Land Development Code which addresses this area which should be updated by September 2024. Maintained annually. 12 Adopt zoning and subdivision regulations in floodplain, steep slope, and wildfire areas. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Wildfire; Landslide Alexander County Planning Director Local staff time Local staff time Annually High Complete Land Use Development Code covering this area was adopted in May 2024. 13 Revise/update regulatory floodplain maps. Public Information and Awareness Flood Alexander County Planning Director Local staff time Local, State, Federal 1-5 years Moderate To Be Continued The County adopts and utilizes current North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program data. Updates coincide with state map updates. Reviewed annually. 14 Acquire federal funds to purchase destroyed or substantially damaged properties and relocate households. Acquisitions and Improvements of Flood-Prone Properties All Hazards Alexander County Planning Director, Alexander County EM Coordinator, and Alexander County Administration. Local staff time State; Federal Grants Case-by- case High To Be Continued No properties were purchased, and no households were relocated. Staffing levels and funding do not allow a designated individual for these projects. 15 Complete Community Rating System (CRS) application. Ensure participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Public Information and Awareness Flood Alexander County Planning Director and Alexander County Emergency Management Coordinator Local staff time Local staff time Within 5 years Moderate To Be Continued Requires continuous monitoring. All development applications reviewed for floodplain compliance prior to issuance. Floodplain areas identified on applicable zoning permits. Alexander County does not intend to apply for CRS. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-8 Draft Alexander County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 16 Update 1993 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Alexander County Planning Director Local staff time Local staff time Annually High Complete 2045 Comprehensive Plan was updated and approved in April 2024. 17 Step up centralized, coordinated permitting process including effective filing/permitting system to ensure compliance with floodplain regulations. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Alexander County Planning Director and Alexander County Chief Code Enforcement Officer Local staff time Local staff time Within 5 years High To Be Continued Upgrading to an online permitting software utilized by all inspection agencies which will include flood plain permitting. Pending CY 2025. 18 Develop a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan for public facilities that steers capital projects out of hazardous areas. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Alexander County Administration Local staff time Local staff time 5 years High To Be Continued In Progress: CIP was discussed with previous County Manager and started with some departments. This has been put on hold until new County Manager is hired. Continued Annually. 19 Maintain library on retrofitting techniques. Publicize through bulletins/newsletters. Public Information and Awareness All Hazar ds Alexander County Planning Director and Alexander County Emergency Management Coordinator Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 Years Moderate To Be Continued Constantly learning new techniques and best industrial standards. Building library throughout time. Reviewed 20 Continuation and expansion of E- 911 Addressing Program to include all municipalities with goal to cover entire county with one system. Emergency Warning Systems All Hazards Alexander County IT Director, GIS, and 911 Director Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 Years High To Be Continued Requires continuous monitoring. Our addressing office along with the E-911 Center updates the addresses on a continuous basis when new residences and businesses are built. Before building permits are issued, a 911 address must be given for the new construction project. Maintained 21 Drainage system management— prepare countywide storm water management plan covering the Catawba River basin. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood Alexander County Planning Director N/A due to this action being Local; state To be updated in 2015 High To Be Continued Pending the hiring of an engineer to fully adopt and implement changes in the Land Development Code. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-9 Alexander County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 22 Acquisition of properties susceptible to flood damage and wildland fires. Acquisitions and Improvement s of Flood- Prone Properties Flood; Wildfire Alexander County Planning Director and Alexander County Emergency Management Coordinator Local staff time Local; state; federal grants 5 Years Moderate To Be Continued To be continued: Under annual review. No property acquisitions were conducted within the past 5 years. No federal grant funds were applied for or received. Table 7- 3: Alexander County Mitigation Actions Updates 7.3.1. Town of Taylorsville Town of Taylorsville Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Maintain street rights of way and ditches to prevent damage to streets and property in the event of a natural hazard occurrence. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Thunderstorm; Lightning; Hail; Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Winter Weather Town of Taylorsville Public Works $100,000 Power bill revenue 2025 High In Progress Work has been done to widen streets and improve stormwater draining when funding permits. This is reviewed annually and when funding permits. 2 Improve drainage on Muddy Creek. Structure and Infrastructure Projects Floods; Thunderstorms ; Hurricanes and Tropical Storms Town of Taylorsville; North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT); Alexander County >$200,000 State / Federal Grants 2025 Moderate Complete A new culvert has been installed to improve drainage on Muddy Creek ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-10 Draft Town of Taylorsville Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 3 Assist Alexander County with all mitigation actions that have a countywide impact and that benefit the Town of Taylorsville. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Town of Taylorsville Administration As Funded by Alexander County Local, State, Federal Grants 5 years Low Complete Land Use Development Code covering this area was adopted in May 2024. 4 In coordination with Alexander County, conduct outreach to the public regarding Alexander County’s Community Alert System to educate them on how to obtain information both pre- and post- disaster event. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Taylorsville Administration Minimal (Local Staff Time) Alexander County General Fund 1-2 Years High To Be Continued Maintained Quarterly: The Town of Taylorsville is Working with Alexander County Emergency Management to share the HyperReach Alert and Warning System. 5 To establish, where feasible, additional emergency response forces, by at least 10%, that are trained, equipped, and prepared to respond to a variety of emergency and disaster situations. This concept is concurred by Alexander County and the Town of Taylorsville. Emergency Services Flood; Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Lightning; Hail; Tornado; Wildfire; Drought; Winter Weather Town of Taylorsville Administration Minimal (Local Staff Time) Alexander County General Fund and Increased Property Taxes with Development 3-5 Years Low To Be Continued Maintained Annually: Pay increases for TPD and Taylorsville FD were issued to assist with staffing issues. Funding continues for Alexander Rescue Squad. TPD continues to train and maintain credentials for law enforcement. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-11 7.4. Burke County Burke County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Review/update Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Burke County Planning & Development Department; Burke County Building Inspections Department; Burke County Emergency Services Department Local Staff Time Local Staff Time 5 Years Moderate To Be Continued Reviewed Annually: Completed with continued monitoring on an annual basis based on hazard information changes. 2 Revise/Update regulatory floodplain maps of any known flood areas. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Burke County Planning & Development Department; Burke County Land Records/GIS Department Local Staff Time Local, State, Federal Grants 5 Years Moderate To Be Continued Continued Monitoring: Completed with continued monitoring and the County is waiting on new maps that may be released in 2025 for further review. 3 Adopt zoning and subdivision regulations in floodplain, steep slope, and wildfire hazard areas. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Burke County Planning & Development Department; Burke County Emergency Services Department; Burke County Building Inspections Department Local Staff Time Local Staff Time Annually High To Be Continued Reviewed Annually: Completed and reviewed annually after the floodplain ordinance was adopted. All development projects are reviewed for floodplain compliance prior to development. 4 Update Comprehensive Use Plan Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Burke County Planning & Development Department Local Staff Time Local Staff Time 5 Years High To Be Continued Reviewed Annually: The Comprehensive Land Use Plan was reviewed, revised, and adopted in 2022. The Plan will be reviewed each year and will be updated every 5 years. 5 Step up centralized coordinated permitting process, including effective filing/permitting system to ensure compliance with floodplain regulations. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Burke County Emergency Services Department; Burke County Planning & Development Department; Burke County Building Inspections Department; Burke County Environmental Health Department Local Staff Time Local Staff Time 5 Years Moderate To Be Continued Reviewed Annually: Permitting system is now computerized with process flow and undergoes annual reviews. The permitting process has been reviewed annually for the last 5 years. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-12 Draft Burke County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 6 Upgrade and maintain Early Warning System. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Burke County Emergency Services Department Local Staff Time Local, State, Federal, and Private (Duke Energy) Grants 5 Years High To Be Continued Continued Monitoring: Burke County utilizes Hyper-Reach, Reverse E-911, IPaws, and Smart 911 notifications to notify residents of potentially hazardous conditions and uses the local radio station for National Weather Service severe weather. 7 Establish a program for evaluating and improving critical services (roads, bridges, water, sewer, electricity, etc.) and critical facilities (fire, rescue, medical, etc.) to reduce risk to natural hazards. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Burke County Emergency Services Department; Burke County Planning & Development Department; North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Local Staff Time Local, State, and Federal Grants Annually Moderate To Be Continued Reviewed Annually: Burke County continues to coordinate with agencies to review and improve critical services and critical facilities to reduce the risk to natural hazards. 8 Prepare countywide stormwater management plan covering the Catawba River basin. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Burke County Planning & Development Department Local Staff Time Local, State Grants 2020 Moderate In Progress Burke County does not have a storm water manager and work with DEQ as needed to manage stormwater in Burke County. 9 Prepare development plan for relocating public infrastructure out of hazardous areas. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Burke County Planning & Development Department; Burke County Building Inspections Department Local Staff Time Local Staff Time 1-5 Years Low To Be Continued A BRIC grant awarded in 2024 to update a pumping station within Burke County to reduce flooding. 10 Improve Hazardous Warning and Response Plan, which outlines warning and evacuation procedures for critical facilities, instructions for getting persons out of flood-prone or isolated areas, and protocols for controlling vehicles on evacuation routes. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Burke County Planning & Development Department; Burke County Emergency Services Department Local Staff Time Local, State, and Federal Grants 5 Years High To Be Continued Reviewed Annually: Burke County continues to review and enhancing outreach to citizens and essential personnel about the Hazardous Warning and Response Plan that was updated in 2025. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-13 Burke County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 11 Review/update Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Burke County Planning & Development Department; Burke County Building Inspections Department Local Staff Time Local Staff Time 5 Years Moderate To Be Continued Reviewed Annually: New maps will be reviewed in 2025 and the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance will be reviewed as needed. 12 Adopt zoning and subdivision regulations in floodplain, steep slope, and wildfire areas. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Burke County Planning & Development Department Local Staff Time Local Staff Time Annuall y High To Be Continued Reviewed Annually: Burke County reviews zoning and subdivision regulations annually. 13 Revise/update regulatory floodplain maps. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Burke County Planning & Development Department; Burke County Land Records/GIS Department Local Staff Time Local, State, and Federal Grants 1-5 Years Moderate To Be Continued Reviewed As Needed: Burke County continues to review new maps and will update regulatory maps in 2025 if needed. 14 Acquire federal funds to purchase destroyed or substantially damaged properties and relocate households. Structure and Infrastructure Projects All Hazards Burke County Emergency Services Department; Burke County Planning & Development Department Local Staff Time State and Federal Grants Case-by- Case High Deferred No damage has occurred since 2019 that would qualify for federal funding. 15 Complete Community Rating System (CRS) application. Ensure participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Local Plans and Regulations Flood Burke County Emergency Services Department Local Staff Time Local Staff Time 5 Years Moderate To Be Continued Continuous monitoring and reviewing all applications. 16 Update 1993 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Burke County Planning & Development Department Local Staff Time Local Staff Time Annually High To Be Continued Reviewed As Needed: The Comprehensive Land Use Plan has been reviewed, revised, and adopted in 2022 with next scheduled review in 2030. 17 Develop a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan for public facilities that steers capital projects out of hazardous areas. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Burke County Management; all departments Local Staff Time Local Staff Time 5 Years High To Be Continued Nothing has been built in a hazardous area since last plan update. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-14 Draft Burke County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 18 Maintain library on retrofitting techniques. Publicize through bulletins/newsletters. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Burke County Building Inspections Department; Burke County Emergency Services Department; Burke County Planning & Development Department Local Staff Time Local, State Grants 1-5 Years Moderate To Be Continued Continuously Monitored: all documents are now digitized. 19 Continuation and expansion of E-911 Addressing Program to include all municipalities with goal to cover entire county with one system. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Burke County Emergency Services Department; 911 Addressing; Burke County Land Records/GIS Department Local Staff Time Local Staff Time 1-5 Years High To Be Continued Continuously Monitored: Burke County continues to continuously monitor, maintain, and update E911 addresses. E911 addresses are obtained during site review/building permit issuance. 20 Drainage system management—prepare countywide storm water management plan covering the Catawba River basin. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Burke County Planning & Development Department; West Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) N/A Local, State Grants Complete High Complete Completed in 2015. 21 Acquisition of properties susceptible to flood damage and wildland fires. Structure and Infrastructure Projects Flood; Wildfire Burke County Planning & Development Department; Burke County Building Inspections Department; Burke County Emergency Services Department Local Staff Time Local, State, and Federal Grants 5 Years Moderate To Be Continued No damage has occurred since 2019 that would qualify for federal funding. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-15 7.4.1. Town of Connelly Springs Town of Connely Springs Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Require structures to be built in the floodplain to be constructed two feet above base flood elevation or be floodproofed. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Connelly Springs Planning Board; Burke County Building Inspections Department Local staff time Local staff time 5 years Low To Be Continued To be continued: The Town contracts with Burke County for services provided by the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) to review all development within the floodplain. No known development has occurred in the floodplain over the past five years. 2 Track rebuilding activities after severe storms and consider policies to minimize repetitive losses. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Town of Connelly Springs Board of Alderman (Planning Board) Local staff time Local staff time 5 years Moderate In Progress In progress: No severe storms have impacted the town in the past five years that would trigger this activity. Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 3 Require floodproofing for structures not elevated two feet above base flood elevation. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Connelly Springs Planning Board; Burke County Building Inspections Department To be determined Local, Federal, and State grant funded 5 years Low In Progress In progress: All development within the floodplain is reviewed by the Burke County Floodplain Manager in accordance with a Resolution of Intent adopted September 8, 2003. 4 Require/maintain FEMA elevation certificates for all new permits for buildings or improvements in the floodplain. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Connelly Springs Board of Alderman (Planning Board); Burke County Building Inspections Department Local staff time Local, Federal, and State grant funded 5 years Low In Progress In progress: No known new development has occurred in the floodplain. 5 Receive and begin using regulatory floodplain maps. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Connelly Springs Board of Alderman (Planning Board) Local staff time Local, Federal, and State grant funded 5 years High To Be Continued In progress: The Town adopts and utilizes current North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program data. Updates coincide with state map updates. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-16 Draft Town of Connely Springs Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 6 Review zoning and subdivision regulations to better control future development in these susceptible areas. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Connelly Springs Board of Alderman (Planning Board) Local staff time Local staff time 5 years Moderate To Be Continued In progress: The Town has contracted with Burke County to provide zoning and code enforcement services which has identified gaps in zoning enforcement which are currently being addressed. 7 Work in cooperation with Burke County, surrounding local governments, and state and federal agencies to maintain appropriate mitigation strategies. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Town of Connelly Springs Board of Alderman (Planning Board) To be determined Local, Federal, and State grant funded 5 years High To Be Continued In progress: The Town of Connelly Springs participates in interagency meetings organized by Burke County and encourages participation in projects developed at the county level to the residents of Connelly Springs such as the E-911 Addressing System and sign-up for the emergency notification system (Hyper Reach). Projects are shared with residents through town council meetings, traditional media, and community flyers. The Town currently contracts zoning and code enforcement activities with Burke County and planning duties with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG). Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 7.4.2. Town of Drexel (WPCOG) Town of Drexel Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Revise zoning and subdivision regulations in floodplain areas to better control future development in these hazard susceptible areas. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Drexel Zoning Board; Town Council Local staff time Town of Drexel General Fund 5 years Moderate To be continued To be continued. New Subdivision Ordinance was adopted in 2014. Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-17 Town of Drexel Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 2 Revise subdivision regulations to require all perennial and intermittent streams be shown on plats. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Drexel Zoning Board; Town Council Local staff time Town of Drexel General Fund 2019- 2025 Moderate To be continued to be continued: Currently required for major subdivisions. 3 In cooperation with Burke County, assist in establishing a program for evaluating and improving critical services (roads, bridges, water, sewer, electricity, etc.) and critical facilities (fire, rescue, medical, etc.) to reduce risk to natural hazards. Utility Improvement and Maintenance All Hazards Town of Drexel Town Council Local staff time Local; state; federal grants Annually Moderate In Progress In progress. All Critical Facilities are located at Town hall but could use improvements. More than Burke County. The whole region is taking initiative (WPCOG). 4 In cooperation with Burke County, assist (as needed) in preparing a countywide stormwater management plan. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Drexel Town Council Local staff time Local; state; federal grants 2025 Moderate In Progress 5 Install generator transfer switch connections during the construction of new public facilities (schools, fire stations, public buildings, etc.). Structural Retrofitting All Hazards Town of Drexel Planning and Zoning Department To be determined Local; State, Federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) 2025 High Deferred Deferred. Town has not built any new public facilities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-18 Draft 7.4.3. Glen Alpine Town of Glen Alpine Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Maintain continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and NPDES Phase 2 stormwater control compliance. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood Town of Glen Alpine Zoning Department/Code Enforcement Officer $1,000 General budget 5 years High In Progress In Progress 2 The Town, through continuous programs, will offer education in fire prevention, safety training and mitigating natural hazards to the schools and citizens focusing on talks to civic groups, children, Town citizens, and elderly adults. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Glen Alpine Fire Department $500 General budget 5 years Moderate In Progress In Progress 3 The Planning Board reviews on an annual basis local zoning ordinances and land use plans for subdivisions, construction of new homes, and commercial development. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Town of Glen Alpine Planning Board; Zoning Officer $2,000 General Fund 5 years Moderate To Be Continued To Be Continued 4 The Glen Alpine Fire Department, Burke County Emergency Management, and North Carolina Emergency Management will continue to evaluate and conduct a detailed needs assessment of emergency services, response, and critical needs. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Glen Alpine Fire Department $1,000 General budget; grants 5 Years High To Be Continued To be Continued ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-19 7.4.4. Hildebran (WPCOG) Town of Hildebran Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Install quick-connect emergency generator hook-ups for remaining critical facilities. Structural Retrofitting All Hazards Town of Hildebran Town Council $75,000 Local funds; grants 0-5 Years Moderate In Progress In progress: Look at Municipal Complex and Town Hall. no measurable activity occurred due to funding, limited staff time. 2 Participate in public outreach on hazard mitigation both locally and regionally. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Hildebran Planning Department <$5000 Local funds; grants 5 Years Moderate To be continued To be continued: The Town has participated in local outreach and will continue in the future. 3 Inventory all critical facilities’ capabilities and needs. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Town of Hildebran Planning Department <$5000 Local funds 0-2 years Moderate In Progress The WPCOG has created the Community Health and Disaster Mitigation Explorer (CHADME) tool which has inventory of Burke County infrastructure, critical facilities, and areas of concern. 4 Maintain updated database of all infrastructure. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Hildebran Planning Department; Town of Hildebran Engineering Department <$5000 Local funds; grants 0-2 years Moderate Complete The WPCOG has created a tool that highlights all of these assets in one place. It is called the Community Health and Disaster Mitigation Explorer (CHADME). 5 Manage future development in flood-prone areas. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Hildebran Planning Department Local staff time Local staff time 5 Years Low In Progress In progress: The Town will continue to work with property owners and developers to look at the BMP for development in flood-prone areas outside of the designated floodplain. At this time no development has occurred in flood-prone or floodplain areas. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-20 Draft Town of Hildebran Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 6 In cooperation with Burke County, assist in establishing a program for evaluating and improving critical services (roads, bridges, water, sewer, electricity, etc.) and critical facilities (fire, rescue, medical, etc.) to reduce risk to natural hazards. Utility Improvement and Maintenance All Hazards Town of Hildebran Planning Department; Town of Hildebran Engineering Department Staff time Local; state; federal grants 5 Year Review Moderate In Progress The WPCOG has created the Community Health and Disaster Mitigation Explorer (CHADME) tool which has inventory of Burke County infrastructure, critical facilities, and areas of concern. 7 In cooperation with Burke County, assist (as needed) in preparing a countywide stormwater management plan. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Hildebran Planning Department; Town of Hildebran Engineering Department To be determined Local; State grants and staff time 2025 Moderate Deleted Deleted: No longer in progress. 8 Phase II Stormwater Implementation. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Severe Storms Town of Hildebran Planning Department; Town of Hildebran Engineering Department Unspecified Local funds; grants not immediate Low Deleted Deleted: The Town received an exemption based on population. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-21 7.4.5. City of Morganton City of Morganton Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Review/update Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to ensure maximum protection from flood hazard events (CRS 430). Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Wildfire City of Morganton Planning Commission; City Council Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 years High In Progress The City is reviewing its current ordinance and the proposed State Model Ordinance and producing a final document for adoption by City Council. 2 Revise/update regulatory floodplain maps (CRS 410). Public Information and Awareness Flood Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR); North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCDEM) Local staff time Local and State grants; FEMA 1-5 years High To Be Continued One public meeting with the State and County representatives was held in Morganton for the concerned citizens. State representatives indicated it may be 2 years before state adopts current preliminary maps. 3 Update Land Development Plan. Local Plans and Regulations Flood City of Morganton Planning Commission; City Council $175,000 Local staff time 2025 High To Be Continued Imagine Morganton 2040 Comprehensive Plan proposed to be adopted by City Council in 2024 4 Merge E-911 dispatch programs to include all municipalities within the county to cover the entire county with one system. Emergency Warning Systems All Hazards E-911/MIS $7 million Local; State grants 2014 High Complete Completed: City and local jurisdictions combined 911 dispatch through the construction of a new call center and consolidation of services. Completion and implementation were in the Fall 2014. 5 Establish/Maintain coordinated Drainage System Inspection Program. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood City of Morganton Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time 5 years High To Be Continued The City Public Work Department continues to maintain the drainage system. A DWI Grant was awarded to help document our assets and plan for future stormwater projects. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-22 Draft City of Morganton Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 6 Utilize an early warning system to ensure adequate evacuation time in case of a major hazard event. Emergency Warning Systems All Hazards City of Morganton Public Safety Department; Burke County Emergency Services Local staff time Local; State grants and staff time 2019-2025 High To Be Continued Ongoing: Duke Energy maintains the early warning system for dam failures and potential hazards dealing with Lake James. Hyper-Reach is used for a reverse 911 system to notify residences of potentially hazardous conditions. A local radio station is used for National Weather Service severe weather. 7 Establish a list of priority properties for acquisition in the event of another natural disaster. Acquisitions and Improvements of Flood- Prone Properties Flood City of Morganton Development & Design Department, Public Information Office Local staff time Local Federal and State Grants 2019-2025 High To be continued To be continued: The City continues to identify and acquire high-risk properties as funding is made available to eliminate catastrophic loss of life and damage to property. Most of these properties are incorporated into parks and greenways within flood-prone areas Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 8 Evaluate flood or access problems for critical facilities; develop recommendations for protecting critical parts police and fire command centers); and identify alternate command posts, if necessary. Local Plans and Regulations Flood City of Morganton Public Safety Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 years High Complete The City's budget for 2024 includes funding for asset management plans for water and wastewater that will identify areas of concern for these critical facilities. The City continually designs and constructs upgrades to the City Water and wastewater systems. Generator Project completed and other projects to improve/upgrade the Water and Sewer Systems continue. 9 Develop and implement a hazard awareness program to include elevation Certificates, Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Data, Bulletin on property protection measures and flood insurance, and other activities under CRS 310/320/330/340/440. Public Information and Awareness Flood City of Morganton Development & Design Department Local staff time Local staff time 2019-2025 High To Be Continued In progress: The City offers access to online Flood Elevation Certificates, FIRMs, and other flood mapping protection services through NCEM. City staff consults with property owners and developers as to how to access this information and obtain guidance on a routine basis. City staff will prepare the noted bulletin for information. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-23 City of Morganton Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 10 Develop a tracking system to evaluate progress and revise mitigation activities, as necessary. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards City of Morganton Public Information Office Local staff time Local staff time 2019-2025 High To Be Continued To be continued: Each year the City evaluates and improves upon the information it provides to the public regarding mitigation activities. Weekly department head assessment meetings and interdepartmental review of the information provided generates routine updates through the City’s website, CoMPAS Cable Programing, public awareness notices, press releases, and other educational brochures. 11 Capital Improvements Program—development plan for relocating public infrastructure out of hazards areas. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Burke County Planning & Development Department; Burke County Building Inspections Department Local staff time Local staff time 5 years Low To Be Continued In progress: Requires continuous monitoring. The only infrastructure Burke County has in hazardous areas is a Sewer Pump Station that is in a floodplain area. It is not possible to relocate the pump station due to the terrain and the cost to relocate. Any new projects are reviewed for hazardous areas before construction begins. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-24 Draft 7.4.6. Town of Rutherford College (WPCOG) Town of Rutherford College Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Require and maintain FEMA elevation certificates for new buildings or improvements to buildings on lots including portions of the 100-year floodplain (CRS 31). Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Rutherford College Planning Department To be determined Local immediate Low Complete Completed 2 Revise/update regulatory floodplain maps (CRS 410). Public Information and Awareness Flood Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Unspecified State Funding As Needed Low Complete Completed 3 Prepare and implement a town- wide stormwater management plan to meet federal Phase II stormwater regulations. Complete stormwater map and conduct stormwater outreach. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood; Erosion; Sinkhole Town of Rutherford College Town Council $5,000 Local 1-5 Years High Complete Completed in 2021 4 Require 50-foot buffers for new development activities along the Catawba River. Local Plans and Regulations Flood North Carolina Department of Water Quality To be determined State Funding Immediate Low Complete Completed 5 Maintain portable backup generator for emergency power needs. Structural Retrofitting All Hazards Town of Rutherford College Town Council Local Staff Time Local Staff Time Immediate (1 Year) High To Be Continued Currently, Rutherford College has a large portable generator, but it is primarily used for the pump stations when the power goes out. 6 Obtain short-wave radio to provide direct communication with Burke County use existing walkie-talkies with number assigned to Burke County EMS. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Town of Rutherford College Public Works Department $1,000 Local Grant 2024 Moderate To Be Continued To be continued: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-25 Town of Rutherford College Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 7 Revise subdivision regulations to require all perennial and intermittent streams be shown on subdivision plats. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Rutherford College Administration Department Unspecified Local 2009- 2010 Moderate Complete Completed 8 Trim trees along town power lines as needed. Utility Maintenance Winter Weather Duke Energy Local Staff Time Local Funding Immediate (1 Year) High To Be Continued This is an ongoing update that the town maintains. 9 Conduct outreach to educate the public on pre-disaster preparation targeting schools, churches, civic groups, etc. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Rutherford College Fire Department To be determined Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants; Homeland Security grants; emergency management grants; local funding 1-3 years High To Be Continued Hoping to conduct a Disaster Fair for the region (WPCOG) ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-26 Draft 7.4.7. Town of Valdese Town of Valdese Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Promote the advancement of early warning to the public by providing All Hazard Weather Alert radios at little or no cost to the general public and ensuring the placement of the radios in all schools, daycares, churches, etc. Education And Awareness All Hazards Town of Valdese Fire Department; Burke County Emergency Management To Be Determined Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants; Homeland Security grants; emergency management grants; local funding 1-5 years High To Be Continued Deferred: no progress has been made since 2019 2 Conduct outreach to educate the public on pre-disaster preparation targeting schools, churches, civic groups, etc. Education And Awareness All Hazards Town of Valdese Fire Department, Burke Count Safe Kids To Be Determined Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants; Homeland Security grants; emergency management grants; local funding 1-3 years High To Be Continued Ongoing: Continuously educating the public on safety and disaster preparedness 3 Install quick-connect emergency generator transfer switch at Town of Valdese Water Department Pump Station. Structural Or Infrastructure Project All Hazards Town of Valdese Water Department $90,000 Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants; Homeland Security grants; emergency management grants; local funding 1-5 years High Complete 4 Maintain routine inspection and clearing of storm drainage system. Structural Or Infrastructure Project Flood Town of Valdese Public Works Department Minimal (Staff Time Only) Town of Valdese General Fund 2025 High To Be Continued Ongoing: This is an ongoing and continuous process 5 Maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by: Providing related training periodically for Town Planning Director and Town Emergency Management Coordinator and Encouraging or requiring certain staff positions to obtain Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Valdese Planning Department To Be Determined Town of Valdese General Fund 1-3 years Moderate To Be Continued To Be Continued: The Planner has received training, but the Town of Valdese still needs to train other staff. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-27 Town of Valdese Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 6 In cooperation with Burke County, assist in establishing a program for evaluating and improving critical services (roads, bridges, water, sewer, electricity, etc.) and critical facilities (fire, rescue, medical, etc.) to reduce risk to natural hazards. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Town of Valdese Public Works Department To Be Determined Local; state; federal grants 2025 Moderate Deferred Deferred: due to lack of funding 7 In cooperation with Burke County, assist (as needed) in preparing a countywide stormwater management plan. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Valdese Public Works Department / Wastewater Department To Be Determined Local; state grants Revise in 2015 Moderate Complete Complete: Town of Valdese has Storm Water Management Program in place, with an assigned Director. 8 Develop an open space plan, target properties for acquisition, and fund an acquisition program. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Valdese Planning Department Unfunded (Local Staff Time) To Be Determined 1-5 years Moderate Deferred Deferred: Open space plan is addressed in the Land Use Plan, but no funding for acquisition of properties is available 9 Implement drainage system management project. Structural Or Infrastructure Project Flood Town of Valdese Public Works Department Minimal (Staff Time Only) Town of Valdese General Fund 5 Years High To Be Continued Ongoing: Addressed in storm water ordinances and under continuous observation and evaluation 10 Implement an early warning system. Education And Awareness All Hazards Burke County Emergency Management; Town of Valdese Fire Department To Be Determined Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants; Homeland Security grants; emergency management grants; local funding 5 Years High To Be Continued Ongoing: Town now has a public emergency alert system and use County's reverse 911 and Rave when needed 11 Establishment of reserve fund for relocating damaged infrastructure. Structural Or Infrastructure Project Flood Town of Valdese Administration To Be Determined To Be Determined 1-5 years Moderate Deferred Deferred: due to lack of funding ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-28 Draft Town of Valdese Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 12 Improve Hazard Warning and Response Plan. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Burke County Emergency Management; Town of Valdese Fire Department To Be Determined Local; state; federal grants 1-5 years High To Be Continued Ongoing: Town now has a public emergency alert system and use County's reverse 911 and Rave when needed ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-29 7.5. Catawba County Catawba County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Install generator transfer switch connections during the construction of new public facilities (schools, fire stations, County buildings, etc.). Structural Retrofitting All Hazards Catawba County Finance; Purchasing; and Emergency Services Departments To be determined General Fund; Department of Homeland Security – Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program. 1-5 years High To Be Continued County continues to seek funding to address need for transfer switches. 2 Continue to evaluate County policies to reduce greenhouse gases. These policies may include additional lighting retrofitting, “green” purchasing goals, upgrading of equipment in buildings, acquisition/dedication of parkland, and timber management at existing parks. Sustainability Improvement Floods; Hurricanes and Tropical Storms; Severe Thunderstor ms; Tornadoes; Wildfire; Drought; Winter Storms; and Dam or Levee Failure. County Manager’s Office Staff time General Fund Immediate (1-2 years) High Complete Complete - no additional update 3 Prepare a one-page information sheet that incorporates the floodplain development permitting process for all departments. In addition, when permits are being reviewed where access to the site requires new driveway/road construction across a floodplain, require stream crossing plans with drainage calculations, culvert size, and installation details. Public Information and Awareness Flood Catawba County Building Inspections; Planning, Parks & Development; and Environmental Health Departments Staff time General Fund 1-2 years High In Progress In Progress: Addressed through County's Stormwater Plan. A County engineer reviews plans for new subdivisions and works with local landowners in flood plain areas ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-30 Draft Catawba County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 4 Update the County’s Parks Master Plan to identify locations and funding sources for greenways in order to preserve sensitive land along river systems. Sustainability Improvement Flood Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development Department Staff time General Fund 1-2 years High Complete Complete - no additional update 5 Conduct outreach to the public regarding the County’s Community Alert System to educate them about how to obtain information both pre- and post-event and about mitigation strategies such as proper tree-trimming techniques. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Catawba County Emergency Services Department Staff time General Fund 1-2 years High Complete Complete - no additional update 6 Incorporate hazard mitigation elements into the development of new small area and corridor plans. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development Department Staff time General Fund 1-2 years High To be continued Ongoing: Corridor plans continue to encourage growth in areas where utilities, public facilities, and emergency services resources exist (i.e. smart growth principles). 7 Improve information sharing with Duke Energy regarding its operational procedures for the movement of water through its hydro- electric systems on the Catawba River. This can be achieved by meeting formally at least once a year, when significant weather events are anticipated, and when upgrades or improvements to the system are scheduled. Public Information and Awareness Flood Catawba County Emergency Services Department Staff time General Fund 5 years High Complete Complete - no additional update 8 Establish a protocol for monitoring the tail race areas below the Catawba River dams during high water events to ensure security of the area and limiting public access. Dam Monitoring and Inspection Flood Catawba County Emergency Services and Sheriff’s Departments Staff time General Fund 5 years High Complete Complete - no additional update ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-31 Catawba County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 9 Work with local land trusts to secure conservation easements on farmland to preserve sensitive land along river systems. Sustainability Improvement Flood Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development, Cooperative Extension, and Soil & Water Conservation Departments To be determined Farmland Preservation Trust Fund; other private funding sources 3-5 years Moderate In Progress In progress: This is a continuous effort with two area land trusts. 10 Identify locations of log jamming in priority watersheds which could jeopardize bridge abutments and water supply using new GIS aerial photography available in late 2014. Relay this information to appropriate agencies and develop action plans for abatement. Stream Corridor Restoration Flood Catawba County Emergency Services and Planning, Parks & Development Departments Staff time General Fund and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre- Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program grants Immediate (1-2 years) Moderate Complete Complete - no additional update 11 Evaluate the need for stronger building code requirements for structures constructed in the tail race areas below the Catawba River dams in order to prevent property damage Local Plans and Regulations Flood Catawba County Building Codes & Services Department Staff time General Fund 3-5 Years Moderate Complete Complete - no additional update 12 Propose the requirement for a stormwater master plan for new major subdivisions that addresses the treatment of stormwater for new roads and lots within the development. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Catawba County Utilities & Engineering Department Staff time General Fund 3-5 Years Moderate Complete County Master Plan addresses stormwater requirements. Plans are reviewed by County Staff to ensure that they meet requirements. Maintenance Plans are required and reviewed by staff. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-32 Draft Catawba County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 13 Preserve large, intact forest land through the acquisition and/or dedication of park land through the County’s Unified Development Ordinance requirements. As part of the Parks Department forestry management program, non-native pine plantation stands in the park property will be selectively harvested to allow for the successional return of native forest vegetation. This action is aimed at reducing greenhouse gases through carbon sequestration and thereby also helping to reduce the potential of increased frequency and severity of natural hazards (particularly drought and wildfire, but many others identified in this Plan as well). Sustainability Improvement All Hazards Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development Department Staff time to be determined General Fund 5 years High To be continued County Staff continue efforts to reduce invasive species including efforts related to pine tree removal and replacement at Riverbend and Mountain Creek Parks. Hudson Chapel property has been acquired by the County to preserve natural habitat. 14 Conduct a carbon footprint analysis for the County’s facilities and evaluate current policies to identify ways to reduce greenhouse gases. Implement priority strategies identified in the study, which may include the production of biodiesel fuel at the County’s EcoComplex, renewable energy sources such as windmills, reduction of particulate matter and ozone through recommendations of the Early Action Compact, and the development of an energy plan which may include purchasing policies that address energy reduction strategies and contractor policies for equipment emissions. Sustainability Improvement All Hazards Multi-departmental through Green Initiatives Team, especially the Catawba County Public Health and Utilities & Engineering Departments Staff time with implementation to be determined General Fund and Energy Department grants 1-2 years High Complete 100% of county lighting has been converted to T-8 lighting or better. Projects in progress to convert landfill gas to renewable natural gas. Plans continue to install solar panels on existing landfill property. 15 Develop a farmland preservation plan which will identify tools and techniques to preserve sensitive farmland, and particularly those areas prone to flooding. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development Department; Cooperative Extension through the Agricultural Advisory Board To be determined Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation (ADFP) trust fund grant; Catawba County General Fund 1-2 years High Complete Complete - no additional update ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-33 Catawba County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 16 Maintain continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through implementation of the specific actions. This includes evaluating the Community Rating System (CRS) and identifying strategies that can be implemented to reduce flood potential and in turn allow for a reduction in flood insurance rates for citizens of the County. These strategies may include maintaining digital FEMA elevation certificates, training for plan reviewers and building inspectors, sponsoring a training workshop for surveyors, and pursuing Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification for a staff person. Supplies of FEMA and NFIP materials will also be made available to the public in various locations throughout the county such as libraries and on the Catawba County website. Public Information and Awareness Flood Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development and Emergency Services Departments To be determined General Fund and Grants 1-2 years High Complete Complete - no additional update 17 Develop a countywide greenway master plan to provide an interconnected trail network which preserves sensitive land along river systems. These trails can become part of the Carolina Thread Trail, Duke Energy Relicensing facilities, and the Lake Norman Bicycle Route. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development Department To be determined Carolina Thread Trail; Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF); Clean Water Management Trust Fund other grant sources 1-2 years High Complete Complete - no additional update 18 Provide education to citizens about tree-trimming techniques to reduce the potential for power outages due to downed tree limbs. Public Information and Awareness Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Severe Thunderstor m; Tornado; Winter Weather Cooperative Extension through local power companies Staff time General Fund 1-3 years High To be continued Cooperative Extension continues education efforts regarding tree- trimming techniques to County residents. Duke Energy has conducted a Bradford Pear tree replacement program in Catawba County. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-34 Draft Catawba County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 19 Coordinate with the American Red Cross to install pre-wired connections (“Quick Connects”) to use portable generators at targeted critical public facilities and those designed to serve as shelters for disaster survivors. Evaluate other locations with existing wiring which can accommodate generators, for example, schools, churches, recreation centers. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Catawba County Emergency Services Department; American Red Cross To be determined Department of Homeland Security – Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre- Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program. 5 years High Complete Complete - no additional update 20 Provide outreach education to property owners along flood-prone areas, such as Carpenters Cove, about floodplain regulations and evacuation plans. This includes direct mailings to owners of repetitive loss properties (as identified by FEMA) about available mitigation grant programs. Also provide education opportunities for school-age children, such as the American Red Cross “Masters of Disaster” education program. Public Information and Awareness Flood Catawba County Emergency Services Department; American Red Cross; Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development Department Staff time General Fund 1-3 years High Complete Complete - no additional update 21 Promote a standard hook up for emergency generators such that any portable generator can be simply connected to it for supply of power to vital circuits in homes and/or public buildings. Priority locations are hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and government buildings. Emergency Response Improvement Flood; Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstor m; Tornado; Wildfire; Drought; Winter Weather; Erosion; Dam or Levee Failure; Earthquake; Sinkhole; Landslide Catawba County Emergency Services Department; American Red Cross To be determined Department of Homeland Security – Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program. 1-2 years High- Moderate Complete Complete - no additional update ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-35 Catawba County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 22 Identify areas for emergency access to and from public properties, such as Bakers Mountain Park, Riverbend Park, and the Wildlife Club (off Lynn Mountain Road). These areas will be maintained for access by emergency personnel in the event of wildfires or other events. This includes working with key property owners adjoining the subject properties, developing cooperative agreements, and clearing/maintaining new or existing fire roads. Emphasis will be placed on securing access ways at each of these properties. Gating, ditching, signage, and fencing is necessary in high risk areas that are prone to vandalism that may result in forest fires. The first phase will be mapping of appropriate locations and training with EMS in the County’s parks. Emergency Response Improvement Wildfire Catawba County Emergency Services Department; Forest Service; Park Personnel To be determined Grants or community-service projects with organized groups 1-2 years Moderate Complete Complete - no additional update 23 Evaluate the Firewise communities program and its application to develop communities and homes which are designed, built, and maintained to withstand wildfires. Public Information and Awareness Wildfire Catawba County Emergency Services; Fire Department; and Planning, Parks & Development Departments To be determined To Be Determined 2-3 years Moderate Complete Complete - no additional update 24 Ensure that manufactured home parks have perimeter vegetative buffers to protect manufactured homes from high wind events. Local Plans and Regulations Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstor m; Tornado Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development Department Requirement of ordinance Private 1-3 years Moderate Deleted ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-36 Draft Catawba County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 25 Continue the work of the established multi- jurisdictional Stormwater Committee to prioritize stormwater issues/projects within the area. This committee will meet regularly to develop action plans and establish priorities for addressing stormwater issues which would minimize the impacts of flooding throughout the County. Examples of efforts would include coordination of stormwater review of subdivisions, public education on clearing stormwater drains and culverts, a stormwater plan to address flooding episodes at Carpenters Cove, and sharing of information with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) regarding debris accumulation at bridge abutments, culverts, etc. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood Multi-jurisdictional with staff of Catawba County Engineering and Planning Departments Staff time General fund 1-2 years Moderate Complete Complete - no additional update 26 Coordinate with Social Services to provide back-up power at family care, nursing, and adult care homes within the county. Structural Retrofitting Flood; Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Tornado; Wildfire; Drought; Winter Weather; Erosion; Dam or Levee Failure; Earthquake; Sinkhole; Landslide Catawba County Emergency Services; Social Services To be determined Department of Homeland Security – Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program. 2-3 years Moderate Complete Complete - no additional update 27 Evaluate ordinances and policies to develop ways to address mitigation for drought events. This may include implementation of a Low Inflow Protocol along the Catawba River and encouraging drought resistant vegetation and LEED standards for new development. Sustainability Improvement Drought Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development Department Staff time General Fund 1-3 years Moderate Complete Complete - no additional update ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-37 Catawba County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 28 Continue and expand the network of public-private partners, such as the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), to include other organizations like the Contingency Planning Association of the Carolinas (CPAC) to engage the business community in hazard mitigation activities. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Tornado; Wildfire; Drought; Winter Weather; Erosion; Dam or Levee Failure; Earthquake; Sinkhole; Landslide Catawba County Emergency Services Department Staff time General Fund 5 years Moderate Complete Complete - no additional update 29 Develop a landscape manual which encourages the use of native trees and vegetation which are storm and drought resistant. This manual will be available to the development community as a tool to meet the landscaping requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance. The general public will also be encouraged to use this manual when landscaping individual home sites. Public Information and Awareness Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Tornado; Wildfire; Drought; Winter Weather Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development Department; Cooperative Extension Staff time General Fund 1-3 years Low Complete Complete - no additional update 30 Provide outreach education to manufactured home park owners and residents on the need for developing an evacuation plan during imminent hazard threats. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Tornado; Wildfire; Drought; Winter Weather; Erosion; Dam or Levee Failure; Earthquake; Sinkhole; Landslide Catawba County Emergency Services Department Staff time General Fund 3-5 years Low Complete Complete - no additional update 31 In coordination with the Carolina Thread Trail organization, begin acquiring land and construct an interconnected trail network along Lyle Creek. Sustainability Improvement Flood Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development Department To be determined Carolina Thread Trail; Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF); North Carolina State Trails Program; volunteers 1-2 years High In Progress Work continues to reach goals of connected trail networks. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-38 Draft 7.5.1. Town of Brookford Town of Brookford Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Develop a debris management plan. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Lightning; Hail; Wildfire; Winter Weather Town of Brookford Administration Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-2 years Moderate Complete Natural debris will be disposed of locally in Town, and manufactured debris will be disposed of working closely with Catawba County 2 Develop a post-disaster reconstruction plan to facilitate decision-making following a hazard event. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Town of Brookford Administration Department; Town of Brookford Police Department; Town of Brookford Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time 2-4 years Moderate Deferred Deferred to the next plan update. Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 3 Implement moderate to major repairs to stormwater drains. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Thunderstorms; Hurricane and Tropical Storms Town of Brookford Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-2 years High To Be Continued Ongoing: The Town has completed 2 large stormwater maintenance jobs along 22nd Ave SE. 4 Identify and strengthen facilities to function as public shelters. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Town of Brookford Administration Department To be deter mined Grants; local staff time 2-4 years Low To Be Continued Ongoing: The Town's Town hall is currently under renovation. 5 In coordination with the Catawba County Emergency Services Department, conduct outreach to the public regarding the County’s Community Alert System to educate them about how to obtain information both pre- and post- event and about mitigation strategies. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Brookford; Catawba County Emergency Services Department Staff time General Fund 1-2 years High To Be Continued Ongoing: The Town does Public Outreach through Facebook and Quarterly annoucements with billing materials. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-39 Town of Brookford Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 6 Maintain continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Public Information and Awareness Flood Town of Brookford Administration Department Local staff time Local staff time 2-4 years High To be continued To be continued: The Town adopted a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance based on the model provided by the State of North Carolina. There are no inspectors within the Town, other than those that inspect through the County. 7 Develop mutual aid agreement with other jurisdictions to augment local inspection personnel after major disasters. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Town of Brookford Administration Department Local staff time Local staff time 2-4 years Moderate To be continued Periodic Review: Mutual Aid Agreement is completed, but there needs to be a review and update. 8 Prepare a Local Evacuation Plan to ensure the safety of Town residents in advance of anticipated hazard events, particularly wildfires and flooding. Emergency Response Improvement Wildfire; Flood Town of Brookford Police Department Local staff time Local staff time 2-4 years Moderate Complete Complete: The Town of Brookford Police Department does an annual update to the plan. 9 Enhance local citizens’ disaster preparedness through continuous outreach and education efforts in coordination with Catawba County, the American Red Cross, and other support organizations. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Brookford Administration Department; Town of Brookford Police Department Local staff time Local staff time 2-4 years High Complete Complete: The Town of Brookford continues to update and educate the community through Facebook and quarterly announcements. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-40 Draft Town of Brookford Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 10 Continue routine inspections of the Town's storm drain system. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood Town of Brookford Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time Continuous implementation 5 years) Moderate To be continued Ongoing: The Public Works Dept continues to do weekly Storm Drain Inspections 11 Continue routinely pruning and clearing limbs on the Town's rights of way. Maintenance for Damage Prevention Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Lightning; Hail; Tornado; Winter Weather Town of Brookford Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time Continuous implementation Moderate In Progress The Public Works Dept has fallen behind on the right of way maintenance due to be understaffed. The Town is looking into some equipment to help with this situation. 7.5.2. Town of Catawba (WPCOG) Town of Catawba Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation S h d l Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Evaluate Town policies to reduce greenhouse gases. These policies may include additional lighting retrofitting, “green” purchasing goals, and upgrading of equipment in buildings. Sustainability Improvement All Hazards Town of Catawba Planning, Administration , and Public Works Departments Staff time/low Local staff time 5 Years High Deferred Deferred – From a planning capacity there is nothing in place. Work with parties responsible (Administration, Police, and Fire) to achieve action. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-41 Town of Catawba Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation S h d l Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 2 If the Town Public Works Department can do this, keep infrastructure database updated when repairs are made and new facilities are installed. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Severe Storms Town of Catawba Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 years Low Deferred Deferred. Public Works has no records, yet. Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 3 Participate in local and regional public outreach programs regarding hazard potential in our area. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Catawba Planning, Administration, Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments Staff time/low Local staff time 1-5 years Moderate Deferred Deferred. The Town has participated in local outreach and will continue in the future. 4 Review Town of Catawba plans and ordinances for alignment and inclusivity regarding potential hazard mitigation measures. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Severe Storms Town of Catawba Planning and Administration Departments Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 years High In Progress In Progress. Some ordinances have been adopted/changed but changes are still needed Measurable progress is slow due to lack of funding and staff availability. 5 Review flood data and designate flood-prone area for greenways in plans, if possible. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Catawba Planning Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 years Moderate In Progress In Progress. Town has been working to build a green way along Lyle Creek and the Catawba River. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-42 Draft Town of Catawba Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation S h d l Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 6 Maintain continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through implementation of the following specific actions: Evaluate and consider the adoption of “higher standards” that are proven to reduce flood damage (including additional freeboard, setbacks, limitations on lower-level enclosure size, and the prohibition on use of fill), Develop a checklist for review of building/development permit plans and for inspection of development in floodplains (a model is available), Establish a goal to have each plan reviewer attend a related training periodically (for example, the North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers Annual Conference or Fall Floodplain Institute), Encourage or require certain local staff positions to obtain and maintain Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification, and Maintain supplies of FEMA/NFIP materials to help property owners evaluate measures to reduce potential hazard damage. Make available in public buildings, local library, website, etc. and inform people who they can call to learn more information. Public Information and Awareness Flood Town of Catawba Planning Department Local staff time Local staff time 5 Years High To be continued To be continued: The Town adopted a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance based off the model provided by the State that provides “higher standards” particularly regarding freeboard. The Town Planner will continue to attend a training regarding floodplain management if possible. There are no inspectors within the Town, other than those that inspect through the County. The Town has FEMA/NFIP information in Town Hall for pick up. The Town’s website will add a link that directs people to FEMA and State program sites. 7 Develop a debris management plan. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Severe Thunderstorm; Tornado; Wildfire; Winter Storm Town of Catawba Administration Department To be determined Department of Homeland Security – Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre- Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program; Economic Development Administration – Disaster Mitigation Planning and Technical Assistance. 5 Years High In Progress In progress. Public works still has an informal plan currently in place. They turn debris into mulch and pile it on a lot where they provide it to the public for free. No formal plan has been drafted. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-43 Town of Catawba Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation S h d l Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 8 Provide hazard susceptibility checklist for homeowners to conduct their own inspections. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Catawba Administration Department To be determined Department of Homeland Security – Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre- Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program, Citizen Corps. Many FEMA and American Red Cross publications are available at no cost. 5 Years Low To be continued To be continued: The Town has and will continue to provide materials to citizens via the sources listed above. 9 Establish pre-disaster debris management contracts. Emergency Response Improveme nt Flood; Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Severe Thunderstorm; Tornado; Wildfire; Winter Storm Town of Catawba Administration, Police, Fire, and Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time Jul-25 High In Progress In progress: The Town’s Public Works Department removes debris, and, in the case of a disaster, can take it to a landfill. The Town currently provides free mulch, made from the debris. 10 Develop a post-disaster reconstruction plan to facilitate decision making following a hazard event. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Town of Catawba Administration, Police, and Fire Departments To be determined Department of Homeland Security – Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program; Economic Development Administration – Disaster Mitigation Planning and Technical Assistance. Jul-25 High Deferred Deferred. None in existence to the best of planning staff knowledge. Parties responsible (Administration, Police, and Fire) do not seem to have time to complete this given their current work load. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-44 Draft Town of Catawba Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation S h d l Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 11 Draft a new stormwater drain map. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood Town of Catawba Administration and Public Works Departments To be determined To Be Determined Jul-25 High In Progress In progress: Measurable progress is slow due to lack of funding and staff availability. 12 Routinely clean and repair stormwater drains. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood Town of Catawba Public Works Department Staff time To Be Determined N/A High Complete Completed. This activity has been completed as a mitigation action and now the Town Public Works Department does this as an ongoing preventative action. 13 Routinely prune trees and clear tree limbs hanging in right of way. Maintenance for Damage Prevention Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Severe Thunderstorm; Tornado; Winter Storm Relies upon private company (Asplundh) through Duke Energy Staff time To Be Determined N/A High Complete Completed. This action has not been implemented directly by the Town due to lack of tree pruning equipment/apparatus. Instead, the Town relies upon a private company (Asplundh) through Duke Energy for pruning. With this in place, this action does not need to be carried over as an ongoing mitigation action to the list of 2019 actions. 14 Identify and strengthen facilities to function as public shelters. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Town of Catawba Administration Department To be determined Department of Homeland Security – Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre- Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program. N/A Low Complete Completed. The Town of Catawba Fire Department is a public shelter, and the Town of Catawba Rescue Building serves as a backup. (It has a generator on site.) ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-45 7.5.3. City of Claremont City of Claremont Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Address ed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Update Claremont Land Development Plan and Recreation Master Plan with current flood data and keep flood- prone areas designated for greenways. Local Plans and Regulations Flood City of Claremont Planning and Zoning Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 Years Moderate Complete The new Comprehensive Land Use Plan was adopted in 2023, with a section on Floodplain regulation. Maps will need to be updated when FEMA adopts updated FIRMs 2 Keep infrastructure database updated when repairs are made and new facilities are installed. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards City of Claremont Planning and Zoning Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 Years High In Progress WPCOG maintains a GIS system with utilities mapped. Updates are sent to WPCOG when changes are made 3 Take part in regional public outreach programs about hazard potential in our areas. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards City of Claremont Planning and Zoning Department; City of Claremont Administration Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 Years Moderate In Progress In Progress. City has a full-time employee that functions as a Public Information Officer. Social Media posts are made when there are hazard events, as well as when the county makes hazard posts. Staff will search for ways to further improve on this goal. 4 Install quick-connect emergency generator hook-ups for remaining critical facilities: four pump stations and City Hall. Structural Retrofitting All Hazards City of Claremont Public Works Department; City of Claremont Administration Department; City of Claremont Police Department; City of Claremont Fire Department Local staff time Local; Department of Homeland Security (Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program). 1-5 Years High In Progress Installing permanent generator at pump stations; last pump station will be decommissioned within the next 5 years with Lyle Creek Extension ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-46 Draft City of Claremont Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Address ed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 5 Create a public outreach program for City citizens about specific hazards that impact Claremont and the resources available for mitigation using social media, the City website, City newsletter, etc. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards City of Claremont Planning and Zoning Department; City of Claremont Administration Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 Years Moderate To Be Continue d Ongoing: City has a full-time employee that functions as a Public Information Officer, who operates the city website, social media and writes a newsletter. Planning Staff will work to develop social media outreach, when the need arises. 6 Using social media, the City website, and other public outreach, encourage residents to keep storm drains and ditches clear of debris during storms (to assist, not rely solely on Public Works). Public Information and Awareness Flood City of Claremont Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 Years Moderate To Be Continue d In Progress. City has a full-time employee that functions as a Public Information Officer. Planning Staff will work to develop social media outreach. 7 Maintain continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through implementation of the following specific actions: Maintain digital FEMA elevation certificates for all construction in the floodplain, Establish a goal to have each plan reviewer attend a related training periodically, Encourage or require certain local staff positions to obtain and maintain Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification, and Send information about the flood hazard and promote the availability of flood insurance through regularly scheduled mailings (such as the dissemination of handouts with annual property tax notices, utility bills, etc.). Public Information and Awareness Flood City of Claremont Planning and Zoning Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 Years High To Be Continue d In Progress. Maintained compliance with NFIP. There have been no new developments in need of Elevation Certificates. An audit by was successfully completed in June 2024. Staff plans to attend floodplain management training. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-47 City of Claremont Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Address ed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 8 Install quick-connect emergency generator hook-ups for remaining critical facilities. Structural Retrofitting All Hazards City of Claremont Public Works Department; City of Claremont Administration Department; City of Claremont Police Department; City of Claremont Fire Department Local staff time Local; Department of Homeland Security (Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre- Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program). 1-5 Years High In Progress Public Works is scheduled to have a new building with permanent generator within the next 5 years. The only remaining facility will be City Hall, which does not require a generator. 9 Encourage residents to continue with voluntary water restrictions and water conservation actions. Sustainability Improvement Drought City of Claremont Planning and Zoning Department; City of Claremont Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 Years Moderate In Progress In Progress. City has a full-time employee that functions as a Public Information Officer. Planning Staff will work to develop social media outreach, when the need arises. 10 Verify height of manholes in flood zones with GPS and ensure proper equipment is present. Utility Maintenance Flood City of Claremont Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time Short range Moderate Complete Manholes along creeks have risers ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-48 Draft City of Claremont Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Address ed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 11 Explore the feasibility of a Capital Improvement Plan to extend water lines to areas near the City with well problems. Utility Improvement Drought City of Claremont Planning and Zoning Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 Years Moderate Deleted Deleted: It is not a current goal of the City to extend water lines beyond properties within our authority. 12 Explore the feasibility of municipal purchase or private donations of floodplain areas for use as greenways. Acquisitions and Improvements of Flood-Prone Properties Flood City of Claremont Planning and Zoning Department Local staff time Local/priv ate donation Moderate range Moderate Deleted Deleted: It is not currently feasible for the City to maintain a greenway. 13 Routinely inspect and maintain fire hydrants. Utility Maintenance Wildfire City of Claremont Fire Department; City of Claremont Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 Years Moderate To Be Continue d Maintained Bi-Annually: Flushing is done bi-annually. Fire Department does annual inspection and flow testing. Work orders are submitted for any needed repairs. 14 Encourage residents to keep storm drains clear of debris during storms (to assist, not rely solely on Public Works). Public Information and Awareness Flood City of Claremont Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 Years Moderate To Be Continue d Ongoing: City has a full-time employee that functions as a Public Information Officer. Planning Staff will work to develop social media outreach. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-49 7.5.4. City of Conover City of Conover Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Maintain continued community compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Provide education to property owners, elected officials, and appointed officials about flood prevention. Public Information and Awareness Flood City of Conover Planning and Economic Development Department Local staff time Local staff time 5 years Moderate To Be Continued Ongoing: The City of Conover Staff continues to enforce local floodplain regulations on a case- by-case basis. City was audited for compliance by NCEM in 2024. 2 Provide education via website, social media, brochures, etc. regarding what to do before, during, and after storm events. Public Information and Awareness Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Lightning; Hail; Tornado; Winter Weather City of Conover Fire Department Local staff time Local staff time 5 years Moderate To Be Continued Ongoing: The City of Conover promotes public awareness during the proper months (Sept I Preparedness) and uses awareness material from NCEM, ReadyNc, etc. 3 Educate public about maintenance of property and trimming of trees located near streets and power lines. Public Information and Awareness Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Lightning; Hail; Tornado; Winter Weather City of Conover Public Works Department; Duke Energy Corporation Local staff time Local staff time 5 years Moderate To Be Continued Ongoing: The City plans to schedule public awareness 4 Ensure firefighters are properly trained in brush fire fighting techniques. Emergency Response Improvement Wildfire City of Conover Fire Department $1,400 Local staff time 5 years Moderate To Be Continued Completed Annually: Brush Firefighting training is currently scheduled for company training the fall of 2024 and the Company Training schedule has incorporated brush firefighting training on an annual basis. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-50 Draft City of Conover Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 5 In coordination with the Catawba County Emergency Services Department, conduct outreach to the public regarding the County’s Community Alert System to educate them about how to obtain information both pre- and post-event and about mitigation strategies. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards City of Conover; Catawba County Emergency Services Department Staff time General Fund 1-2 years High To Be Continued Ongoing: Promoted by newsletter and all new utility customers are enrolled automatically 6 Install generator transfer switch connections during the construction of new public facilities (schools, fire stations, City buildings, etc.). Structural Retrofitting All Hazards City of Conover Planning and Economic Developmen t Department To be determined Local, State; Federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) 5 years High Complete Complete: All critical city facilities have full backup capability including police, fire, city hall, public works. Generator status of possible shelter locations such as schools or churches unknown. 7 Maintain continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through implementation of the following specific actions: Hold informative work sessions for newly elected officials and new appointees to planning commissions and appeals/variance boards, to provide an overview of floodplain management, the importance of participating in the NFIP, and the implications of failing to enforce the requirements of the program or failing to properly handle variance requests, and Maintain supplies of FEMA/NFIP materials to help property owners evaluate measures to reduce potential hazard damage. Make available in public buildings, local library, website, etc. and inform people who they can call to learn more information. Public Information and Awareness Flood City of Conover Planning and Economic Development Department Minimal (staff time only) Staff time only Within 1-2 years Moderate To Be Continued To Be Continued: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-51 City of Conover Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 8 Work with the local media to highlight mitigation practices for homeowners during wildfire and winter storm seasons through the development of Public Service Announcements (PSAs). Public Information and Awareness Wildfire; Winter Weather City of Conover Fire Department To be determined To be determined Within 1-2 years Moderate To be continued Ongoing: The City uses its website and social media to communicate with citizens about storm events. 9 Aggressively encourage tree trimming of large older trees near structures, power lines, and rights of way. Utility Maintenance Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Lightning; Hail; Tornado; Winter Weather City of Conover Public Works Department; Duke Energy Corporation To be determined To Be Determined Within 1-2 years Moderate To be continued Ongoing: The City of Conover continues to work with NCDOT to remove problematic trees and incorporate tree trimming into street maintenance activities. The Utilities Department also clears problematic trees near critical infrastructure as part of routine maintenance. 10 Ensure firefighters are properly trained in brush/wildland fire fighting techniques. Emergency Response Improvement Wildfire City of Conover Fire Department $1,200 Local staff time 1-2 years Moderate To be continued Completed Annually: Brush Firefighting training is currently scheduled for company training the fall of 2024 and the Company Training schedule has incorporated brush firefighting training on an annual basis. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-52 Draft City of Conover Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 11 Routinely inspect and maintain fire hydrants. Utility Maintenance Wildfire City of Conover Fire Department Minimal staff time Local staff time 1-5 years Moderate To be continued Occurs Annually: At this point in the current calendar year all hydrant have been flow tested and maintenance has been performed on the bonnet and outlet covers. During the second half of the calendar year hydrants will be painted. 12 Consider establishing a local reserve fund for public mitigation measures. Mitigation Funding All Hazards City of Conover Finance Department; City of Conover Public Works Department; City of Conover Planning and Economic Development Department To be determined To Be Determined Within 1-2 years Moderate In Progress In progress: The City funds staff positions which implement guidelines of the adopted hazard mitigation plan. Measurable progress is slow due to lack of funding and staff availability. 7.5.5. City of Hickory City of Hickory Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Continue the enforcement of the City of Hickory 2007 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. This ordinance regulates construction and development activities within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Local Plans and Regulations Flood City of Hickory Planning and Development Services Department Budgeted activity City of Hickory General Fund 1-5 years High In Progress Ongoing: This is an ongoing and continuous process ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-53 City of Hickory Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 2 Monitor and enforce the provisions of the City of Hickory’s NPDES Phase 2 Stormwater Control Ordinance and continue to provide community outreach on the importance of stormwater management. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood City of Hickory Public Services Department, Engineering Division Budgeted activity (staff time) City of Hickory General Fund 1-5 years High In Progress Ongoing: This is an ongoing and continuous process 3 Coordinate with willing, voluntary owners of repetitive loss properties to apply for hazard mitigation funding to implement projects that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of future flood damages. This may be accomplished through property buyouts, elevation, or retrofit projects that remove or alter insured, at-risk repetitive loss structures. Acquisitions and Improvements of Flood- Prone Properties Flood City of Hickory Planning and Development Services Department To be determined on a case-by-case Federal and State Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants 1-5 years Moderate Deferred No willingness to participate 4 Remove obstructions from public drainage ways or where threats to public infrastructure have been identified. The removal of obstructions will lessen the risk of flooding and damage to roadway and bridges. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood City of Hickory Public Services Department In progress and City of Hickory General Fund 1-5 years High In Progress Ongoing: This is an ongoing and continuous process that is monitored as necessary 5 Purchase eleven (11) four-wheel drive vehicles with off-road capabilities. These vehicles will be utilized to reach citizens who become stranded or cut-off from services due to flooding, winter weather, or similar events. Emergency Response Improvement Flood; Winter Weather City of Hickory Police and Fire Departments Budgeted activity (staff City of Hickory General Fund 2014 - 2019 High Complete Purchases have been completed and vehicles are in use. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-54 Draft City of Hickory Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 6 Realignment of Fire Department command structure to add an additional Incident Commander per shift. This position will allow for better management of simultaneous multiple incidents and provide scene safety for public safety personnel. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards City of Hickory Fire Department Budgeted activity (staff City of Hickory General Fund 2014 - 2019 High Complete The position was created and activities either completed or on- going. 7 Continue to provide educational outreach to civic groups, neighborhood groups, school children, and similar persons on the importance of fire safety and prevention. Public Information and Awareness Wildfire City of Hickory Fire Department, Fire Prevention Division Budgeted activity (staff time) City of Hickory General Fund 1-5 years Moderate To be Continued Completed Annually: Fire education is provided throughout the calendar year to school children, civic groups and neighborhood groups. 8 In coordination with the Catawba County Emergency Services Department, conduct outreach to the public regarding the County’s Community Alert System to educate them about how to obtain information both pre- and post-event and about mitigation strategies. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards City of Hickory; Catawba County Emergency Services Department Staff time General Fund 1-2 years High To be Continued Ongoing ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-55 City of Hickory Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 9 Maintain continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through implementation of the following specific actions: Evaluate permit application forms to determine possible modifications focused on flood hazard prevention, Develop a checklist for review of building/development permit plans and for inspection of development in floodplains, Sponsor a periodic NFIP workshop for local surveyors and builders, Encourage or require certain local staff positions to obtain and maintain Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification, and Develop handouts for permit applications on specific issues such as installation of manufactured homes in flood hazard areas according to HUD installation standards, or guidance on improving/repairing existing buildings to better withstand potential hazards. Public Information and Awareness Flood City of Hickory Planning and Development Services Department Minimal (staff time only) City of Hickory General Fund 1-5 years High In Progress In Progress: City staff has received additional training in flood prevention. 10 Contact owners of repetitive loss property #0102594 to inform them of the technical assistance and hazard mitigation grant funding assistance made available to owners of repetitively flooded properties through the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This includes information on the pre-disaster grant funding program provided by FEMA through its Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs, and particularly the Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC) program that can provide up to 100% in federal funds for eligible hazard mitigation activities. Public Information and Awareness Flood City of Hickory Planning and Development Services Department Minimal (staff time only) City of Hickory General Fund 1-5 years High Deleted ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-56 Draft City of Hickory Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 11 Continue to enforce the requirements of the City of Hickory’s 2007 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. This ordinance regulates construction standards for development activities within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Local Plans and Regulations Flood City of Hickory Planning and Engineering Departments In progress and budgeted activity (staff time) City of Hickory General Fund 5 years High To be Continued Ongoing: This is a continual Activity 12 Monitor and enforce the provisions of the City of Hickory’s NPDES Phase 2 Stormwater Control Ordinance and continue to provide community outreach to the general public as to the ordinance’s requirements and the importance of adequate stormwater control. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood City of Hickory Engineering Departments In progress and budgeted activity (staff time) City of Hickory General Fund 5 years High To be Continued Ongoing: These educational opportunities are provided annually at several public events. 13 Remove obstructions from drainage ways were located on public property or where a threat to a public improvement such as a road or drainage structure is identified. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood City of Hickory Public Services Department On-going and budgeted activity (staff time) City of Hickory General Fund 1-5 years High To be Continued Ongoing: Hickory Public Utilities was recently awarded a BRIC grant to perform shoreline stabilization activities at i.e. Northeast WWTP. Stabilization will protect public infrastructure from damage. 14 Designate emergency thoroughfares and update to necessary standards. Work with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) representatives to identify emergency thoroughfares and identify necessary improvements to enhance safety and improve functionality during emergency events. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards City of Hickory Fire Department and NCDOT To be determined City of Hickory General Fund 5 years High To be Continued Periodic Review: Review occurs to ensure new populations are accounted for in operations ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-57 City of Hickory Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 15 Continue to routinely prune trees and clear tree limbs hanging over rights of way to enhance safety and improve function during an emergency. In addition, continue policy requiring underground utility lines in new development and redevelopment projects. Maintenance for Damage Prevention Hurricanes and Tropical Storms; Severe Thunderstorms; Tornadoes; Winter Storms Hickory Planning and Public Services Departments In progress and budgeted activity City of Hickory General Fund and Private Developers 5 years High To be Continued Ongoing: All development projects are required to install underground utilities, where practical and legal to do so. 16 Implement City of Hickory Police Department Radio Frequency Interoperability hardware, to prevent communication breakdowns due to compatibility issues between radio frequencies and telephone systems. Emergency Warning Systems All Hazards City of Hickory Police Department $20,000 City of Hickory General Fund In place 2015 High Complete 17 Implementation of Skytower by Hickory Police Department. Skytower is an elevated platform capable of supporting police personnel and/or surveillance equipment. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards City of Hickory Police Department $119,000 JAG Grant In place 2015 Moderate Complete 18 Implement second ladder company within the City of Hickory Fire Department. A second ladder company will provide the City with the ability to reduce the existing 43 square mile coverage area for the single ladder company into two 21.5 square mile coverage areas for the two companies. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards City of Hickory Fire Department $475,000 Five- year federal grant followed by funding by City of Hickory General Fund In place 2010, 2015 High Complete ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-58 Draft City of Hickory Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 19 Takeover of duties of existing Hickory Rescue Light Rescue. The City of Hickory Fire Department will assume the responsibilities and response areas of the existing Hickory Rescue Light Rescue operated by Catawba County. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards City of Hickory Fire Department To be determined City of Hickory General Fund In place as of 2010 and 2015 Moderate Complete 20 Involve emergency preparedness staff in the development of all planning activities with hazard mitigation impacts. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Catawba County Emergency Services Department; Planning Department; Economic Development; City of Hickory Minimal (Staff Time only) Catawba County General Fund 5 years High To Be Continued Ongoing: Other organizations are involved when necessary or advisable. 7.5.6. Town of Long View Town of Long View Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Update Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Long View Planning Department Local Staff Time Local Staff Time 2022 High To Be Continued Completed: Review, revised and adopted in 2022 with next schedule review in 2030 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-59 Town of Long View Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 2 Increase dimensions of drainage culverts in troublesome areas. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood Town of Long View Public Works Department To be determin To Be Determined 1-2 years High Deferred 3 Step up centralized, coordinated permitting process including effective filing/permitting system to ensure compliance with floodplain regulations. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Long View Planning Department Local Staff Time Local Staff Time 5 Years High To Be Continued Continuous Monitoring: Computerized permitting and inspection program has been completed and is continually monitored 4 Draft a new stormwater drain map. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood Town of Long View Planning Department; Town of Long View Public Works Department To be determin Local staff time 1-3 years Moderate Deferred 5 Review/update Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Local Plans and Regulations Flood Long View Planning Department Local Staff Local Staff Time 2025 Moderate To Be Continued Continuous Monitoring: Monitoring occurs based on hazard information changes. 6 Encourage residents to keep storm drains clear of debris before and after storms (to assist, not rely solely on Public Works). Public Information and Awareness Flood Town of Long View Planning Department; Town of Long View Public Works Department Minimal staff time Local staff time 1-5 years Moderate Deferred 7 Ensure participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Local Plans and Regulations Flood Long View Planning Department Local Staff Local Staff Time 5 Years Moderate To Be Continued Continuous Monitoring: Continuously maintaining all applications reviewed. 8 Coordinate with local power companies to develop publicly acceptable tree trimming policies. Include public education for property owners on the benefits of proper tree trimming around power lines and clearing of debris around homes. Public Information and Awareness Winter Weather; Thunderstorm Town of Long View Planning Department Minimal staff time Local staff time 2-3 years Moderate Deferred ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-60 Draft Town of Long View Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 9 Develop Vulnerability Assessment Plan. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Town of Long View Planning Department; Town of Long View Public Works Department; Town of Long View Fire Department To be determined Local staff time 3-4 years Moderate Deferred 10 Require tree preservation and/or plantings for residential and non- residential development to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Landslide Town of Long View Planning Department Staff time only Local staff time 1-2 years High Deferred 11 Establish a “Hazard Awareness Month” to promote hazard awareness throughout the Town. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Long View Administration Department Cost of brochur To Be Determined 1 year Moderate Complete 12 In coordination with the Catawba County Emergency Services Department, conduct outreach to the public regarding the County’s Community Alert System to educate them about how to obtain information both pre- and post-event and about mitigation strategies. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Long View; Catawba County Emergency Services Department Staff time General Fund 1-2 years High Deferred ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-61 Town of Long View Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 13 Maintain continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through implementation of the following specific actions: Evaluate permit application forms to determine possible modifications focused on flood hazard prevention, Encourage or require certain local staff positions to obtain and maintain Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification, Hold informative work sessions for newly elected officials and new appointees to planning commissions and appeals/variance boards to provide an overview of floodplain management, the importance of participating in the NFIP, and the implications of failing to properly handle variance requests, Conduct a review of other regulatory programs and planning tools, such as the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance, and report on opportunities to improve consistency with the objectives of floodplain management, and Maintain supplies of FEMA/NFIP materials to help property owners evaluate measures to reduce potential hazard damage. Make available in public buildings, the local library, website, etc. and inform people who they can call to learn more information. Public Information and Awareness Flood Town of Long View Planning Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 years High Deferred 14 Routinely inspect and clear debris from drainage system. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood Town of Long View Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 years Moderate Deferred ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-62 Draft Town of Long View Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 15 Routinely prune trees and clear tree limbs hanging in the right of way. Maintenance for Damage Prevention Thunderstorm; Winter Weather Town of Long View Public Works Department Local staff Local staff time 1-5 years High Deferred 16 Require the burial of electrical, telephone, and cable lines for new development. Local Plans and Regulations Thunderstorm; Winter Weather Town of Long View Planning Department Minimal cost to the developer; no cost to the Town. Private sector 1-5 years High Deferred 17 Routinely inspect and maintain fire hydrants. Utility Maintenance Fire Town of Long View Fire Department Local staff time Local staff time Immediate/in progress Moderate Complete 18 Provide hazard susceptibility checklist for homeowners to conduct their own inspections. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Long View Administration Department; Town of Long View Planning Department To be determined FEMA; American Red Cross 1-5 years Moderate Deferred 19 Acquire federal funds to purchase destroyed or substantially damaged properties and relocate households. Structure and Infrastructure Projects All Hazards Planning and Finance Departments Local Staff Time State and Federal Grants Case-By- Case Basis High Deferred 20 Explore the feasibility of municipal purchase or private donations of floodplain areas for use as greenways. Acquisitions and Improvements of Flood- Prone Properties Flood Town of Long View Planning Department Local staff time Local staff time Moderate range (2-3 years) Moderate Deferred ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-63 Town of Long View Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 21 Ensure firefighters are properly trained and equipped for brush/forest firefighting techniques. Emergency Response Improvement Wildfire Town of Long View Fire Department Local staff time Yearly Budgeted Activity Immediate/in progress Moderate Complete ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-64 Draft 7.5.7. Town of Maiden Town of Maiden Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementatio n Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Maintain continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through implementation of the following specific actions: Evaluate permit application forms to determine possible modifications focused on flood hazard prevention, Develop a checklist for review of building/development permit plans and for inspection of development in floodplains (a model is available), Establish a goal to have each plan reviewer attend a related training periodically (for example, the North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers Annual Conference or Fall Floodplain Institute), Maintain a map of areas that flood frequently areas where repetitive loss properties are located) and prioritize those areas for inspection immediately after the next flood. If outside FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, consider requiring existing NFIP regulatory standards (compliance with existing ordinance) through overlay zoning, etc., and Conduct a review of other regulatory programs and planning tools, such as the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance, and report on opportunities to improve consistency with the objectives of floodplain management. Public Information and Awareness Flood Town of Maiden Planning Department Staff time only Local staff time 1-5 years High In Progress In Progress 2 Continue to address the long-term maintenance and removal of the Maiden Water Supply dam structure with relevant state agencies. Dam Monitoring and Inspection Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Town of Maiden Public Works Department To be determined Local; state; federal grants 1-5 years High Complete Update completed 3 Continue with the installation of more effective risers to sewer manholes to reduce infiltration and inflow during heavy rains. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood Town of Maiden Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-2 years High Complete Update completed ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-65 Town of Maiden Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementatio n Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 4 Routinely prune trees and clear tree limbs hanging near electrical lines. Maintenance for Damage Prevention Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Hail; Lightning; Tornado; Winter Weather Town of Maiden Public Works Department, Electrical Division $25,000 annually Local grants 1-5 years High In progress Limbs are trimmed through town in phases and as funds are available. 5 Routinely inspect and clean debris from drainage system. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood Town of Maiden Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 years Moderate In progress In Progress 6 Explore the feasibility of municipal purchase and/or private donation of floodplain areas for use as greenways. Acquisitions and Improvements of Flood-Prone Properties Flood Town of Maiden Planning Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 years Moderate In Progress In Progress 7 Investigate backup power opportunities for critical facilities Structural Retrofitting All Hazards Town of Maiden To be determined Local, State and Federal Grants 1-5 years Moderate In Progress In Progress 8 Continue to ensure firefighters are properly trained and equipped for brush/wildland firefighting techniques. Emergency Response Improvement Wildfire Town of Maiden Fire Department $1,000 per firefighter in staff time Local staff time 1-2 years Moderate In Progress In Progress 9 Continue to encourage residents to keep storm drains clear of debris during storms (to assist, not rely solely on Public Works). Public Information and Awareness Flood Town of Maiden Public Works Department Local staff time Local staff time 1-5 years Moderate To be continued To be continued 10 In coordination with the Catawba County Emergency Services Department, conduct outreach to the public regarding the County’s Community Alert System to educate them about how to obtain information both pre- and post-event and about mitigation strategies. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Maiden; Catawba County Emergency Services Department Staff time General Fund 1-2 years High To be continued Same ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-66 Draft Town of Maiden Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementatio n Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 11 Develop a dam failure study for the Maiden Reservoir Dam and continue to address the long-term maintenance or removal of the dam structure with relevant state agencies. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Town of Maiden Public Works Department To be determined Local; state; federal grants 1-5 years High Complete Update completed 12 Construct a remote fire station to house at least two trucks and additional firefighting and life/safety equipment necessary for first responders during periods of emergency or disasters. Emergency Response Improvement Flood; Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Lightning; Hail; Tornado; Wildfire; Drought; Winter Weather; Erosion; Dam or Levee Failure; Earthquake; Sinkhole; Landslide Town of Maiden Fire Department; Town of Maiden Administration Department Local staff time Grants; taxes 2-5 years Moderate In Progress Additional fire station under construction ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-67 7.5.8. City of Newton City of Newton Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Maintain continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through implementation of the following specific actions: Maintain FEMA digital elevation certificates for all construction in the floodplain and Establish a goal to have each plan reviewer and building inspector attend a related training periodically (for example, the North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers Annual Conference or Fall Floodplain Institute). Public Information and Awareness Flood City of Newton Planning and Zoning Department Staff time and travel General Fund 1-5 years High Deferred Deferred to the next plan update. Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 2 Increase dimensions of drainage culverts in troublesome areas. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood City of Newton Public Works Department To be determined To Be Determined 1-5 years Moderate Deferred Deferred to the next plan update. Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 3 Maintain a seasonal hazard awareness campaign. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards City of Newton Public Information Officer To be determined To Be Determined 1-5 years Low Deferred Deferred to the next plan update. Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-68 Draft City of Newton Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 4 In coordination with the Catawba County Emergency Services Department, conduct outreach to the public regarding the County’s Community Alert System to educate them about how to obtain information both pre- and post-event and about mitigation strategies. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Town of Newton; Catawba County Emergency Services Department Staff time General Fund 1-2 years High Deferred Deferred to the next plan update. Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 5 Maintain continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through implementation of the following specific actions: Maintain FEMA digital elevation certificates for all construction in the floodplain, Evaluate permit application forms to determine possible modifications focused on flood hazard prevention, Develop a checklist for review of building/development permit plans and for inspection of development in floodplains, and Establish a goal to have each plan reviewer and building inspector attend a related training periodically (for example, the North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers Annual Conference or Fall Floodplain Institute). Public Information and Awareness Flood City of Newton Planning and Zoning Department To be determined (staff and travel) To Be Determined 1-2 years High Complete Completed. The Planning Department has continued to maintain digital elevation certificates for all construction in the floodplain, included ongoing development. A flood hazard focus during the City’s annual zoning permit revisions included flood management in the development checklist and budgeted for floodplain training for proceeding five years. This resulted in the City’s Floodplain Program receiving a clean audit by the State in 2013. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-69 City of Newton Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 6 Routinely inspect and clear debris from drainage system. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood City of Newton Planning and Zoning Department To be determined To Be Determined 1-5 years High In Progress In progress: The City of Newton Public Works staff cleans and inspects the drainage system as needed, including problem areas before and after heavy rain events. 7 Routinely prune trees and clear tree limbs hanging in right of way. Maintenance for Damage Prevention Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Lightning; Hail; Tornado; Winter Weather City of Newton Public Works Department To be determined To Be Determined 1-5 years High To be continued In Progress: The City of Newton has hired an additional tree trimming crew (2 total) to keep trees and limbs clear of electric lines. 8 Maintain a comprehensive infrastructure mapping system to document locations and attributes of infrastructure systems. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards City of Newton Public Works Department To be determined To Be Determined 1-5 years High To be continued In Progress: The City of Newton has collected all known infrastructure (water, sewer, electric) and has a process in place to continuously update the data set. 9 Evaluate existing utility network and create a list of infrastructure protection projects based on highest potential hazard impacts. Utility Maintenance All Hazards City of Newton Public Works Department To be determined To Be Determined 1-5 years High In Progress In progress: The City has a Capital Improvement Plan that plans capital cost for a five-year period. Hazard mitigation is a category for ranking projects. 10 Increase dimensions of drainage culverts in troublesome areas. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood City of Newton Public Works Department To be determined To Be Determined 1-5 years Moderate In Progress In progress: The City has undertaken several culvert projects over the last several years, which involved replacing undersized culverts with larger sized pipes. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-70 Draft City of Newton Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 11 Train fire personnel in wildfire, brush, and forest fire firefighting techniques and practices. Emergency Response Improvement Wildfire City of Newton Fire Department To be determined To Be Determined 1-5 years Moderate In Progress In progress: The Fire Department trains each of its personnel in wildfire, brush, and forest fire techniques on an annual basis. 12 Work with local media to establish a public wildfire awareness program. Public Information and Awareness Wildfire City of Newton Fire Department To be determined To Be Determined 1-5 years Moderate In Progress In progress: Over the past 5 years, the Fire Department has worked with the City’s PIO and local media to educate the public about wildfire hazards. The City’s efforts to educate the public on wildfires includes adopting a proclamation for a Fire Safety Week each year. The City has also included relevant articles in its quarterly newsletter which goes out to all utility customers, as well as including information on the City’s website, Facebook page, and Twitter. In addition, the Fire Department has a Fire Educator that speaks to groups of all ages about fire safety topics, which includes wildfire awareness. Specific groups visited by the Fire Educator include schools, childcare centers, and civic groups. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-71 City of Newton Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 13 Maintain a seasonal hazard awareness campaign. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Hurricane and Tropical Storm; Thunderstorm; Lightning; Hail; Tornado; Wildfire; Drought; Winter Weather; Erosion; Dam or Levee Failure; Earthquake; Sinkhole; Landslide City of Newton Public Information Officer To be determined To Be Determined 1-5 years Low In Progress In progress: The City’s PIO through the local media, newsletters, and social media worked to educate the public on seasonal hazards. The City has included articles about hazard awareness in its quarterly newsletter which is sent out to all utility customers, as well as including information on the City’s website, Facebook page, and Twitter. Also, the PIO has prepared and obtained brochures to distribute as needed to educate the public on hazard awareness, focusing on flood; hurricane and tropical storm; thunderstorm, lightning, and hail; tornado; wildfire; drought; winter weather; and erosion. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-72 Draft 7.6. Caldwell County Caldwell County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addresse d Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Require a finished floor elevation certificate for all development within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) within both incorporated and unincorporated portions of the county. All elevation certificates should be submitted on an official FEMA elevation certificate. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any development within a defined SFHA without the submittal of the required elevation certificate. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Planning Department; Planning Staff of all municipalities in Caldwell County $50,000 Existing staff and administrative resources 5 Years High In Progress In progress: No measurable progress due to staffing and funding 2 Maintain a map information service involving the following: Provide information relating to Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to all inquirers, including provision of information on whether a given property is located within a flood hazard area, Provide information regarding the flood insurance purchase requirement, Maintain historical and current FIRMs, Advertise once annually in the local newspaper, and Provide information to inquirers about local floodplain management requirements. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Planning Department; administrative staff of all participating jurisdictions within Caldwell County $85,000 Tax-based funding 5 Years Moderate In Progress In progress: No measurable progress due to staffing and funding 3 Caldwell County will annually mail a notice to all property owners whose land is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The notice should clearly state that the recipient’s property is susceptible to flooding and provide information pertinent to emergency evacuation and post- disaster recovery. Public Information and Awareness Flood Caldwell County Planning Department $8,500 Maintain present activities under the funding available 5 Years Moderate In Progress In progress: No measurable progress due to staffing and funding 4 The Caldwell County Planning Department will work with local real estate agencies to ensure that agents are informing clients when property for sale is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Caldwell County will provide these agencies with brochures documenting the concerns relating to development located within flood-prone areas and ways that homeowners may make their homes more disaster resistant to strong winds, lightning, and heavy rains. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Winter Weather; Wildfire; Thunderstor m; Windstorm Caldwell County Planning Department; Caldwell County Emergency Management Department Local staff time Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 5 Years High In progress In progress: No measurable progress due to staffing and funding ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-73 Caldwell County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addresse d Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 5 The Caldwell County Planning Department and Caldwell County Building Inspections will make information regarding hazards and development regulations within floodplains available through the following: Ensuring that the local library maintains information relating to flooding and flood protection, Providing a link on their website to FEMA resources addressing flooding and flood protection, and Each of the county’s municipalities, if a website is in place, will provide a link on their website to FEMA resources addressing flooding and flood protection, sheltering, evacuation procedures, disaster preparedness, and post-disaster recovery. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Winter Weather; Thundersto rm; Dam or Levee Failure; Tornado Caldwell County Building Inspections and Planning Department; administrative staff of all participating jurisdictions within the county $1,200 per year Maintain present activities under the funding available 5 Years High Complete Completed 6 The Caldwell County Building Inspections will provide comprehensive services regarding planning and development activities within the defined Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and issues relating to the construction of disaster resistant structures. These services will include: Providing site specific flood and flood-related information on an as-needed basis, Maintaining a list of contractors with experience in floodproofing and retrofit techniques, Providing information on wind proofing construction methods for new and renovated structures, Maintaining materials providing an overview of how to select a qualified contractor, Making site visits upon request to review occurrences of flooding, drainage problems, and sewer problems. If applicable, the inspector should provide one-on-one advice to the property owner, Providing advice and assistance regarding CRS activity 530, Advertising the availability of this service once annually within the local newspaper, and Maintaining a log of all individuals assisted through this County service including all site visits. Public Information and Awareness Flood Caldwell County Building Inspections; Caldwell County Planning Department Maintain present activities under the funding available Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 5 Years High In progress In progress: No measurable progress due to staffing and funding 7 Caldwell County and its municipalities will continue to maintain all property acquired within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as undisturbed open space in perpetuity. All parties will continue to pro-actively establish open space within the floodplain and floodway as grant funds become available to carry out this initiative. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Dam or Levee Failure; Wildfire Caldwell County Building Inspections; Caldwell County Planning Department $250,000+ Grant fund resources; Lenoir EMS Base Budget 1-5 years High In progress In progress: No measurable progress due to staffing and funding ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-74 Draft Caldwell County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addresse d Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 8 The Caldwell County Planning Department will maintain a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) with current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panels in an effort to make this information readily available to County citizens. In addition to this digital data, bound copies of all historical and current FIRM panels will be maintained within the Caldwell County Planning Department office. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Planning Department; Caldwell County Information Technology Department unspecified Existing department and Staff Resources 1-5 years High Complete Complete 9 The Caldwell County Mitigation Advisory Committee, in conjunction with all municipal jurisdictions participating in the plan update, will work on the five-year implementation of this Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. At the end of the five-year period, the County will again update the plan. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Caldwell County Emergency Management Department To be determined General Fund 1-5 years High In progress Continuous 10 Caldwell County, as well as all participating jurisdictions, will continue to support the North Carolina Office of Dam Safety’s efforts to monitor and inspect all dams throughout the county, as well as the State of North Carolina. The County relies on this agency to ensure that all dam facilities, both public and private, are properly maintained and stable. Dam Monitoring and Inspection Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Emergency Management Department; administrative staff of all participating jurisdictions $2,500 per year Caldwell County Emergency Management Budget for registry 1-5 years High In progress In progress: No measurable progress due to staffing and funding 11 Caldwell County will maintain participation in the Community Rating System (CRS) program. Additionally, Caldwell County will work with all participating jurisdictions, upon request, to secure inclusion in the CRS program. Currently, only unincorporated Caldwell County is a participant in the program. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Planning Department; elected boards of all participating jurisdictions Local staff time Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 5 years Moderate In progress In progress: No measurable progress due to staffing and funding 12 The Caldwell County Emergency Management Department will continue to work closely with the American Red Cross on the management and, when necessary, operation of emergency shelter facilities within the county. The County will operate only in a support role in dealing with individual shelter issues. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards American Red Cross; Caldwell County Emergency Management Department $200,000 Grant funding and possible donations 2-5 years High In progress In progress: No measurable progress due to staffing and funding ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-75 Caldwell County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addresse d Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 13 Caldwell County will work with the American Red Cross and will attempt to obtain funding for locating switches and generators at all emergency shelter locations. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Caldwell County Emergency Management Department; American Red Cross Local Staff Time Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources or grant funding 2-5 years High In progress 14 The Caldwell County Emergency Management Department will continue to coordinate with the Caldwell County Public Works Department, as well as all participating jurisdictions, regarding the monitoring of water resources statewide. When necessary, the County will institute measures to conserve water resources according to the County’s Drought Management Plan. Sustainability Improvement Drought Caldwell County Water Department; administrative staff of all participating jurisdictions Local Staff Time Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 1-5 years Low In progress In progress: No measurable progress due to staffing and funding 15 Caldwell County will assist all communities within the county, including property owners in unincorporated areas, in applying for FEMA-sponsored mitigation grant assistance for the acquisition and/or elevation of substantially damaged structures following a natural disaster. Acquisitions and Improvements of Flood- Prone Properties Flood Caldwell County Emergency Management Department; elected boards of all participating jurisdictions To be determined Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 1-5 years Low In Progress In progress: No need for implementation in last 5 years 16 The Caldwell County Emergency Management Department will continue to work on the establishment of a comprehensive special need’s registry. This effort will involve the cooperation of all participating jurisdictions. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Caldwell County Emergency Management Department; administrative staff of all participating jurisdictions Local Staff Time Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 1-5 years Low Deleted 17 The City of Lenoir will continue to serve an administrative role in the implementation and enforcement of the County’s comprehensive stormwater management program. The stormwater regulations outlined within this program shall apply to Gamewell, Cajah’s Mountain, Lenoir, Hudson, Sawmills, and Granite Falls. Stormwater Management and Drainage Maintenance Flood City of Lenoir Planning and Building Inspections Department; administrative staff of Caldwell County; administrative staff of all municipalities within the county Staff Time Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 1-5 years High In progress In progress: No measurable progress due to staffing and funding ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-76 Draft Caldwell County Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addresse d Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 18 Caldwell County will consider the development and adoption of a slope control ordinance based on the findings outlined within this plan. Local Plans and Regulations Landslide Caldwell County Planning Department; Caldwell County Board of Commissioners Local Staff Time Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 2-5 years Low In progress 19 To incorporate discussions relating to the provision of electric service during or following natural hazard events, Caldwell County will consider inviting a staff member from each of the electric service providers operating in the county to attend and participate in all Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) meetings. Emergency Response Improvement Flood; Dam or Levee Failure; Winter Weather; Thunderstorm; Windstorm Caldwell County Emergency Management Department; Electric Service Providers Local Staff Time Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 2-5 years Moderate In Progress Utility providers remain involved in LEPC 7.6.1. Town of Cajah's Mountain Town of Cajah’s Mountain Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementatio n Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Maintain a map information service involving the following: Provide information relating to Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to all inquirers, including provision of information on whether a given property is located within a flood hazard area, Provide information on the flood insurance purchase requirement, Maintain historical and current FIRMs, Advertise once annually in the local newspaper, and Provide information to inquirers about local floodplain management requirements. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Planning Department To be determined Town of Cajah’s Mountain General Fund 1-5 years High In Progress In progress: Caldwell County Online GIS maps include updated flood hazard area overlays and Town staff are available to answer questions and make determinations. Current and previous FIRMs available for review at Town Hall. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-77 Town of Cajah’s Mountain Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementatio n Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 2 The Caldwell County Planning and Development Department and the Caldwell County Building Inspections Department will make information regarding hazards and development regulations within floodplains available through the following: Ensuring that the local library maintains information relating to flooding and flood protection, Providing a link on their website to FEMA resources addressing flooding and flood protection, and All participating jurisdictions, if a website is in place, will provide a link on their website to FEMA resources addressing flooding and flood protection, sheltering, evacuation procedures, disaster preparedness, and post- disaster recovery. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Winter Weather; Wildfire; Thunderstorms; Lightning; Hail; Dam or Levee Failure; Tornado Caldwell County Planning and Development Department; Caldwell County Building Inspections Department To be determined General Fund 2-5 Years High In Progress In progress: The Town of Cajah’s Mountain has utilized its website to publicize FEMA resources for disaster preparedness. 3 Caldwell County and all participating jurisdictions will continue to maintain all property acquired within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as undisturbed open space in perpetuity. All parties will continue to pro-actively establish open space within the floodplain and floodway as grant funds become available to carry out this initiative. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Dam or Levee Failure; Wildfire Caldwell County Commissione rs To be determined General Fund 1-5 years High In Progress In progress: The Town will participate in the county program to establish perpetual open space in Special Flood Hazard Areas as budget allows. 4 The Caldwell County Mitigation Advisory Committee, in conjunction with all municipal jurisdictions participating in the plan update, will work on the five-year implementation of this Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. At the end of the five-year period, the County will again update the plan. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Caldwell County Emergency Management Department To be determined General Fund 1-5 years High In Progress In progress: The Town of Cajah’s Mountain has participated in the regionalization of the Caldwell County hazard mitigation plan and is now a participating jurisdiction in the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan which has taken the place of the previously planned county-level 5-year plan update. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-78 Draft Town of Cajah’s Mountain Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementatio n Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 5 Caldwell County, as well as all participating jurisdictions, will continue to support the North Carolina Office of Dam Safety efforts to monitor and inspect all dams throughout the County, as well as the State of North Carolina. The County relies on this agency to ensure that all dam facilities, both public and private, are properly maintained and stable. Dam Monitoring and Inspection Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Emergency Management Department To be determined General Fund 1-5 years High In Progress In progress: The Town will work in conjunction with County Emergency Management staff to remain informed about the safety status of local dams to be able to pass this information along to citizens. 6 Caldwell County Emergency Services will continue to coordinate with the Caldwell County Public Works Department, as well as all participating jurisdictions, regarding the monitoring of water resources statewide. When necessary, the County will institute measures to conserve water resources according to the County’s Drought Management Plan. Emergency Response Improvemen t Drought Caldwell County Water Department To be determined General Fund 1-5 years High In Progress In progress: The Town will notify citizens if the County’s Drought Management Plan must be implemented through its website, social media, and Town Hall informational sign. 7 Caldwell County will assist all communities within the County, including property owners in unincorporated areas, in applying for FEMA- sponsored mitigation grant assistance for the acquisition and/or elevation of substantially damaged structures following a natural disaster. Acquisitions and Improvemen ts of Flood- Prone Properties All Hazards Caldwell County Emergency Management Department To be determined General Fund; possible grant funding 1-5 years Moderate In Progress In progress: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 8 The City of Lenoir will continue to serve an administrative role in the implementation and enforcement of the County’s comprehensive stormwater management program. The stormwater regulations outlined within this program shall apply to Gamewell, Cajah’s Mountain, Lenoir, Hudson, Sawmills, and Granite Falls. Stormwater Managemen t and Drainage Maintenance Flood; Dam or Levee Failure City of Lenoir Planning Department To be determined General Fund 1-5 years High In Progress In progress: The Town contracts with the City of Lenoir on a yearly basis for implementation and enforcement of the Stormwater regulations. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-79 7.6.2. Village of Cedar Rock (WPCOG) Village of Cedar Rock Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Caldwell County will assist all communities within the County, including property owners in unincorporated areas, in applying for FEMA- sponsored mitigation grant assistance for the acquisition and/or elevation of substantially damaged structures following a natural disaster. Acquisitions and Improvements of Flood-Prone Properties Flood Caldwell County Building Inspections Department $1,200 Unspecified 5 years Moderate Complete No new development since last plan update. 2 Investigate maintaining a contract with a qualified post-disaster recovery service provider for essential services and equipment including generators and will include documentation required for reimbursement from FEMA/NCEM. Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Village of Cedar Rock Village Council Local staff time Grants and tax-based funding 1-5 years Moderate Deferred Deferred due to contracting with WPCOG for a staff person to manage disaster recovery and response. 3 Monitor water resources and when necessary, institute measures to conserve water through Drought Management Plan. Sustainability Improvement Drought Caldwell County Water Department $1,500,000 Grants and tax-based funding 1-5 years High To be continued To be continued: Monitoring occurs annually. Lack of need for implementation due to lack of drought conditions. 4 Support the North Carolina Office of Dam Safety; make sure dams are regularly inspected. Dam Monitoring and Inspection Flood; Dam or Levee Failure North Carolina Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR), Dam Program To be determined Grants and tax-based funding 5 years High In Progress Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and relevance to the Village. 5% complete. 5 Continue to maintain all property acquired within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as undisturbed open space in perpetuity. Continue to pro-actively establish open space within the floodplain. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Dam or Levee Failure; Wildfire Caldwell County Planning Department $250,000+ Grant funds; Lenoir EMS Base Budget 2015 High Deleted ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-80 Draft Village of Cedar Rock Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 6 Caldwell County Planning and Building Inspections Departments will make information regarding hazards and development regulations within the floodplain available through the following: library, link on website to FEMA addressing flood protection, disaster preparedness, and post- disaster recovery. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Caldwell County Building Inspections Department; Village of Cedar Rock $1,200 General Budget 5 Years High To be continued Village staff work with Caldwell County to ensure information disseminated annually. 7 Maintain a map information service about Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), advertise annually in the paper, and provide information to inquirers about local floodplain management requirements. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Planning Department $85,000 Tax-based funding 5 Years High Complete Complete 8 Require flood elevation certificates for development within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Local Plans and Regulations Flood Caldwell County Building Inspections Department $50,000 General budget 5 Years High Complete No new development since last plan update. 7.6.3. Town of Gamewell (WPCOG) Town of Gamewell Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Caldwell County will assist all communities (Town of Gamewell) within the county, including property owners in unincorporated areas, in applying for FEMA-sponsored mitigation grant assistance for the acquisition Structural or Infrastructure Project Flood Caldwell County Building Inspections Department Local staff time Local, state and federal grant sources 5 Years Moderate In Progress In progress: Caldwell County has been and continues to aid when communities (Town of Gamewell) are applying for funding to help ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-81 Town of Gamewell Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description and/or elevation of substantially damaged structures following a natural disaster. landowners bring at-risk structures into compliance. 2 Maintain a contract with a qualified post- disaster recovery service provider for essential services and equipment including generators and will include documentation required for reimbursement from FEMA/NCEM. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Town of Gamewell Town Council; Town of Gamewell Administration Local staff time Local, state and federal grant sources 1-5 years Moderate In Progress In progress: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 3 Monitor water resources and when necessary institute measures to conserve water through Drought Management Plan. Local Plans and Regulations Drought Caldwell County Water Department $1.5 million Grants and tax-based funding 5 Years High Deleted Deleted. It is not feasible for the Town to institute drought management policies since it does not own or operate a water distribution facility. 4 Support the North Carolina Office of Dam Safety; make sure dams are regularly inspected. Structural or Infrastructure Project Flood; Dam or Levee Failure North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR), Dams Program Local staff time Grants and tax-based funding 5 Years High In Progress In progress: Caldwell County has started a registry to track the location and depth of all ponds and dams within the county. 5 Continue to maintain all property acquired within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as undisturbed open space in perpetuity. Continue to pro-actively establish open space within the floodplain. Natural Systems Protection Flood; Dam or Levee Failure; Wildfire Caldwell County Planning Department $250,000+ Grant funds; Lenoir EMS Base Budget 2015 High Deleted Deleted. It is not feasible for the Town to fully accomplish this action. 6 Caldwell County Planning and Building Inspections Departments will make information regarding hazards and development regulations within the floodplain available through the following: library, link on website to FEMA information addressing Education and Awareness All Hazards Caldwell County Building Inspections Department; Town of Gamewell $1,200 General Budget Immediate (1-2 years) High In Progress In progress: The Town of Gamewell is working in coordination with Caldwell County to fulfill this action. Measurable progress is slow due to lack of funding and staff availability. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-82 Draft 7.6.4. Town of Granite Falls Town of Gamewell Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description flood protection, disaster preparedness, and post-disaster recovery. 7 Maintain a map information service about Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), advertise annually in the newspaper, and provide information to inquirers about local floodplain management requirements. Education and Awareness Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Planning Department $85,000 Tax-based funding Intermediate High Complete Completed. Maps are kept on file at Town Hall and are also available on the County website. 8 Require flood elevation certificates for development within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Local Plans and Regulations Flood Caldwell County Building Inspections Department $50,000 General Budget Immediate (1-2 years) High In Progress In progress: This will be a part of the new Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to be adopted in late 2019 or early 2020. Town of Granite Falls Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Establish and maintain Temporary Disaster Debris Staging Area by selecting suitable site and submitting to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) for approval for use during a natural disaster. Structural or Infrastructure Project Tornado; Winter Weather; Severe Thunderstorm ; Hurricane and Tropical Storm Caldwell County Emergency Management Department; Town of Granite Falls Manager Staff time to be determined Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 1-5 Years Moderate In Progress In progress: The Town has not yet utilized the Granite Falls Recreation Center as a Temporary Disaster Debris Staging site and therefore has not asked the Solid Waste Section of NCDEQ to activate the site. Conditional approval granted October 9, 2013 remains in effect. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-83 Town of Granite Falls Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description This action item is carried forward to the 2019-2024 Plan. 2 Implement educational outreach to citizens on recognizing potential conflicts between trees and overhead power lines, tree trimming techniques to reduce potential for power outages due to downed trees or falling tree limbs, and the benefits of hiring an arborist and safety tips for cleanup after a storm. Education and Awareness Tornado; Winter Weather; Severe Thunderstorm; Hurricane and Tropical Storm Town of Granite Falls Electric Department with assistance from ElectriCities Staff time Existing Department Budget, public power agency, and Staff Resources 1-2 years High Deferred Deferred: The Town has recently updated its website. There are currently no specific resources available on the website pertaining to this action item. This mitigation action will be deferred to the 2019- 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan. 3 Evaluate infrastructure upgrades to fresh water intake on Lake Rhodhiss to ensure water supply during severe drought conditions. Structural or Infrastructure Project Drought Town of Granite Falls Water Department To be determined General fund, grant funding 3-4 Years Moderate In Progress In progress: Measurable progress is slow due to lack of funding and staff availability. This remains a priority and has been carried forward as an action item for the 2019-2024 Plan. 4 Incorporate hazard mitigation elements into the next update of the Town's Land Use Plan and any small area or corridor plans. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Town of Granite Falls Planning Department Staff time, consultant fees to be determined General fund, grant funding 1-2 years Moderate In Progress In progress: The Town is planning to update to the Land Use Plan in the next 1-2 years. The Town has had preliminary discussions with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments regarding their assistance with the update. 5 Caldwell County and all participating jurisdictions will continue to maintain all property acquired within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as undisturbed open space in perpetuity. All parties will continue to pro-actively establish open space within the floodplain and floodway as grant funds Local Plans and Regulations; Natural Systems Protection Flood; Dam or Levee Failure; Wildfire Town of Granite Falls Town Council Local staff time Grants and tax-based funding 1-5 Years High To be continued To be continued: The Town remains committed to maintaining any property that is acquired within a Special Flood Hazard Area as open space in perpetuity. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-84 Draft Town of Granite Falls Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description become available to carry out this initiative. 6 Caldwell County, as well as all participating jurisdictions, will continue to support the North Carolina Office of Dam Safety’s efforts to monitor and inspect all dams throughout the county, as well as the State of North Carolina. The County relies on this agency to ensure that all dam facilities, both public and private, are properly maintained and stable. Structural or Infrastructure Project Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Emergency Management Department; Town of Granite Falls Town Council To be determined 1-5 Years High Deferred Deferred: This mitigation action is carried forward to the 2019-2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan. 7 Caldwell County Emergency Management will continue to coordinate with the County Public Works Department, as well as all participating jurisdictions, regarding the monitoring of water resources statewide. When necessary, the County will institute measures to conserve water resources according to the County’s Drought Management Plan. Natural Systems Protection Drought Caldwell County Water Department; Town of Granite Falls Town Council To be determined Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 1-5 Years High To be continued To be continued: The Town has policies in place for implementation should the need arise. The Town continues to maintain participation with the Drought Management Advisory Group and cooperation with Caldwell County Emergency Management. This action is carried forward as an action item for the 2019-2024 Plan. 8 Caldwell County will assist all communities within the county, including property owners in unincorporated areas, in applying for FEMA-sponsored mitigation grant assistance for the acquisition and/or elevation of substantially damaged structures following a natural disaster. Structural or Infrastructure Project Flood Caldwell County Emergency Management Staff time to be determined Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources/ Grants 1-5 Years Moderate In Progress In progress: This remains a priority and has been carried forward as an action item for the 2019-2024 Plan. 9 Caldwell County Emergency Services will continue to work on the establishment of a comprehensive Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Caldwell County Emergency Staff time to be Existing Department Budget and 1-5 Years Moderate In Progress In progress: The Town would be able to work with Caldwell County Emergency Management to ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-85 Town of Granite Falls Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description special needs registry. This effort will involve the cooperation of all participating jurisdictions. Management Department; Granite Falls Staff Resources develop a comprehensive special needs registry. This remains a priority and is hereby carried forward as a 2019-2024 Action Item. 10 The City of Lenoir will continue to serve an administrative role in the implementation and enforcement of the County’s comprehensive stormwater management program. The stormwater regulations outlined within this program shall apply to Granite Falls, Gamewell, Cajah’s Mountain, Lenoir, Hudson, and Sawmills. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Dam or Levee Failure City of Lenoir Planning Department Staff time to be determined Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 1-5 Years High In Progress In progress: Following an audit of the local Stormwater program in late 2018, the NCDEQ is requiring each municipality to develop its own Stormwater Management Plan and maintain its own Stormwater MS4 Permit. The Town is currently working with NCDEQ and the City of Lenoir to develop a strategy going forward. This action item is carried forward to the 2019-2024 Plan. 11 Caldwell County, as well as all participating jurisdictions, will maintain a contract with a qualified post-disaster recovery service provider. This contract will include the provision of essential services and equipment, including generators, and will include documentation required for reimbursement from FEMA/NCEM. Structural or Infrastructure Project All Hazards Caldwell County Emergency Management Department; Granite Falls Local staff time Grants and tax-based funding 1-5 Years Moderate In Progress In progress: This remains a priority and has been carried forward as an action item for the 2019-2024 Plan. 12 The Town of Granite Falls will aim to draft a comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan over the next five years. This plan will incorporate recommendations regarding the purchase and development of flood- prone land for recreational purposes. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Dam or Levee Failure; Wildfire Town of Granite Falls Town Council Staff time and consultant fees to be determined Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources; grant funding 2-5 years Moderate In Progress In progress: The Town developed a Parks & Recreation Master Plan in 2016; however, it does not include a specific recommendation regarding the acquisition of flood-prone properties. The Parks & Recreation Master Plan will be updated in the future; therefore, ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-86 Draft Town of Granite Falls Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description this action item is carried forward to the 2019-2024 Plan. 13 Maintain a map information service involving the following: Provide information relating to Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to all inquirers, including provision of information on whether a given property is located within a flood hazard area, Provide information regarding the flood insurance purchase requirement, Maintain historical and current FIRMs, Advertise once annually in the local newspaper, and Provide information to inquirers about local floodplain management requirements. Natural Systems Protection, Education & Outreach Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Planning Department Staff time to be determined Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 1-5 years High In Progress In progress: The Town continues to make all the relevant information available and to provide information to those who inquire about floodplain management requirements. The Town can continue to find more effective ways to get floodplain information to the general public, particularly those whose property lies in Special Flood Hazard Areas. The Town will evaluate the effectiveness of a direct mailing to affected property owners in order to advise regarding the limitations that may exist on their property. 14 Install backup generator or transfer switch (to facilitate safe connection of portable generator) when any new Town facilities are constructed or existing buildings are substantially renovated. Structural or Infrastructure Project Tornado; Winter Weather; Severe Thunderstorm ; Hurricane and Tropical Storm Town of Granite Falls Electric Department with assistance from ElectriCities Variable (grants and local staff time) Existing department, public power agency, and grant funding 1-5 years Moderate New Action New Action 15 Amend Zoning Ordinance to require that any new manufactured home parks must include a buffer (vegetative, masonry, berm, etc.) that can serve as a wind break. Local Plans and Regulations Tornado; Severe Thunderstorm; Hurricane and Tropical Storm Town of Granite Falls Planning Department Staff Time – Legally Required Existing Department Budget 2-5 years Moderate New Action New Action 16 Develop a map of all stormwater outfalls within the Town’s jurisdiction. Comprehensive map can serve as a tool for maintaining and periodically inspecting for any blockages or damage, Structural or Infrastructure Project Tornado; Winter Weather; Severe Thunderstorm; Town of Granite Falls To be Determined General Fund, Grant Funding 2-5 years Moderate New Action New Action ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-87 Town of Granite Falls Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description particularly in advance of a heavy rain event. Hurricane and Tropical Storm 17 Develop an informational brochure that explains the importance of keeping storm drains and catch basins clear of debris and encourages residents to be proactive about keeping them clean and reporting issues. This information could be disseminated through the Town’s website, social media and newsletter. Education and Awareness Flood; Severe Thunderstorm ; Hurricane and Tropical Storm Town of Granite Falls Staff Time – Printing Costs General Fund, Grant Funding 1-2 years Moderate New Action New Action 18 Establish a new electric sub-station that would provide a secondary feed for the Town’s electric distribution system. Structural or Infrastructure Project Tornado; Severe Thunderstorm; Winter Weather; Hurricane and Tropical Storm Town of Granite Falls Electric Department $2 million+ Grant Funding 5-10 Years Moderate New Action New Action 19 Maintain a map information service involving the following: Provide information relating to Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to all inquirers, including provision of information on whether a given property is located within a flood hazard area, Provide information regarding the flood insurance purchase requirement, Maintain historical and current FIRMs, Advertise once annually in the local newspaper, and Provide information to inquirers about local floodplain management requirements. Natural Systems Protection Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Planning Department Staff time to be determined Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 1-5 years High In Progress In progress: Caldwell County Online GIS maps include updated flood hazard area overlays and Town staff are available to answer questions and make determinations. Current and previous FIRMs are available for review at Town offices. The Town of Granite Falls Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance is available on the Town website. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-88 Draft 7.6.5. Town of Hudson (WPCOG) Town of Granite Falls Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 20 The Caldwell County Mitigation Advisory Committee (MAC), in conjunction with all municipal jurisdictions participating in this plan update, will work on the five-year implementation of this Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. At the end of the five-year period, the County will again update the plan. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Caldwell County Emergency Management Department To be determined General Fund 1-5 years High To be continued To be continued: The Town of Granite Falls has participated in the regionalization of the Caldwell County hazard mitigation plan and is now a participating jurisdiction in the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan which has taken the place of the previously planned county-level 5-year plan update. 21 Caldwell County Emergency Services will continue to work on the establishment of a comprehensive special needs registry. This effort will involve the cooperation of all participating jurisdictions. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Caldwell County Emergency Services Staff time to be determined Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 1-5 years Moderate In Progress In progress: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. Town of Hudson Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 City of Lenoir to administer stormwater regulations. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Sinkhole; Erosion; Landslide City of Lenoir Planning and Building Inspections Department; Caldwell County; all participating jurisdictions in Caldwell County $50,000 Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources Immediate High Complete Completed. The City of Lenoir continues to administer stormwater regulations for the Town of Hudson. Prepare for new audits from NCDEQ and EPA. Implement new stormwater illicit discharge identification methods. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-89 Town of Hudson Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 2 Caldwell County will assist all communities within the county, including property owners in unincorporated areas, in applying for FEMA-sponsored mitigation grant assistance for the acquisition and/or elevation of substantially damaged structures following a natural disaster. Structural or Infrastructure Project Flood Caldwell County Building Inspections Department Local staff time Grants and tax-based funding 1-5 years Moderate In Progress In progress: Caldwell County has been and continues to help when communities are applying for funding to help landowners bring at-risk structures into compliance. 3 Investigate maintaining a contract with a qualified post-disaster recovery service provider for essential services and equipment including generators and will include documentation required for reimbursement from FEMA/NCEM. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Town of Hudson Administration Department; Town of Hudson Police Department Local staff time Grants and tax-based funding 1-5 years Moderate Deferred Deferred to the next plan update: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 4 Monitor water resources and when necessary, institute measures to conserve water through Drought Management Plan. Local Plans and Regulations Drought Caldwell County Water Department; Hudson $1.5 million Grants and tax-based funding 1-5 years High In Progress In progress: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 5 Support the North Carolina Office of Dam Safety; make sure dams are regularly inspected. Structural or Infrastructure Project Flood; Dam or Levee Failure North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) Dams Program; Hudson Local staff time Grants and tax-based funding 5 Years High In Progress In progress: Caldwell County has started a registry to track the location and depth of all ponds and dams within the county. 6 Continue to maintain all property acquired with the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as undisturbed open space in perpetuity. Continue to pro-actively establish open space within the floodplain. Natural Systems Protection Flood; Dam or Levee Failure; Wildfire Caldwell County Planning Department; Hudson $250,000+ Grant funds; Lenoir EMS Base Budget 2021 High In Progress In progress: Action continues. Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance was adopted in 2015. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-90 Draft Town of Hudson Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 7 Caldwell County Planning and Building Inspections Departments will make information regarding hazards and development regulations within the floodplain available through the following: library, link on website to FEMA information addressing flood protection, disaster preparedness, and post-disaster recovery. Education and Awareness All Hazards Planning Dept. Caldwell County Building Inspections Department; Hudson $1,200; local staff time General Budget Immediate (1-2 years) High In Progress In progress: The Town of Hudson is working in coordination with the Caldwell County Town Planner to fulfill this action 8 Maintain a map information service about Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), advertise annually in the newspaper, and provide information to inquirers about local floodplain management requirements. Education and Awareness Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Planning Department $85,000 Tax-based funding 2021 Low Complete Completed. Maps are kept on file at Hudson Town Hall and are available on the Caldwell County Tax Mapping website. 9 Require flood elevation certificates for development within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Local Plans and Regulations Flood Planning Dept/Caldwell County Building Inspections Department $50,00 0 General Budget Immedi ate High Complete Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance adopted in 2022 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-91 7.6.6. City of Lenoir City of Lenoir Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Continue enforcement of Lenoir’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. This ordinance regulates construction and development activities within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Local Plans and Regulations Flood City of Lenoir Planning Department Existing Staff Resources General Fund; User Fees for Floodplain Developme nt Permits 5 years High To be continued All floodplain development is required to obtain floodplain development permits from the Lenoir Planning Department. 2 The City of Lenoir will maintain compliance with all of the Minimum Measures outlined in the City’s Stormwater Management Plan, consistent with the requirements of the NC DEQ and the US EPA. These minimum measures include public input, public outreach and education, post construction stormwater controls, illicit discharge monitoring and enforcement, construction site run-off controls, and good housekeeping at City facilities. Local Plans and Regulations; Education and Awareness Programs Flood; Severe Storms Western Piedmont Council of Governments $51,000/year General Fund; exploring a Stormwater Utility Fee 5 years High Deleted No change since 2019, WPCOG manages the stormwater program 3 Remove obstructions from public drainage ways or where threats to public infrastructure have been identified. The removal of obstructions will lessen the risk of flooding and damage to roadways and bridges. Structural or Infrastructure Project Flood; Severe Storm; Wind City of Lenoir Public Works Department Existing staff resources General Fund, exploring the adoption of a Stormwater Utility Fee 5 years High To be continued Visual inspection by Streets staff before, during and after storm events as well as reports from the public. Staff have identified “problem areas” which are inspected at a higher frequency. 4 Continue to provide educational outreach to civic groups, neighborhood groups, school children, and similar persons as to the importance of fire safety and prevention. Education and Awareness Fire City of Lenoir Fire Department Existing staff resources General Fund 5 years Moderate In Progress In progress: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-92 Draft City of Lenoir Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 5 Explore options for pruning trees, clearing tree limbs hanging over rights of way, and removal of dead trees on public and private property to enhance safety and improve function during an emergency. In addition, develop an informational handout with resources to encourage the private clearing of unhealthy or dead trees/limbs on private property. Natural Systems Protection; Education and Awareness Programs Severe Storm; Wind; Fire City of Lenoir Public Works Department; Nuisance Abatement (Police and Planning Departments) $15,000 Existing Staff Resources; General Fund; grants (City pruning currently unfunded) 5 years Moderate To be continued Public Works prunes limbs on trees that hang over rights of way as needed, and is quick to remove fallen trees over roadways. An informational handout has not been created but can be prioritized by staff. 6 Identify and map the location of piped/underground streams throughout the City, and monitor these locations for signs of structural failure. Make property owners aware of piped streams on their properties. Local Plans and Regulations; Education and Awareness Programs Severe Storm; Flood; Sinkhole City of Lenoir Planning and Public Works Department Existing staff resources General Fund, stormwater utility fund, grants FY18-19; FY19-20 High To be continued In 2023, the City hired the WPCOG to map the entirety of the City's stormwater system. Over half of the system has been mapped as of June 2024. No progress has been made regarding making property owners aware of piped streams on their property. 7 Explore the feasibility of establishing a Stormwater Utility Fee as a dedicated funding source for stormwater infrastructure projects to replace aging infrastructure, address erosion, and mitigate flood-prone areas. Local Plans and Regulations Severe Storm; Flood; Sinkhole City of Lenoir Planning Department; City of Lenoir Finance Department; City of Lenoir Public Works Department General Fund Existing Staff Resources 1-2 Years High To be continued Freese and Nichols Inc has been contracted by the city to create a stormwater infrastructure criticality assessment tool. Along with the mapped stormwater system, this will help the City create a stormwater CIP. 8 Continue to enforce the City’s Minimum Housing Ordinance to rehabilitate or remove unsafe structures. In addition, create a database of abandoned and at-risk structures in the city to aide enforcement. Local Plans and Regulations Severe Storm; Wind; Fire City of Lenoir Planning Department Existing staff resources General Fund 5 Years High To be continued The City continues to identify houses for abatement and/or foreclosure every year. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-93 City of Lenoir Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 9 Continue to explore the feasibility of erecting a back-up power generator to serve City Hall in the event of power failure. This ensures communication lines remain open during natural and manmade disasters that result in power failure, as all City communications are routed through City Hall. Structural or Infrastructure Project All Hazards City of Lenoir Public Works Department; City of Lenoir Finance Department; City of Lenoir IT Department $40,000 General Fund; grants 1-2 Years High Complete City Hall's back up generator was installed in 2019 10 Conduct outreach to educate the public on pre-disaster preparation targeting schools, churches, civic groups, etc. Education and Awareness All Hazards City of Lenoir Fire Department To be determined Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants; Homeland Security grants; emergency management grants; local funding 1-3 years High New action ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-94 Draft 7.6.7. Town of Rhodhiss (WPCOG) Town of Rhodhiss Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 Require a finished floor elevation certificate for all development within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) within both incorporated and unincorporated portions of the County. All elevation certificates should be submitted on an official FEMA elevation certificate. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any development within a defined SFHA without the submittal of the required elevation certificate. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Burke County Building Inspections Department; Caldwell County Building Inspections Department Minimal (staff time only) Existing staff and administrative resources 5 Years High Deferred Deferred: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 2 Maintain a map information service involving the following: Provide information relating to Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to all inquirers, including provision of information on whether a given property is located within a flood hazard area, Provide information regarding the flood insurance purchase requirement, Maintain historical and current FIRMs, Advertise once annually in the local newspaper, and Provide information to inquirers about local floodplain management requirements. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Burke County; Caldwell County; Town of Rhodhiss Minimal (staff time only) Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 5 Years High Deferred Deferred: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. The Town is actively involved in assisting the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program in achieving their goals. 3 Caldwell County and its municipal jurisdictions will continue to maintain all property acquired within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as undisturbed open space in perpetuity. All parties will continue to pro-actively establish open space within the floodplain and floodway Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Dam or Levee Failure; Wildfire Surrounding counties; Town of Rhodhiss To be determined on a case-by-case basis State and federal grant resources 5 Years High In Progress In progress: Continuing discussions with a property owner to create a greenway along the Catawba River. The Town has purchased property on the Burke County side of Town to develop a park on the Catawba River. The Town ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-95 Town of Rhodhiss Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description as grant funds become available to carry out this initiative. received a PARTF grant which will help in making this happen. 4 The Caldwell County Building Inspections Department will provide comprehensive services regarding planning and development activities within the defined Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and issues relating to the construction of disaster resistant structures. These services will include: Providing site- specific flood and flood-related information on an as-needed basis, Maintaining a list of contractors with experience in floodproofing and retrofit techniques, Providing information on wind proofing construction methods for new and renovated structures, Maintaining materials providing an overview of how to select a qualified contractors, Making site visits upon request to review occurrences of flooding, drainage problems, and sewer problems. If applicable, the inspector should provide one- on-one advice to the property owner, Providing advice and assistance regarding CRS activity 530, Advertising the availability of this service once annually within the local newspaper, and Maintaining a log of all individuals assisted through this County service including all site visits. Public Information and Awareness Flood; Winter Weather; Wildfire; Thunderstorm s; Lightning; Hail; Dam or Levee Failure; Tornado Primary Responsible Party: Caldwell County Building Inspections Department. Secondary Responsible Party: Caldwell County Planning and Development Department Minimal (staff time only) Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 5 Years High Deleted Deleted: The Town of Rhodhiss relies on Caldwell County to implement the actions described above. Therefore, this action is not reflected in the Town’s 2019 Mitigation Actions above. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-96 Draft Town of Rhodhiss Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 5 The Caldwell County Mitigation Advisory Committee (MAC), in conjunction with all municipal jurisdictions participating in the plan update, will work on the five-year implementation of this Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. At the end of the five-year period, the County will again update the plan. Public Information and Awareness All Hazards Primary Responsible Party: Caldwell County Emergency Services. Secondary Responsible Party: Caldwell County Mitigation Advisory Committee and Town of Rhodhiss To be determined based on future scope of work for 5- year plan update Funding for annual maintenance and implementation of the hazard mitigation plan will be provided through the Caldwell County annual budget ordinance. 5 year interval High To be continued To be continued: The Town of Rhodhiss has participated in the regionalization of the Caldwell County hazard mitigation plan and is now a participating jurisdiction in the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which has taken the place of the previously planned county- level 5-year plan update. 6 Caldwell County, as well as all participating jurisdictions, including Duke Energy, will continue to support the North Carolina Office of Dam Safety efforts to monitor and inspect all dams throughout the County, as well as the State of North Carolina. The County relies on this agency to ensure that all dam facilities, both public and private, are properly maintained and stable. Dam Monitoring and Inspection Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Primary Responsible Party: Caldwell County Emergency Services. Secondary Responsible Party: Town of Rhodhiss. Minimal (staff time only) Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources 5 Years High In Progress In progress: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 7 In order to provide comprehensive and effective emergency response services to all Town residents, the Town of Rhodhiss will take steps to update and/or acquire the following equipment over the course of the next five years: One new fire truck, emergency communication equipment, rescue tools (per the recommendation of Caldwell County Emergency Services), one set of jaws of life (Hurst Tools), and it should be noted that the Town of Rhodhiss needs to rehabilitate the Town's existing fire department or build a new Emergency Response Improvement All Hazards Primary Responsible Party: Town of Rhodhiss Town Council. Secondary Responsible Party: Caldwell County Emergency Services. $1,000,000 + State and Federal Grants 5 Years High Deferred Deferred: The Town of Rhodhiss fire department has acquired the emergency communication equipment (hand-held radios). The fire department cannot perform rescues because of a lack of availability of funding to purchase needed equipment and certification in rescue would be needed. We have made some improvements in the fire department such as: partial wiring of the upstairs and main ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-97 Town of Rhodhiss Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description facility. This effort will involve replacement of all equipment. breaker box; re-flooring the downstairs area and painting it; dividing the upstairs areas into individual rooms/wiring what can be done at present. We continue to apply for federal grants to help with the purchase of a new fire truck and the state grants have helped with purchasing turn-out gear. We are replacing turn-out gear as we can afford to do so. The following will be done as monies may be acquired: a sprinkler system, insulation, finish wiring, and a phone or alarm for rescue assistance at fire department (push button alarm). The Town of Rhodhiss requires additional grant management assistance to fully complete this Mitigation Action. 8 Involve emergency preparedness staff in the development of all planning activities with hazard mitigation impacts. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Caldwell County Emergency Services Department; Planning Department; Economic Development Minimal (Staff Time only) Caldwell County General Fund 5 Years High To be continued To be continued: The Town of Rhodhiss will continue to involve all staff in all planning activities in the community ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-98 Draft 7.6.8. Town of Sawmills (WPCOG) Town of Sawmills Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 1 WPCOG to administer stormwater regulations. Action apply for individual new NPDES permit , new ordinance adoption. Local Plans and Regulations Flood; Sinkhole; Erosion; Landslide; Stormwater WPCOG $50,000 Existing Department Budget and Staff Resources Immediate (1-2 years) High In Progress In progress: Will be amending in 2019 due to EPA/DEQ audit of City of Lenoir adoption of new ordinance, resolutions permit requirements, public outreach requirements. 2 Caldwell County will assist all communities within the county, including property owners in unincorporated areas, in applying for FEMA-sponsored mitigation grant assistance for the acquisition and/or elevation of substantially damaged structures following a natural disaster. Structural or Infrastructure Project Flood Caldwell County Building Inspections Department Local staff time State and Federal Grant programs 2025 Moderate Deferred Deferred: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 3 Maintain a contract with a qualified post- disaster recovery service provider for essential services and equipment including generators and will include documentation required for reimbursement from FEMA/NCEM. Local Plans and Regulations All Hazards Town of Sawmills Public Works and Sanitation Department Local staff time General Fund 1-5 Years Moderate To be continued To be continued: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 4 Monitor water resources and when necessary institute measures to conserve water through Drought Management Plan. Local Plans and Regulations Drought Caldwell County Water Department $1,500,000 Grants and tax-based funding 1-5 years High In Progress In progress: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 5 Support the North Carolina Office of Dam Safety; make sure dams are regularly inspected. Structural or Infrastructure Project Flood; Dam or Levee Failure North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) Dams Program Local staff time Grants and tax-based funding 5 years High In Progress In progress. Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 7: Mitigation Actions 7-99 Town of Sawmills Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 6 Continue to maintain all property acquired within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as undisturbed open space in perpetuity. Pro-actively establish open space within the floodplain. Natural Systems Protection Flood; Dam or Levee Failure; Wildfire Caldwell County Planning Department $250,000+ Grant funds; Lenoir EMS Base Budget 2020 High Deleted Deleted: The Town of Sawmills is no longer willing to buy property in the floodplain because of costs. 7 Caldwell County Planning and Building Inspections Departments will make information regarding hazards and development regulations within floodplain available through the following: library, link on website to FEMA addressing flood protection, disaster preparedness, and post-disaster recovery. Education and Awareness Flood Caldwell County Building Inspections Department $1,200 General Budget Immediate (1-2 years) High Complete Completed 8 Maintain a map information service about Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), advertise in the paper, and provide information to inquirers about local floodplain management requirements. Education and Awareness Flood; Dam or Levee Failure Caldwell County Planning Department $85,000 Tax-based funding Immediate (1-2 years) High Deferred Deferred: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 9 Require flood elevation certificates for development within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Local Plans and Regulations Flood Town of Sawmills Planning Department $50,000 General Budget 1-5 years High In Progress In progress for development. Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. 10 Maintain portable backup generator for emergency power needs. Structural or Infrastructure Project All Hazards Town of Sawmills Town Council <$3,000 Caldwell County Emergency Management; State and Federal grants) 5 years High Deferred Deferred: Measurable progress is slow due to staff availability and funding. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 7-100 Draft Town of Sawmills Mitigation Actions Mitigation Action # Description Type of Mitigation Action Hazards Addressed Lead Agency & Department Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Implementation Schedule Priority 2024 Status 2024 Status Description 11 Caldwell County Planning and Building Inspections Departments will make information regarding all hazards and regulations within floodplain available through the following: library, link on website to FEMA addressing flood protection, disaster preparedness, and post-disaster recovery. Education and Awareness All Hazards Caldwell County Building Inspections Department $1,200 General Budget Immediate (1-2 years) High Deferred ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 8-1 Draft Section 8: Plan Maintenance Procedures The Plan Maintenance Procedures section discusses how the Mitigation Strategy and Mitigation Action Plans will be implemented by participating jurisdictions and how the overall Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan will be evaluated and enhanced over time. This section also discusses how the public will continue to be involved in the hazard mitigation planning process. It consists of the following three subsections: 8.1 Implementation 8.2 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Enhancement 8.3 Continued Public Involvement 1 8.1. Implementation Each jurisdiction participating in this Plan is responsible for implementing specific mitigation actions as prescribed in their locally adopted Mitigation Action Plan (Section In each Mitigation Action Plan, every proposed action is assigned to a specific local department or agency to assign responsibility and accountability and increase the likelihood of subsequent implementation. This approach enables individual jurisdictions to update their own unique mitigation action list as needed without altering the broader focus of the regional Plan. The separate adoption of locally specific actions also ensures that each jurisdiction is not held responsible for the monitoring and implementation of actions belonging to other jurisdictions involved in the planning process. In addition to the assignment of a local lead department or agency, an implementation period or a specific implementation date or window has been assigned to each mitigation action to help assess whether actions are being implemented in a timely fashion. The jurisdictions present Figure 8- 1: Plan maintenance procedures recommended by the FEMA local mitigation handbook ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 8: Plan Maintenance Procedures 8-2 within the Plan Area will seek outside funding sources to implement mitigation projects in both the pre-disaster and post-disaster environments. When applicable, potential funding sources have been identified for proposed actions listed in the Mitigation Action Plan. It will be the responsibility of each participating jurisdiction to determine additional implementation procedures beyond those listed within their Mitigation Action Plan This includes integrating the requirements of the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan into other local planning documents, processes, or mechanisms such as comprehensive or capital improvement plans, when appropriate. The members of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) will remain charged with ensuring that the goals and strategies of new and updated local planning documents for their jurisdictions or agencies are consistent with the goals and actions of the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and will not contribute to increased hazard vulnerability in the Plan Area. Opportunities to integrate the requirements of this Plan into other local planning mechanisms shall continue to be identified through future meetings of the HMPC and through the five-year review process described herein. Although it is recognized that there are many possible benefits to integrating components of this Plan into other local planning mechanisms, the development and maintenance of this stand-alone Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan is deemed by the HMPC to be the most effective and appropriate method to implement local hazard mitigation actions currently. The Plan Area Hazard Mitigation Plan will be highlighted whenever possible in Annual Reports prepared by each county and included in departmental, or agency reports as deemed appropriate. In addition, each municipal jurisdiction will seek to implement this plan's goals and strategies by incorporating the recommendations into annual action plans adopted by their respective City or Town Councils. This plan will be incorporated by reference into other planning mechanisms whenever appropriate. 8.2. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Enhancement The agencies responsible for monitoring this Plan are the Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba County Emergency Management Departments. Priorities have not changed since the plan was previously approved. Periodic revisions and updates of the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan are required to ensure that the goals of the Plan are kept current, considering potential changes in hazard vulnerability and mitigation priorities. In addition, revisions may be necessary to ensure that the Plan is in full compliance with applicable federal and state regulations. Periodic evaluation of the Plan will also ensure that specific mitigation actions are being reviewed and carried out according to each jurisdiction’s individual Mitigation Action Plan. The HMPC will continue to meet regularly, as determined by the Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba County Emergency Management Departments. These regular meetings will take place in the fall of each year so that sufficient time is available to prepare public outreach messages and assess the status of any mitigation actions relevant to the upcoming severe seasonal spring weather and the start of hurricane season. Meetings will also be convened as necessary following any disaster events warranting a reexamination of the mitigation actions being implemented or proposed by the participating jurisdictions. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 8-3 Draft County and local staff of each participating jurisdiction will also continue to attend training workshops sponsored by the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management or others as appropriate to keep up to date with any changing guidance or planning requirements and to communicate that information to other representatives of participating jurisdictions. As part of this monitoring, evaluation, and enhancement process, each participating jurisdiction will be expected to provide an annual status update to Caldwell County for their respective Mitigation Action Plans to evaluate the Plan’s implementation effectiveness. This will ensure that the Plan is continuously maintained and updated to reflect changing conditions and needs within the Region. If determined appropriate or as requested, an annual report on the Plan will be developed and presented to local governing bodies of participating jurisdictions to report progress on the actions identified in the Plan and to provide information on the latest legislative requirements and/or changes to those requirements. Five Year Plan Review The Plan will be reviewed by the HMPC every five years to determine whether there have been any significant changes in the Plan Area that may, in turn, necessitate changes in the types of mitigation actions proposed. New development in identified hazard areas, an increased exposure to hazards, the increase or decrease in capability to address hazards, and changes to federal or state legislation are examples of factors that may affect the necessary content of the Plan. The Plan will be reviewed by the HMPC every five years to determine whether there have been any significant changes in the Plan Area that may, in turn, necessitate changes in the types of mitigation actions proposed. New development in identified hazard areas, an increased exposure to hazards, the increase or decrease in capability to address hazards, and changes to federal or state legislation are examples of factors that may affect the necessary content of the Plan. The plan review provides community officials with an opportunity to evaluate those actions that have been successful and to explore the possibility of documenting potential losses avoided due to the implementation of specific mitigation measures. The plan review also provides the opportunity to address mitigation actions that may not have been successfully implemented as assigned. The lead agency will be responsible for reconvening the HMPC and conducting the five-year review. During the five-year plan review process, the following questions will be considered as criteria for assessing the effectiveness and appropriateness of the Plan:  Do the goals address current and expected conditions?  Has the nature or magnitude of risks changed?  Are the current resources appropriate for implementing the Plan?  Are there implementation problems, such as technical, political, legal, or coordination issues with other agencies? ---PAGE BREAK--- Section 8: Plan Maintenance Procedures 8-4  Have the outcomes occurred as expected?  Did the jurisdictions, agencies, and other partners participate in the plan implementation process as proposed? Following the five-year review, any revisions deemed necessary will be summarized and implemented according to the reporting procedures outlined herein. Upon completion of the review and update/amendment process, the Plan Area Hazard Mitigation Plan will be submitted to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer at the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management for final review and approval in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Disaster Declaration Following a disaster declaration, the Plan will be revised as necessary to reflect lessons learned, or to address specific issues and circumstances arising from the event. The Lead Agencies will be responsible for reconvening the HMPC and ensuring appropriate stakeholders are invited to participate in the plan revision and update process after declared disaster events. Reporting Procedures The results of the five-year review will be summarized by the HMPC in the relevant sections of the updated plan. This includes: a comprehensive description of the plan update process including an evaluation of planning process (Section any updates to the planning area profile (Section any notable revisions or updates to the risk assessment (Section 4) or capability assessment (Section updated mitigation goals and consideration of mitigation action alternatives where necessary (Section status updates on previously adopted mitigation action plans, including the identification of reasons for delays or obstacles to their implementation, as well as the identification of newly proposed mitigation actions (Section and revisions or updates to plan maintenance procedures (Section Any necessary revisions or changes to the countywide Plan elements must follow the monitoring, evaluation, and enhancement procedures outlined herein. For changes and updates to the individual Mitigation Action Plan appropriate local designees will assign responsibility for the completion of the task. To assist with the continued engagement of the jurisdiction with HMP implementation and mitigation action progress, the Plan Incorporation Worksheet provides an incorporation and monitoring tool to keep track of plan progress, implementation, review periods, progress updates, and public review periods to document changes to the capabilities of each jurisdiction in regards to planning. This Plan Incorporation and Monitoring Tool is located in Appendix E. 8.3 Continued Public Involvement Public participation is an integral component of the mitigation planning process and will continue to be essential as this Plan evolves and is updated over time. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 8-5 Draft The most appropriate and meaningful opportunities for the public to be involved in the maintenance and implementation of the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan is during the five-year plan review process as described earlier in this section. As demonstrated in Section 2: Planning Process, the Unifour Region and its participating jurisdictions have been extremely ambitious in gaining widespread public involvement during the five-year plan review process through multiple methods. While the five-year plan review process represents the greatest opportunity for such involvement, other efforts to involve the public in the maintenance, evaluation, and revision process will continue to be made as necessary. These efforts may include:  Advertising meetings of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee in the local newspaper, public bulletin boards and/or City and County office buildings;  Designating willing citizens and private sector representatives as official members of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee;  Utilizing local media to update the public of any maintenance and/or periodic review activities taking place;  Utilizing City and County Web sites to advertise any maintenance and/or periodic review activities taking place; and  Maintaining copies of the Plan in public libraries or other appropriate venues;  Posting the Annual Progress Reports on the Plan to City, County and Town Web sites;  Heavy publicity of the plan and potential ways for the public to be involved after each major event, tailored to the event that has just happened;  Planned activities during Severe Weather Preparedness Week (or similar events), such as sending brief press releases that tie recent hazard occurrences with information from the hazard mitigation plan;  Keeping websites, social media outlets, etc. updated;  Drafting articles for the local community newspapers/newsletters;  Holding annual public meetings;  Utilizing social media accounts (e.g. Instagram, Facebook, or X, formerly known as Twitter ---PAGE BREAK--- 8-6 1 Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA]. (2023). Local Mitigation Planning Handbook. In FEMA.gov (pp. i–ii). handbook_052023.pdf ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-1 Draft Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) Tables: Table A- 1: Summary of 5 most notable flooding and flash flooding events from the NCDC Storm Events Database between 2018 and 2023. A-11 Table A- 2: Winter Weather, Heavy Snow, and Winter Storm Events from the NCDC Storm Events Database between 2018 - 2024. A- 17 Table A- 3: Hail events summary from the NCDC between 2000-2023 A-40 Table A- 4: Ice storms from the NCDC storm events database between 2018 and 2023 A-41 Table A- 5: NCDC Thunderstorm Winds reported between 2018 and 2023 A-61 Table A- 6: Flooding Events from 2018-2024 from the NCDC Storm Events Database A-64 Table A- 7: Documented wildfires from the National Interagency Fire Center Database for the Unifour Counties. A-66 County Location Event Date Event Narrative Episode Narrative Notable Damages Alexander Vashti 11/12/2020 Tropical Cyclone Eta moved from the eastern Gulf of Mexico, across the northern Florida peninsula, to off the South Carolina coast throughout the 11th and 12th. Tropical moisture streaming into the Carolinas throughout this time resulted in development of heavy rainfall, with widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts across the foothills and Piedmont of North Carolina. This resulted in areas of flash flooding and main stem river flooding, some of which was Emergency manager reported major flash flooding developed throughout Alexander County after up to 9 inches of rain fell in 24 hours, with around half of that falling in a 3- hour period prior to daybreak on the 12th. The most significant flooding occurred along the South Yadkin River in the Hiddenite area. Multiple recreational vehicles and campers were swept down the river from a campground off Princess Ln. Five people, ages ranging from 1 to 76, drowned and 31 more people required rescue from rapidly rising flood water. Otherwise, most of the creeks and streams in the central and northeast part of the county overflowed onto at least one road, with more than 50 roads closed at some Property Damage $450,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-2 County Location Event Date Event Narrative Episode Narrative Notable Damages significant, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant damage. point during the event. Although heavy rainfall tapered off across Alexander County throughout the morning, runoff from the earlier excessive rain continued to cause elevated stream levels and localized high water conditions to persist into the afternoon. A portion of a bridge over the South Yadkin collapsed on Cheatham Ford Rd during this time. Part of another bridge was washed out on Hopewell Church Rd (over Mill Creek). A 64-year-old man was killed when he drove his vehicle over the collapsed bridge. At least two other bridges were also compromised. Deaths 6 All Healing Springs 7/15/2023 Widespread showers and thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of a trough over the North Carolina foothills throughout the 15th. While rainfall was primarily in the 2 to 3 inch range, isolated areas of 4 to 6 inches fell in just a few hours across the northern foothills. This resulted in localized, but significant flash flooding across western Alexander County, where one fatality occurred. Fire dept reported flash flooding developed along Duck Creek after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in just a few hours along the Caldwell/Alexander County line. Two individuals were swept down the creek when they fled their vehicle after driving into flood water at Duck Creek Dr and Dover Church Rd. A 49-year old woman drowned while the other person was rescued. At least one road was washed out in the area. Deaths 1 Injuries 1 Property Damage $10,000 Bethlehem 6/9/2019 A moist upslope flow developing north of a stationary front resulted in widespread showers and thunderstorms developing across western North Carolina during the evening of the 8th into the overnight and early morning hours of the ninth. Four to seven inches of rain, with Fire department reported most roads in the Bethlehem area were flooded and closed after another round in a series of heavy rainfall episodes caused flash flooding to develop across the area during the morning of the 9th. Multiple water rescues had to be performed. Twenty four hour rainfall totals Property Damage $11,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-3 Draft County Location Event Date Event Narrative Episode Narrative Notable Damages locally higher amounts of 10 inches or more falling over the northern foothills resulted in flash flooding in multiple areas. The widespread nature of the excessive rainfall within the Catawba River watershed caused the river to rise to levels not seen in almost 80 years in the western Piedmont, with flooding persisting in some areas through the 10th. Meanwhile, a brief, weak tornado developed across Rutherford County. were in the 4 to 7 inch range, with much of that falling in relatively short bursts. Taylorsville 2/6/2020 Unusually high levels of moisture for early February combined with a slow- moving frontal system to produce an extended period of moderate to heavy rainfall across western North Carolina from the morning of the 5th until the early morning hours of the 7th. Intense rain rates associated with bands of heavy rain showers and embedded thunderstorms developing along the front during the morning and afternoon of the 7th resulted in rather widespread flash flooding. Isolated tornadoes also developed during this time across the Piedmont. Total rainfall of 3 to 6 inches resulted in flooding persisting along some main stem rivers and larger streams well into the 7th. Newspaper reported flash flooding developed across central Alexander County after 4 to 5.5 inches of rain fell across the county in around 24 hours, with much of that falling during the morning and early afternoon of the 6th. Multiple tributaries of the Lower Little River overflowed their banks and flooded adjacent roads. These included Muddy Fork, which inundated Old Wilkesboro Rd just north of Taylorsville, Stirewalt Creek which flooded Heavenly Acres Rd, and Glade Creek which flooded Millersville Rd and Paul Pane Store Rd. Property Damage $2,000 Taylorsville Airport 1/9/2024 A major/complex frontal system brought widespread rain with embedded thunderstorms to western North Carolina, mainly during the afternoon of the 9th. Widespread rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches (with locally higher amounts) in around 12 hours resulted in numerous reports of flooding. Isolated severe thunderstorms Fire dept reported flash flooding developed along Muddy Fork after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell across Alexander County in around 12 hours. Old Wilkesboro Rd was closed and rendered impassable due to inundation from the creek. Property Damage $1,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-4 County Location Event Date Event Narrative Episode Narrative Notable Damages also resulted in a number of damaging wind gusts reports over the Piedmont, along with an EF1 tornado that impacted portions of Catawba and Iredell Counties. Burke Calvin 6/8/2019 A moist upslope flow developing north of a stationary front resulted in widespread showers and thunderstorms developing across western North Carolina during the evening of the 8th into the overnight and early morning hours of the ninth. Four to seven inches of rain, with locally higher amounts of 10 inches or more falling over the northern foothills resulted in flash flooding in multiple areas. The widespread nature of the excessive rainfall within the Catawba River watershed caused the river to rise to levels not seen in almost 80 years in the western Piedmont, with flooding persisting in some areas through the 10th. Meanwhile, a brief, weak tornado developed across Rutherford County. Multiple sources reported flash flooding developed across portions of northern Burke County when as much as 6 inches of rain fell across the area in just a few hours. Flooding began on the Highway 64 corridor when a portion of the highway had to be closed in the Chesterfield community due to flood water. Antioch Rd was also flooded by Lower Creek in this same area. Water from Canoe Creek was also reportedly flowing over Highway 226. Smith Branch overflowed its banks in the Connelly Springs area, flooding some houses on Woodlawn Dr. A nursing home was evacuated in the Rutherford College area after a small unnamed tributary overflowed its banks. A tributary of Henry Fork flooded a portion of Woodland Hill Rd in Hildebrand, which undermined the structural integrity of the road and prompted voluntary evacuations. Property Damage $50,000 Brindletown 2/6/2020 Unusually high levels of moisture for early February combined with a slow- moving frontal system to produce an extended period of moderate to heavy rainfall across western North Carolina from the morning of the 5th until the early morning hours of the 7th. Intense rain rates associated with bands of heavy rain showers and embedded thunderstorms developing along the front during the morning and afternoon of the 7th resulted in rather widespread flash flooding. Isolated tornadoes also County comms and media reported localized flash flooding developed across the southeastern half of Burke County after 4.5 to 5.5 inches of rain fell in about 24 hours with much of that falling during the morning of the 6th. Multiple roads were closed several roads and private bridges damaged/washed out due to a combination of small stream flooding as well as poor drainage in urban areas. These included Nuckolls Dr Morningstar Church Rd Byrd Rd East Meadow Trail Van Horn Rd Powell Rd Antioch Rd and Powell Dr Ext. $25,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-5 Draft County Location Event Date Event Narrative Episode Narrative Notable Damages Joy 2/6/2020 developed during this time across the Piedmont. Total rainfall of 3 to 6 inches resulted in flooding persisting along some main stem rivers and larger streams well into the 7th. Although heavy rainfall tapered off across Burke County during the afternoon county comms reported high water conditions persisted through the evening and early part of the overnight with multiple roads remaining flooded and closed throughout the county. In addition a stream gauge on the Johns River north of Morganton exceeded its established flood stage after 3 to 6 inches of rain fell in and near the headwaters over about 24 hours. Multiple roads were flooded including Old Johns River Rd Spainhour Rd Johns River Rd and Corpening Bridge Rd. $25,000 Chesterfield 11/12/2020 Tropical Cyclone Eta moved from the eastern Gulf of Mexico, across the northern Florida peninsula, to off the South Carolina coast throughout the 11th and 12th. Tropical moisture streaming into the Carolinas throughout this time resulted in development of heavy rainfall, with widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts across the foothills and Piedmont of North Carolina. This resulted in areas of flash flooding and main stem river flooding, some of which was significant, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant damage. A stream gauge on Hunting Creek near Morganton indicated significant flash flooding developed along the stream after 4.5 to 6 inches of rain fell in the area, with a significant portion of that falling in the 2-3 hours prior to daybreak. Coal Chute Rd was inundated and several businesses between the river and East Fleming Dr were also flooded. Backwater effects along Fiddlers Run also resulted in flooding of Bethel Park. Additionally, spotter reported severe drainage flooding along Highway 64 at Chesterfield. Other non-specific road flooding reports were received from elsewhere in Morganton as well as in the Valdese area. $10,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-6 County Location Event Date Event Narrative Episode Narrative Notable Damages Enola 10/7/2021 A slow moving area of upper level low pressure over the Mid-Mississippi Valley pumped semi-tropical weather into the western Carolinas for a couple of days, resulting in occasional rounds of moderate to heavy in the day leading up to the 7th. Scattered slow-moving thunderstorm clusters developed over the foothills during the morning of the 7th, producing torrential rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour and total rainfall amounts of 3 to 7 inches, much of which fell in just 2 to 3 hours. This excessive rainfall resulted in flash flooding of a number of creeks and other small streams. A stream gauge on the Broad River at Bat Cave indicated flash flooding developed, with over a one-foot rise in less than an hour, after 3 to 6 inches of rain fell across the basin in just a few hours. Multiple campgrounds and a few homes were inundated from Bat Cave and vicinity to the Rutherford County line. $10,000 Caldwell Globe 4/13/2020 A strong storm system impacted the Southeast, resulting in an area of widespread heavy rain and embedded strong to severe thunderstorms that moved across western North Carolina during the late night and early morning hours. Localized flash flooding, some of which was quite significant developed across the mountains. Isolated severe weather also occurred, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts. Strong southerly gradient winds also caused some damage across mainly the high elevations of western North Carolina. Emergency manager reported flash flooding developed along multiple creek across northwest Caldwell County after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell, mostly in less than 8 hours. Anthony Creek overflowed its banks in the Globe community, washing out a low water crossing. Wilson Creek washed out several low water crossing on Brown Mountain Beach Rd. Johns River inundated Old Johns River Rd in several locations. Buffalo Creek and several of its tributaries also inundated low water crossing in the far northern part of the county. A stream gauge on the Yadkin River near Patterson exceeded its established flood stage, indicating flooding of low lying roads and minor flooding of some structures in the Happy Valley community. Property Damage $100,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-7 Draft County Location Event Date Event Narrative Episode Narrative Notable Damages Edgemont 5/18/2018 EM and county comms reported significant flash flooding developed along Johns River and especially Wilson Creek after as much as 7 inches of rain fell in just a few hours across extreme western Caldwell County. Water from Wilson Creek entered several homes on Laurel St in Edgemont, and two families at this location were rescued via helicopter after their homes were cut off by flood water. A stream gauge on Wilson Creek at Edgemont reached its highest level since the gauge became operational in 2008. Portions of Wilson Creek Beach Rd, Brown Mountain Beach Rd, and Old Johns River Rd were reportedly washed away, while numerous other roads were flooded and closed, including Adako Rd and Collettsville Rd along the Johns River. A parking lot at Collettsville School was flooded with about two feet of water from the Johns River. Multiple landslides were also reported to be blocking roads in the area, including an estimated 100 foot wide slide that blocked Edgemont Rd. $50,000 Richland 11/12/2020 Tropical Cyclone Eta moved from the eastern Gulf of Mexico, across the northern Florida peninsula, to off the South Carolina coast throughout the 11th and 12th. Tropical moisture streaming into the Carolinas throughout this time resulted in development of heavy rainfall, with widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts across the foothills and Piedmont of North Carolina. This resulted in areas of flash flooding and main stem river flooding, some of which was significant, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant damage. A stream gauge on the Yadkin River near Patterson exceeded its established flood stage after 4 to 7 inches fell across the basin, with much of that falling in only 3 hours or so between midnight and daybreak on the 12th. Multiple roads and some homes were inundated in the Happy Valley community, especially between Highway 268 and the river. Additionally, a few mudslides developed in the Yadkin basin, including a large one that covered/closed Kirby Mountain Rd north of Patterson. $50,000 Edgemont 6/9/2019 A moist upslope flow developing north of a stationary front resulted in widespread showers and thunderstorms developing across western North Carolina during the evening of the 8th into the overnight and early morning hours of the ninth. Four to seven inches of rain, with locally higher amounts of 10 inches or more falling over the northern foothills resulted in flash flooding in multiple areas. During an ongoing flood event, new flash flooding developed across Caldwell County, particularly in the Wilson Creek and Johns Creek basins, after heavy rain showers and thunderstorms moved back into the area and dropped 1 to 2 inches of rain on top of saturated soils and swollen streams in just a couple of hours. The main impacts were along Wilson Creek, where the stream reportedly rose 3 to 4 feet in the span of 20 minutes between Edgemont and the confluence with the Johns River. An occupant of a home along Edgemont Rd had to be rescued when water from Wilson Creek inundated the home, rising to window-level. A gauge on the Johns River $30,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-8 County Location Event Date Event Narrative Episode Narrative Notable Damages The widespread nature of the excessive rainfall within the Catawba River watershed caused the river to rise to levels not seen in almost 80 years in the western Piedmont, with flooding persisting in some areas through the 10th. Meanwhile, a brief, weak tornado developed across Rutherford County. just over the line in Burke County rose quickly from minor to moderate stage, indicating worsening flooding of several roads along the stream and its tributaries. Flooding also persisted along the Yadkin River in the northern part of the county. Lenoir 6/8/2019 Multiple sources reported flash flooding developed over southern and eastern portions of Caldwell County after 4 to 7 inches of rain fell in just a few hours. The bulk of the flooding issues were from the south side of Lenoir to Hudson and Cajah's Mountain. Multiple roads were reported to be covered with water in south Lenoir, with motorists unable to leave their driveways. Severe urban flooding of the town hall parking lot in Cajah's Mountain apparently resulted in a sink hole opening up, which a vehicle then fell into. A tributary of Little Gunpowder Creek overflowed its banks and flooded Legion Rd near the Friendly Park Rd intersection. Meanwhile, Duck Creek overflowed its banks in the northeast part of the county and washed out part of Duck Creek Rd. Finally, a stream gauge on Little Creek in Lenoir exceeded its established flood stage. $10,000 Catawba Catawba 11/12/2020 Tropical Cyclone Eta moved from the eastern Gulf of Mexico, across the northern Florida peninsula, to off the South Carolina coast throughout the 11th and 12th. Tropical moisture streaming into the Carolinas throughout this time resulted in development of heavy A stream gauge on the Catawba River at Lookout Shoals Dam indicated major flash flooding developed just upstream of the dam after 5 to 8 inches of rain fell throughout the Catawba basin, with the bulk of that falling in only a 3-hour period between midnight and sunrise on the 12th. Numerous homes were inundated and damaged, with numerous residents Property Damage $500,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-9 Draft County Location Event Date Event Narrative Episode Narrative Notable Damages rainfall, with widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts across the foothills and Piedmont of North Carolina. This resulted in areas of flash flooding and main stem river flooding, some of which was significant, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant damage. evacuated along the western shores of Lookout Shoals Lake. This was the second major flood event along this portion of the Catawba in less than two years (June 2019), and the second highest crest on record at Lookout Shoals (August 1940). Catawba 6/9/2019 A moist upslope flow developing north of a stationary front resulted in widespread showers and thunderstorms developing across western North Carolina during the evening of the 8th into the overnight and early morning hours of the ninth. Four to seven inches of rain, with locally higher amounts of 10 inches or more falling over the northern foothills resulted in flash flooding in multiple areas. The widespread nature of the excessive rainfall within the Catawba River watershed caused the river to rise to levels not seen in almost 80 years in the western Piedmont, with flooding persisting in some areas through the 10th. Meanwhile, a brief, weak tornado developed across Rutherford County. A dam pool stage gauge reported and emergency manager confirmed flooding of the Catawba River upstream of the Lookout Sholes dam occurred after widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 7 inches fell within the basin upstream of the dam, with much of that falling over the course of several hours. Several homes in the Carpenters Cove community and along Longfield St were inundated with flood water. The pool elevation behind the dam peaked at just over 108 ft on the morning of the 9th, which was its highest level since August 1940. $250,000 Long View 6/8/2019 Multiple sources reported flash flooding developed in Hickory and vicinity after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in just a few hours. This was in addition to the 3 inches of rain that fell across roughly the same area on the night of the 7th. Flooding was first reported in southeast Hickory where apartment buildings on 12th Ave SE were flooded by Miller Branch resulting in the rescue of several residents. Flooding was otherwise confined primarily to the Mountain View area where multiple streams overflowed their banks and flooded roads. These included a tributary of Henry Fork which flooded Mountain Grove Rd Henry Fork flooding Old Shelby Rd another tributary of $50,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-10 County Location Event Date Event Narrative Episode Narrative Notable Damages Henry Fork that flooded Wallace Dairy Rd at Mt Zion Church Rd and Pott Creek which sent water into Fred T Foard High School and the adjacent road. Catawba 2/6/2020 Unusually high levels of moisture for early February combined with a slow- moving frontal system to produce an extended period of moderate to heavy rainfall across western North Carolina from the morning of the 5th until the early morning hours of the 7th. Intense rain rates associated with bands of heavy rain showers and embedded thunderstorms developing along the front during the morning and afternoon of the 7th resulted in rather widespread flash flooding. Isolated tornadoes also developed during this time across the Piedmont. Total rainfall of 3 to 6 inches resulted in flooding persisting along some main stem rivers and larger streams well into the 7th. A stream gauge at Lookout Shoals Dam on the Catawba River exceeded its established flood stage, reaching moderate flood levels after widespread rainfall of 4.5 to 5.5 inches fell throughout the basin in about 24 hours. Crawl space flooding of a home occurred on Longfield St, while other homes in the Carpenters Cove community experienced some inundation of foundations. $50,000 Hickory 8/15/2020 Numerous showers and thunderstorms and storm clusters developed over the northern foothills of North Carolina from the evening into the early morning hours. Repeating and slow moving showers and storms resulted in localized heavy to excessive rainfall and flash flooding. Multiple sources reported flash flooding developed along multiple streams and creeks across northern Catawba County especially Falling Creek Snow Creek and Lyle Creek after 2.5 to 4.5 inches of rain fell across the area in just a few hours. Multiple swift water rescues were reported especially along Falling Creek and Snow Creek. Water from Lyle Creek inundated an apartment complex on County Home Rd in Conover. Roads impacted and closed due to flood waters included Bunkerhill School Rd near Deal Rd $50,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-11 Draft County Location Event Date Event Narrative Episode Narrative Notable Damages Highway 16 Snow Creek Rd Kool Park Rd NE 12th Ave and Springs Rd NE. Table A- 1: Summary of 5 most notable flooding and flash flooding events from the NCDC Storm Events Database between 2018 and 2023. Location Date Event Type Episode Narrative Alexander (Zone) 3/12/2018 Winter Weather Precipitation developed across the northern foothills and northwest Piedmont during the early morning in association with a frontal zone and associated low pressure. While most of the precip fell as rain, cooler air filtering in from the north, along with cooling brought about higher precipitation rates forced a brief change over to snow around sunrise. The snow accumulated quickly in spots, and some areas north of I-40 reported as much as 4 inches. The quick accumulation caused slick spots to develop on roads, with quite a few traffic accidents reported along the I-40 corridor. However, a warm ground and quickly warming temps ended resulted in fast melting after the snow. Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) Greater Caldwell (Zone) Catawba (Zone) 3/14/2018 Winter Weather An area of moderate to heavy snow showers moved off the Blue Ridge and across the foothills and portions of the far western Piedmont around sunrise. Although the snow was brief, generally only lasting around an hour in most locations, up to an inch of snow quickly accumulated. Despite warm road temperatures, the rapid accumulation resulted in some travel difficulties across the foothills. Burke Mountains (Zone) Greater Burke (Zone) Greater Caldwell (Zone) Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) 3/24/2018 Winter Weather As a warm front lifted slowly north across the Tennessee Valley and the Carolinas, an area of light to moderate snow developed across the northern mountains around daybreak on the 24th. Warmer air gradually overspread the area from the southwest, allowing many areas to change to rain. The exception was along the Blue Ridge, mainly along and east of the continental divide, where a narrow corridor of near- freezing surface temperatures locked in for much of the day. By late afternoon, temperatures warming above the surface forced a transition to sleet and freezing rain in these areas. Ice accumulation of up to one half inch was reported on top of up to an Caldwell Mountains (Zone) ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-12 Location Date Event Type Episode Narrative inch of sleet and snow. Pockets of significant tree damage were reported in locations that received the higher ice accumulations. Alexander (Zone) Precipitation developed across the northern foothills and northwest Piedmont during the morning of the 24th, as a warm front lifted slowly north across the Tennessee Valley and the Carolinas. After falling as rain for much of the day, precipitation turned to snow and sleet during the evening as cooler air funneled into the area from the northeast. Many areas along and north of I-40 received a quick half inch to 2 inches of snow and sleet before the precipitation tapered off during the early morning hours. Greater Caldwell (Zone) Alexander (Zone) 11/24/2018 Winter Weather Precipitation developed across the mountains, foothills, and far western Piedmont of North Carolina during the overnight, as a wave of low pressure moved along the Gulf Coast. Precipitation began as rain is most areas, but transitioned to freezing rain as a wedge of cold air locked in across the area. By the time the precipitation tapered off around sunrise, ice accretion of one tenth to one quarter inch was reported in many areas, with the highest amounts reported near the Blue Ridge. Scattered downed trees and power lines/power outages were reported. Catawba (Zone) Alexander (Zone) 12/8/2018 Heavy Snow Snow developed across northwest North Carolina around midnight the morning of the 9th, and began accumulating quickly. Moderate to heavy snow continued through the morning of the 9th before tapering off during the early afternoon. Storm total accumulations were generally in the 10 to 15 inch range, with lower amounts south of I-40, and locally higher amounts across the mountains, particularly the high peaks along the Blue Ridge, where more than two feet fell. Travel was paralyzed across this area for a couple of days. Greater Caldwell (Zone) Greater Burke (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Catawba (Zone) Alexander (Zone) 1/23/2019 Winter Weather Patchy light freezing rain developed across western North Carolina during the early morning hours of the 23rd and continued off and on through mid-morning. Ice accretion was generally confined to areas north of I-85, and was quite light in most areas, around a tenth of an inch or less. Some slick spots developed on roads, resulting in a few traffic accidents. Patchy light freezing rain developed across western North Carolina during the early morning hours of the 23rd and continued off and on through mid-morning. Ice accretion was generally confined to areas north of I-85, and was quite light in most Greater Burke (Zone) Greater Caldwell (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-13 Draft Location Date Event Type Episode Narrative Caldwell Mountains (Zone) areas, around a tenth of an inch or less. Some slick spots developed on roads, resulting in a few traffic accidents. Catawba (Zone) Alexander (Zone) 2/19/2019 Winter Weather A moist southerly flow develop above a cool wedge of high pressure resulted in development of precipitation across western North Carolina during the afternoon and evening of the 19th. Just enough cold air was in place to allow the precipitation to initially fall as a mixture of sleet and snow along the eastern Blue Ridge escarpment as well as the far northern foothills and Piedmont. As warm air developed aloft, precipitation gradually transitioned to sleet and freezing rain in most of these locations during the overnight and early morning hours of the 21st. Most areas transitioned to rain during the morning of the 21st, although some pockets of freezing rain persisted in sheltered areas along the Blue Ridge. Total sleet and snow accumulations generally ranged from one half inch to less than 2 inches, although some high elevation areas along the Blue Ridge saw 2 to 4 inches of snow. Some locations along the Blue Ridge saw between .1 and .2 inch ice accretion before the precip tapered off or changed to rain. Burke Mountains (Zone) Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Greater Caldwell (Zone) Alexander (Zone) 12/13/2019 Winter Weather Moisture associated with a developing low pressure system along the Southeast Coast overspreading a cool and dry air mass over western North Carolina resulted in development of freezing rain, mainly along the Blue Ridge escarpment, and along and near the I-40 corridor in the foothills and Piedmont. Light ice accretion of around .10 inch or less was primarily confined to elevated surfaces, although a few slick spots developed over the mountains. Precipitation changed to rain throughout the morning as temperatures warmed above freezing. Greater Burke (Zone) Greater Caldwell (Zone) Catawba (Zone) Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) 1/31/2020 Winter Weather Precipitation spread northeast across western North Carolina beginning around daybreak. Temperatures were just cold enough for precipitation to begin as snow across the Blue Ridge. Snow continued through the morning across much of this area before ending or changing to rain in some locations. Total accumulations were generally in the 1 to 3 inch range. Caldwell Mountains (Zone) ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-14 Location Date Event Type Episode Narrative Caldwell Mountains (Zone) 2/21/2020 Winter Weather Moisture overspreading a southward-moving cold front resulted in development of precipitation across the North Carolina mountains throughout the daylight hours of the 21st. Temperatures were cold enough in most locations for this precipitation to fall as snow, although rain mixed in at times below about 2500 feet. By the time the snow tapered off during the evening, snowfall totals ranged from trace amounts up to an inch in the lower interior valleys, to 1 to 4 inches above 2500 feet and in the valleys near the Blue Ridge. Burke Mountains (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) 2/28/2020 Winter Weather A strong upper level disturbance crossing the southern Appalachians resulted in redevelopment of snow showers across the North Carolina mountains throughout the 28th and early on the 29th. The relatively long duration of the event along with the enhanced lift from the disturbance allowed for higher accumulations than normally seen during northwest flow events, while accumulating snowfall was also reported well south and east of the usual Tennessee border areas, including across portions of the middle and upper French Broad Valley. Total amounts were generally in the 2-4 inch range, although amounts as high as 8 inches were reported on some of the high peaks and ridge tops. Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) 12/16/2020 Winter Weather Light freezing rain developed over portions of western North Carolina, primarily areas along the eastern Blue Ridge escarpment, the northern foothills, and northwest Piedmont as areas of low pressure moved along the Gulf and southeast Atlantic coast. The precipitation changed to rain in most locations during the late morning as temperatures warmed above freezing. Total ice accretion was generally around a tenth of an inch or less, although isolated spots along the eastern Blue Ridge saw around a quarter of an inch. Light freezing rain developed over portions of western North Carolina, primarily areas along the eastern Blue Ridge escarpment, the northern foothills, and northwest Piedmont as areas of low pressure moved along the Gulf and southeast Atlantic coast. The precipitation changed to rain in most locations during the late morning as temperatures warmed above freezing. Total ice accretion was generally around a tenth of an inch or less, although isolated spots along the eastern Blue Ridge saw around a quarter of an inch. Alexander (Zone) Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Greater Burke (Zone) Greater Caldwell (Zone) Catawba (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) 12/24/2020 Winter Weather Precipitation associated with an area of low pressure and attendant cold front moved across western North Carolina throughout Christmas Eve into Christmas morning. Snow levels dropped quickly across the mountains during the evening hours, resulting in rain changing to snow. By the time the snow tapered off around daybreak on Christmas, snowfall totals range from 1 to 4 inches across the area, with locally higher amounts in the higher elevations. This was the first notable Christmas snowfall for this area since 2010. Caldwell Mountains (Zone) ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-15 Draft Location Date Event Type Episode Narrative Greater Caldwell (Zone) 1/7/2021 Winter Weather Snow developed across the mountains and foothills of North Carolina during the evening of the 7th as an area of low pressure moved across the coastal plain of Georgia and the Carolinas. The snow mixed with or changed to rain in many areas before tapering off during the daylight hours of the 9th. Total accumulations were generally in the 1 to 3 inch range, although some areas above 2500 feet or so saw as much as 4 inches. Greater Burke (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) 1/8/2021 Heavy Snow Snow developed across western North Carolina around midnight and continued through the morning of the 8th as an area of low pressure moved across the coastal plain of Georgia and the Carolinas. Heavy snow accumulations were reached across much of the northern mountains during the late morning, before the snow tapered off to scattered snow showers and flurries throughout the afternoon and evening. Total accumulations ranged from 3 to 6 inches across this area, with locally higher totals of as much as 8 inches reported above 4500 feet. Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Caldwell Mountains (Zone) 1/30/2021 Winter Storm/ Winter Weather A wintry mix developed across portions of the mountains and portions of the foothills during the evening of the 30th as a frontal system moved across the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys. Precipitation began as snow in most locations and accumulated to a couple of inches or so throughout the evening. As temperatures warmed aloft, precip transitioned to sleet, especially along and south of I-40, where heavy sleet accumulations of 1 to 2 inches were reported in some areas. A transition to freezing rain occurred before the precip ended, resulting in a light glaze of ice on top of the sleet and snow. Total snow and sleet accumulations ranged from 1 to 3 inches along and south of I-40, where sleet undercut the totals, to 4 to 6 inches across Avery and Mitchell Counties. Ice accretion was mostly less than a tenth of an inch. A wintry mix developed across portions of the mountains and portions of the foothills during the evening of the 30th as a frontal system moved across the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys. Precipitation began as snow in most locations and accumulated before warming temperatures aloft forced a transition to sleet and freezing rain. Total accumulations of sleet and snow generally ranged from one half inch to less than two inches, although some locations above 3000 feet or so saw up to 3 inches. Greater Burke (Zone) Greater Caldwell (Zone) Catawba (Zone) Alexander (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) 2/6/2021 Winter Weather Snow developed across the North Carolina mountains during the afternoon and evening of the 6th and continued through the overnight as a cold front approached from the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys. By the time the snow tapered off during the morning of the 7th. Total accumulations ranged from 2 to 4 inches across the area, with some locally higher amounts reported above 3500 feet or so. Snow developed across the the Piedmont and foothills of western North Carolina during the evening of the 6th and continued into the overnight hours before tapering off or changing to rain during the early morning of the 7th. Total snow accumulations Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Alexander (Zone) ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-16 Location Date Event Type Episode Narrative Greater Caldwell (Zone) generally ranged from 1 to 3 inches across the area, with some locally higher amounts of around 4 inches reported. The snow briefly changed to sleet and freezing rain in some areas before the precipitation ended, but accumulations were minimal. Greater Burke (Zone) Catawba (Zone) Alexander (Zone) 2/17/2021 Winter Weather Moisture and precipitation overspread the western Carolinas late in the evening of the 17th and continued into the morning of the 18th in association with an area of low pressure moving along the Gulf Coast. Enough cold air was in place to allow some of this precipitation to fall as freezing rain, until warming temperatures gradually forced a transition to rain from southwest to northeast. Total ice accretion was generally in the .10 to .20 range, with spotty higher amounts. Due to warm road temperatures, accretion was primarily limited to elevated surfaces and limited travel difficulties. Catawba (Zone) Greater Burke (Zone) Greater Caldwell (Zone) Alexander (Zone) 1/16/2022 Heavy Snow Moisture overspread the North Carolina foothills and far western Piedmont early on the 16th as strengthening low pressure moved across the Deep South. Strong northeast winds supplied ample cold air for the precipitation to begin as light snow across much of the foothills. Snow continued into the overnight, becoming moderate to occasionally heavy, with snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour reported. Heavy snowfall criteria of 2 to 4 inches was reached in many areas by sunrise, with accumulating snow continuing through the morning hours before tapering off to occasional snow showers during the afternoon and evening. Total snow accumulations ranged from 5 to 10 inches across much of the area, with locally higher amounts along the eastern Blue Ridge escarpment. Travel was difficult to nearly impossible throughout the 16th and much of the 17th. Burke Mountains (Zone) Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Catawba (Zone) Greater Burke (Zone) Greater Caldwell (Zone) Alexander (Zone) 2/7/2022 Winter Weather Moisture associated with low pressure developing off the South Carolina coast overspread the North Carolina Piedmont during the morning, resulting in a brief period of light precipitation. Enough cold air was in place to allow much of this to fall as freezing rain north of I-85. Light ice accretion of around a tenth of an inch or less was reported, mainly on elevated surfaces. Roads were warm enough such that travel issues were primarily relegated to a few slick spots on bridges and overpasses. Spotty dustings of snow were also reported north of I-40. Catawba (Zone) Greater Burke (Zone) Greater Caldwell (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) 1/6/2024 Winter Weather The second arctic cold front in 4 days brought gusty northwest winds and another shot of very cold air to the southern Appalachians in the wake of an arctic cold front. Winds gusting from 30 to 45 mph combined with air temperatures in the single digits, with ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-17 Draft Location Date Event Type Episode Narrative Caldwell Mountains (Zone) some below zero readings observed above 4000 feet, to produce wind chill values between 10 and 25 below above 3500 feet. Meanwhile, wind chill values from 0 to 10 below were observed in the North Carolina mountains valleys and across the higher elevations of South Carolina and northeast Georgia. Burke Mountains (Zone) 1/9/2024 Winter Weather Precipitation overspread the southern Appalachians during the early morning of the 9th in advance of a strong storm system. Once the precipitation began, pockets of cold air developed and became trapped for a few hours in a small area along the eastern Blue Ridge escarpment of North Carolina. This resulted in freezing rain falling in these areas. Isolated ice accretion was reported, with a few locations receiving almost a quarter inch. Burke Mountains (Zone) 1/18/2024 Winter Weather Snow showers developed across the high elevations of North Carolina during the evening of the 18th. Snow showers continued off and on through the 19th before tapering off during the early morning hours of the 20th. While snow was initially limited to the higher elevations, snow levels fell in the wake of a cold front, with snow showers eventually impacting the valleys during the afternoon and evening of the 19th. By the time the snow tapered off, total accumulations of 2 to 6 inches were reported, mainly above 3500 feet. However, some lower valley locations received 1 to 4 inches, including in the Asheville area and in the lower French Broad Valley. Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) 3/1/2024 Winter Weather Precipitation developed across portions of the North Carolina mountains during the pre-dawn hours. Pockets of cold air lingering across some high elevation locations, as well as valley locations near the Blue Ridge escarpment resulted in light freezing rain. Light icing occurred, with general ice accretion of around a tenth of an inch or less. However, some spotty locations saw amounts close to one quarter inch. Table A- 2: Winter Weather, Heavy Snow, and Winter Storm Events from the NCDC Storm Events Database between 2018 - 2024. Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Morganton 05/21/2000 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 05/21/2000 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/24/2000 Hail 2.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 05/24/2000 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-18 Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Morganton 05/24/2000 Hail 4.50 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/24/2000 Hail 4.50 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 05/28/2000 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton 06/28/2000 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton 07/28/2000 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Rutherford College 08/25/2000 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 08/25/2000 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/04/2001 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/04/2001 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Terrell 06/25/2001 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Brindletown 04/17/2002 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Bethlehem 05/10/2002 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Claremont 05/10/2002 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/06/2002 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Bethlehem 06/13/2002 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Kings Creek 07/04/2002 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 04/30/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 04/30/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton 05/02/2003 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-19 Draft Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Millersville 05/03/2003 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hiddenite 05/03/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Ellendale 05/03/2003 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Granite Falls 05/03/2003 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton 05/03/2003 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton 05/03/2003 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 05/03/2003 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 05/15/2003 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Jonas Ridge 05/15/2003 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 05/15/2003 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/15/2003 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 05/15/2003 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 05/15/2003 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 05/15/2003 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hildebran 05/15/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 06/30/2003 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Longview 07/09/2003 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 07/12/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 07/13/2003 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-20 Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Morganton 07/13/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 07/16/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton 07/16/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Collettsville 07/18/2003 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 07/21/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton 07/21/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Maiden 07/21/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Valdese 07/29/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 08/22/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Icard 08/22/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton 08/22/2003 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Sherrills Ford 08/22/2003 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Drexel 05/09/2004 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Stony Pt 05/09/2004 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hildebran 05/09/2004 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 05/09/2004 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 05/22/2004 Hail 1.50 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 05/22/2004 Hail 1.50 in. 0 0 50.00K 0.00K Lenoir 05/22/2004 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-21 Draft Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Morganton 05/30/2004 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 07/04/2004 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 07/04/2004 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 04/07/2005 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 05/10/2005 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 05/10/2005 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Bethlehem 05/10/2005 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton 05/10/2005 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/14/2005 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Chesterfield 06/06/2005 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Granite Falls 06/19/2005 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Longview 06/19/2005 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 08/05/2005 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 04/03/2006 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Granite Falls 04/03/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 04/03/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hiddenite 04/03/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 04/08/2006 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 04/08/2006 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-22 Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Terrell 04/17/2006 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 04/25/2006 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 04/25/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Longview 04/25/2006 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Claremont 04/25/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Granite Falls 04/25/2006 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Conover 04/25/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 04/25/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/13/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/14/2006 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Gamewell 05/14/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Maiden 05/14/2006 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Maiden 05/14/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Maiden 05/14/2006 Hail 2.00 in. 0 0 1.00K 0.00K Maiden 05/14/2006 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hildebran 05/14/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 05/14/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Conover 05/14/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 05/14/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-23 Draft Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Catawba 05/20/2006 Hail 2.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/02/2006 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/11/2006 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Granite Falls 06/22/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton 06/22/2006 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Maiden 06/23/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Maiden 06/23/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 07/04/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Conover 07/04/2006 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Conover 07/15/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 07/20/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 07/28/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 09/10/2006 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Patterson 10/05/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 11/11/2006 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton 04/15/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 04/15/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Gamewell 04/15/2007 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 04/15/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-24 Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Morganton 06/08/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Catawba 06/08/2007 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 06/11/2007 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Bethlehem 06/11/2007 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 06/11/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Icard 06/12/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Granite Falls 06/12/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/14/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Jonas Ridge 06/24/2007 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Patterson 06/28/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 06/28/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Jonas Ridge 07/23/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 07/25/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 07/25/2007 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Longview 08/04/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 08/23/2007 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 08/23/2007 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 04/26/2008 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Maiden 04/26/2008 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-25 Draft Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Collettsville 05/08/2008 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 05/08/2008 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Patterson 05/11/2008 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/11/2008 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/11/2008 Hail 2.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/10/2008 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 06/21/2008 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 06/21/2008 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Patterson 06/22/2008 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 06/22/2008 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Conover 06/22/2008 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Catawba 06/22/2008 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 06/27/2008 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 06/28/2008 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Valdese 07/07/2008 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 07/07/2008 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 07/07/2008 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Grandin 07/07/2008 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 08/02/2008 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-26 Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Lenoir 08/14/2008 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Bethlehem 08/14/2008 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 08/14/2008 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 09/30/2008 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Longview 04/21/2009 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/09/2009 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Kings Creek 05/16/2009 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Vashti 05/29/2009 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Collettsville 06/02/2009 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Mortimer 06/02/2009 Hail 1.50 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oak Hill 06/03/2009 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Drums Xrds 06/11/2009 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Enola 07/12/2009 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 07/20/2009 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oak Hill 07/20/2009 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oak Hill 07/20/2009 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Calvin 07/20/2009 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 07/20/2009 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Burke Chapel 07/20/2009 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-27 Draft Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage All Healing Spgs 08/05/2009 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Brookford 08/05/2009 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Drexel 09/09/2009 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Valmead 05/14/2010 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 05/28/2010 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Enola 05/28/2010 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/15/2010 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Claremont 06/15/2010 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Drexel 07/09/2010 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Rufus 07/18/2010 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Patterson 08/05/2010 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Grace Chapel 11/16/2010 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 02/28/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Claremont 02/28/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 04/09/2011 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 04/09/2011 Hail 2.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Connellys Spgs 04/09/2011 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Gamewell 04/28/2011 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 04/28/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-28 Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Glen Alpine 05/10/2011 Hail 1.50 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 05/10/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Chesterfield 05/13/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Chesterfield 05/13/2011 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Patterson 05/24/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Baily Camp 05/26/2011 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Mortimer 05/26/2011 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Whitnel 05/26/2011 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Valmead 05/26/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/08/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Calvin 06/08/2011 Hail 1.50 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Connellys Spgs 06/10/2011 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Brookford 06/11/2011 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 06/11/2011 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 06/11/2011 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Catawba 06/12/2011 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Kings Creek 06/21/2011 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Startown 06/21/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 06/28/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-29 Draft Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Oyama 06/28/2011 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 07/07/2011 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Whitnel 08/11/2011 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Baton 08/11/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Collettsville 08/13/2011 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Propst Xrds 08/14/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 08/18/2011 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Catawba 08/18/2011 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 08/19/2011 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Bridgewater 08/21/2011 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oyama 02/24/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Claremont 02/24/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oyama 02/24/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 03/20/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Patterson 04/17/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Drexel 04/17/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 04/26/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Valdese 04/26/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Richland 04/27/2012 Hail 1.50 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-30 Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Glen Alpine 05/01/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 05/01/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 05/01/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/01/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/01/2012 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/01/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Yadkin Vly 05/02/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Globe 05/02/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Drexel 05/21/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Pleasant Grove Brke 05/22/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Globe 06/22/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 06/22/2012 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Globe 07/01/2012 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Warrior 07/01/2012 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 07/01/2012 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Icard 07/01/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 07/01/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Brookford 07/01/2012 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Brookford 07/01/2012 Hail 2.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-31 Draft Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Morganton 07/01/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Draco 07/01/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 07/02/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Catawba 07/16/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Longisland 07/16/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 07/25/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Olivers Xrds 07/25/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Paynes Store 08/02/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Conover 08/02/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Calvin 08/08/2012 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Cedar Vly 09/28/2012 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Pleasant Grove Brke 05/07/2013 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 05/11/2013 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Drexel 05/11/2013 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Granite Falls 05/11/2013 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Brindletown 05/11/2013 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Joy 05/21/2013 Hail 1.50 in. 0 0 1.00K 0.00K Lenoir 05/22/2013 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Valmead 05/22/2013 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-32 Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Vashti 05/23/2013 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 05/23/2013 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hiddenite 05/23/2013 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Drexel 06/13/2013 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Conover 06/13/2013 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Bridgewater 06/26/2013 Hail 1.50 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Enola 06/26/2013 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oak Hill 07/05/2013 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 07/12/2013 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Collettsville 07/12/2013 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 07/12/2013 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 07/12/2013 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Enola 07/12/2013 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Jonas Ridge 07/17/2013 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Stony Pt 07/17/2013 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Claremont 07/17/2013 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Jonas Ridge 07/25/2013 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oyama 08/12/2013 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 04/03/2014 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-33 Draft Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Oak Hill 06/04/2014 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/11/2014 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Jonas Ridge 06/16/2014 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Icard 06/16/2014 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Ieard 06/18/2014 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hildebran 06/18/2014 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Longview 06/18/2014 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Icard 06/18/2014 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Chesterfield 06/19/2014 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Saw Mills 06/19/2014 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Valdese 06/19/2014 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Brookford 06/19/2014 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Claremont 06/19/2014 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Jonas Ridge 06/19/2014 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/20/2014 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Connellys Spgs 07/23/2014 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Drexel 07/24/2014 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 09/06/2014 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Chesterfield 10/10/2014 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-34 Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Morganton 10/11/2014 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Joy 04/09/2015 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Collettsville 04/09/2015 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Globe 06/01/2015 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Bethlehem 06/02/2015 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Catawba 06/02/2015 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 06/18/2015 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Calvin 06/18/2015 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Valdese 06/19/2015 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hudson 06/19/2015 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 06/19/2015 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oyama 06/30/2015 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oak Hill 06/30/2015 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Catawba 07/21/2015 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 08/14/2015 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Bethlehem 09/04/2015 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Grace Chapel 09/04/2015 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 09/04/2015 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Gamewell 09/04/2015 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 1.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-35 Draft Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Glen Alpine 05/02/2016 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Pleasant Grove Brke 05/03/2016 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Burke Chapel 05/03/2016 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Propst Xrds 05/03/2016 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Propst Xrds 05/03/2016 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Cotton Factory 05/03/2016 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Drums Xrds 05/03/2016 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K All Healing Spgs 06/02/2016 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Valdese 06/27/2016 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/29/2016 Hail 1.50 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/29/2016 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 06/29/2016 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Enola 06/29/2016 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Conover 06/29/2016 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oak Hill 06/30/2016 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oak Hill 06/30/2016 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Duan 07/03/2016 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 07/05/2016 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Claremont 07/11/2016 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-36 Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Chesterfield 07/16/2016 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 07/16/2016 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Conover 07/22/2016 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 09/27/2016 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Grandin 09/28/2016 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Bridgewater 09/29/2016 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Collettsville 09/29/2016 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Stony Pt 09/29/2016 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Stony Pt 09/29/2016 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Patterson 09/29/2016 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Enola 03/01/2017 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Valdese 03/01/2017 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Enola 03/01/2017 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Pleasant Grove Brke 03/01/2017 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oyama 03/01/2017 Hail 1.50 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Kings Creek 03/27/2017 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Drexel 04/05/2017 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Rutherford College 04/05/2017 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 04/06/2017 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-37 Draft Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Baily Camp 05/19/2017 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 05/19/2017 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Granite Falls 06/13/2017 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hudson 06/13/2017 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oyama 06/13/2017 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Ieard 07/13/2017 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 07/17/2017 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville Arpt 07/17/2017 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Liledoun 07/17/2017 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 07/17/2017 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 07/17/2017 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Icard 07/17/2017 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Lenoir 07/18/2017 Hail 1.50 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Collettsville 07/22/2017 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Chesterfield 07/23/2017 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville Arpt 09/05/2017 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 05/07/2018 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Enola 05/10/2018 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Burke Chapel 05/10/2018 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-38 Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Propst Xrds 05/10/2018 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville 05/10/2018 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Granite Falls 05/20/2018 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Brindletown 06/03/2018 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Burke Chapel 06/03/2018 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Mt Herman 06/10/2018 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 06/11/2018 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oak Hill 06/11/2018 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Chesterfield 07/05/2018 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 07/21/2018 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory 07/21/2018 Hail 2.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Mt Herman 07/21/2018 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Bethlehem 07/21/2018 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Duan 08/08/2018 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Propst Xrds 08/08/2018 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hildebran 08/08/2018 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine 09/01/2018 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oak Hill 04/13/2019 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hiddenite 05/31/2019 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-39 Draft Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Taylorsville Arpt 07/04/2019 Hail 1.50 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oyama 07/11/2019 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Saw Mills 07/20/2019 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hudson 07/20/2019 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Burke Chapel 07/31/2019 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton 08/13/2019 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Abingdon 08/21/2019 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Startown 08/23/2019 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hartland 09/30/2019 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Rhodhiss 09/30/2019 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oak Hill – Burke County 4/25/2020 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Baton – Caldwell County 4/25/2020 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Propst XRDS – Catawba County 4/26/2020 Hail 0.88in 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton – Burke County 7/10/2020 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Chesterfield – Burke County 7/21/2020 Hail 1.00 in 0 0 0.00k 0.00k Valdese – Burke County 7/21/2020 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory – Burke County 7/21/2020 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Morganton – Burke County 3/27/2021 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton – Catawba County 6/14/2021 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-40 Location Date Type Mag Deaths Injuries Property Damage Crop Damage Claremont – Catawba County 7/17/2021 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Baton – Caldwell County 8/14/2021 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Glen Alpine – Burke County 5/01/2022 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Granite Falls – Caldwell County 5/26/2022 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Chesterfield – Burke County 6/02/2022 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Oak Hill – Burke County 6/02/2022 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Chesterfield – Burke County 7/02/2022 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Burke Chapel – Burke County 7/06/2022 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Newton – Catawba County 8/10/1011 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Warrior – Caldwell County 3/03/2023 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Taylorsville – Alexander County 4/06/2023 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Smiths Store – Alexander County 4/06/2023 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Enola – Burke County 4/22/2023 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Brindletown – Burke County 6/26/2023 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Hickory – Catawba County 7./01/2023 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Rutherford College – Burke County 9/07/2023 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Totals: 0 0 53.00K 0.00K Table A- 3: Hail events summary from the NCDC between 2000-2023 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-41 Draft Location Date Episode Narrative Caldwell Mountains (Zone) 11/14/2018 Precipitation developed in association with weak low pressure moving across the Southeast during the overnight of the 14th and early morning of the 15th. Precipitation began as rain and/or snow across the mountains, but transitioned to liquid as temperatures warmed aloft. However, a wedge of cool air remained in place across the Blue Ridge, resulting in freezing rain, mainly within a few miles either side of the Continental Divide. While most areas saw around a tenth of an inch or less of ice accretion, damaging ice accumulations were reported across the high elevations of Caldwell and Burke Counties, as well as eastern portions of Avery County. Burke Mountains (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) 11/24/2018 For the second time in 10 days, a freezing rain event developed across portions of the mountains and foothills of North Carolina. Precipitation developed during the overnight, as a wave of low pressure moved along the Gulf Coast. Precipitation began as rain and snow, but transitioned to freezing rain across all but the highest elevations (where more of a wintry mix was reported), as a wedge of cold air locked in near the Blue Ridge. As freezing rain continued through daybreak, damaging accumulations of ice, generally between one quarter and ine half inch were reported across the area. Quite a few trees and power lines, along with numerous power outages were reported across the area. Greater Caldwell (Zone) Greater Burke (Zone) Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Alexander (Zone) 1/12/2019 Moist air flowing over a wedge of cold air banked against the eastern slopes of the Appalachians resulted in precipitation development across the Blue Ridge and surrounding areas beginning during the evening of the 12th. The atmosphere quickly cooled to or below freezing near the escarpment and out across the lower elevations of the foothills and far northwest Piedmont. This resulted in much of the precipitation falling as freezing rain in these areas. The freezing rain continued through the overnight across the Blue Ridge and surrounding areas before tapering off around daybreak on the 13th. Total ice accretion of one quarter to one half inch was reported, with the heaviest amounts being across the foothills and immediately along the Blue Ridge escarpment. Scattered downed trees and power outages were reported throughout the area. Burke Mountains (Zone) Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Catawba (Zone) Greater Burke (Zone) Greater Caldwell (Zone) Burke Mountains (Zone) 2/17/2021 Moisture and precipitation overspread the western North Carolina late in the evening of the 17th and continued into the morning of the 18th in association with an area of low pressure moving along the Gulf Coast. Enough cold air was trapped along the eastern Blue Ridge escarpment to allow much of this precipitation to fall as freezing rain. By the time the precipitation tapered off during the morning of the 18th, total ice accretion was generally around one quarter inch, although spotty amounts closer to one half inch were reported. Due to warm road temperatures, accretion was primarily limited to elevated surfaces and limited travel difficulties. Caldwell Mountains (Zone) Table A- 4: Ice storms from the NCDC storm events database between 2018 and 2023 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-42 County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative Burke Calvin 4/15/2018 0 0 0 Media reported trees and power lines blown down on Lions Hill St. Scattered to numerous afternoon thunderstorms developing ahead of a cold front moved into the North Carolina Piedmont from South Carolina during the early afternoon. Several of the storms produced severe weather in the form of large to very large hail and locally damaging winds. Enola 0 0 0 County comms reported several trees blown down and blocking trails in South Mountains State Park. Caldwell Hudson 0 0 0 County comms reported a few trees blown down in the Hudson area. Burke Valdese 5/10/2018 0 0 0 Media reported multiple trees blown down. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms developed across the Blue Ridge during the afternoon and moved into the Piedmont during the evening. Some of the storms produced severe weather in the form of large hail and locally damaging winds. Strong to severe supercell thunderstorms developed repeatedly and trained across portions of the foothills, particularly in Polk County, such that some locations received multiple periods of up to golf ball size hail. Alexander Stony Pt 0 0 0 Caldwell Gamewell 6/1/2018 0 0 0 Ham radio operator reported several trees blown down around the Highway 18 and Rocky Road area. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed across western North Carolina throughout the afternoon and evening. Several of the storms produced brief severe weather in the form of damaging wind gusts. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-43 Draft County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative Burke Enola 6/3/2018 0 0 0 Media reported trees blown down on Jenkins Rd. Scattered thunderstorms developed across the southern Appalachians throughout the afternoon and moved southeast. Several storms produced brief severe weather in the form of large hail and damaging winds across the North Carolina mountains and foothills. Burke Oak Hill 6/11/2018 0 0 0 Media reported multiple trees and power lines blown down in the Oak Hill area. Isolated thunderstorms developed during the afternoon across the North Carolina foothills. One of these storms produced occasional severe weather as it moved south across the far western Piedmont. Then, as a cold front moved southwest across the area throughout the evening, scattered to numerous showers and storms developed along it, producing additional brief severe weather. ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-44 County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative Burke Table Rock 6/25/2018 0 0 0 Spotter reported numerous trees and power lines blown down in western Burke County. Media reported numerous trees down in the Morganton area, especially along the Catawba River. At least one road was closed in Morganton due to falling trees. Additional sporadic tree damage was also reported outside of this corridor, including at Highway 18 and Antioch Rd near the Caldwell County line. For the third day in a row, multiple thunderstorm clusters, some producing damaging winds moved from East Tennessee into western North Carolina during the afternoon into the evening. While severe weather was confined to the mountains on the 23rd and 24th, storms on the 25th also produced severe weather in the foothills and northwest Piedmont. Caldwell Gamewell 0 0 $200,000 Multiple sources reported numerous trees blown down in the Gamewell area. Trees fell on and destroyed one house and severely damaged two others. Roads blocked by downed trees included Miller Hill Rd, Dulatown Rd, and Connelly Springs Rd in Granite Falls. Alexande r All Healing Spgs 0 0 0 Media reported multiple trees blown down on Mountain Ridge Church Road. Catawba Longview 0 0 0 Media reported trees blown down along Highway 321. Claremont 0 0 0 Broadcast media reported several trees blown down along River Bend Rd. Public also reported (via social media) reported numerous small trees blown down in the Catfish community. Caldwell Yadkin Vly 7/6/2018 1 2 5000 EM reported a large tree was blown down on a vehicle in Green Mountain Park killing a 78-year-old occupant and causing minor injuries to two others. A few other trees were blown down in Lenoir and areas just east of the city. Scattered thunderstorms developed across the North Carolina mountains and foothills during the afternoon and moved into the western Piedmont by early evening. A few of the ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-45 Draft County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative storms produced strong to damaging winds that caused tree damage, with one tree falling on a vehicle north of Lenoir, killing one of the occupants. Burke Valdese 7/21/2018 0 0 0 Media reported trees and power lines blown down in the area around Church St. NW and Dixie Ave NW. Scattered thunderstorms developed during the afternoon across the North Carolina mountains and foothills and moved east. A few of the storms produced brief severe weather in the form of large hail and damaging winds. Catawba Claremont 7/22/2018 0 0 1000 Public reported large tree limbs blown down and minor roof damage on Highway 10. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed along a cold front across the North Carolina Piedmont during the afternoon and evening.A few of the storms produced brief large hail and damaging winds. While most of the severe weather was marginal, a significant downburst did occur in the Concord area. Catawba Conover 8/6/2018 0 0 10000 EM reported multiple trees blown down on the north side of Conover, with a tree down on a mobile home on County Home Rd and several trees blocking I-40 near mile marker 132. Scattered thunderstorms developed across the North Carolina foothills during the afternoon and moved southeast. One storm produced brief damaging winds in the Conover area. Catawba Duan 8/8/2018 0 0 0 Spotter reported trees blown down on Rome Jones Rd. Scattered thunderstorms developed across the North Carolina Blue Ridge during the Startown 0 0 0 Spotter reported trees blown down on Hardwood Cir. ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-46 County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative Burke Brindletown 0 0 0 Spotter reported trees blown down along Jenkins Rd. afternoon, with storms developing gradually along outflows into the Piedmont throughout the afternoon and into the evening. A few of the storms produced brief damaging winds. Catawba Hickory 0 0 10000 Public reported a tree blown down on a house on 13th Ave Northwest. Catawba Startown 8/31/2018 0 0 0 County comms reported trees blown down along Robinson Rd. Isolated thunderstorms developed during the afternoon and evening over the foothills and western Piedmont of North Carolina. A few of the storms produced brief damaging winds. Burke Glen Alpine 9/1/2018 0 0 0 Media reported multiple trees blown down on Powerhouse Rd. Isolated thunderstorms developed over the North Carolina Piedmont and foothills during the evening. A couple of the storms produced brief severe weather. Burke Morganton 9/2/2018 0 0 0 County comms reported multiple trees blown down across the south side of Morganton. One tree fell on a house and took down a power line on Mt Home Church Ave. Isolated thunderstorms developed across the foothills and western Piedmont during the afternoon and evening. A couple of the storms produced brief damaging winds. Catawba Newton 0 0 0 County comms reported a few trees blown down near the intersection of Shannonbrook Dr and Radio Station Rd. Catawba Startown 9/27/2018 0 0 0 FD reported two trees blown down on Robinson Rd. A cluster of thunderstorms producing pockets of damaging wind gusts moved into the North Carolina Piedmont from Upstate South Carolina during the evening. Several areas of wind damage were reported along the I-77 corridor. Olivers Xrds 0 0 0 Ham radio operator reported multiple trees blown down near Maiden. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-47 Draft County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative Burke Calvin 4/13/2019 0 0 0 County comms reported trees down on Highway 126. Scattered clusters of heavy rain showers and thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of a stationary front across western North Carolina throughout the 13th. Repeated movement of showers and storms resulted in flash flooding developing across Cabarrus County beginning in the morning. Meanwhile, an isolated supercell thunderstorm produced large hail and isolated damaging wind gusts across Burke County during the afternoon. Drexel 0 0 0 County comms reported multiple trees blown down on Mountain View Dr. Burke Morganton 4/14/2019 0 0 50000 NWS storm survey reported numerous trees blown down throughout Morganton and vicinity, with several trees down on homes, including along West Fleming Dr, King St, and Antioch Rd. Numerous showers along with strong to severe thunderstorms developed across western North Carolina throughout the 14th in advance of a strong frontal system. Some of these storms produced areas of wind damage throughout the afternoon and evening. Burke Pleasant Grove Brke 0 0 0 County comms reported multiple trees and power lines blown down on River Meadows Ln at the intersection Of River Rd. Burke Enola 0 0 0 County comms reported multiple trees blown down near the intersection of Watershed Rd and Enola Rd. Catawba Cotton Factory 4/19/2019 0 0 10000 EM reported a large tree blown down on a garage at Main Street and North 9th Avenue. Possible tornado. A large area of moderate to heavy rain showers, along with embedded clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms moved slowly across western North Carolina throughout the morning and into the afternoon of the 19th ahead of a slow-moving cold front. Some of the storms produced a couple of isolated, weak tornadoes and locally Alexande r Taylorsville 0 0 0 Ham radio operator reported multiple trees blown down in Taylorsville, with some blocking roads. ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-48 County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative damaging winds. However, the larger impact was from flash flooding resulting from a swath of 4 to 7 inches of rain that fell across portions of the mountains. Burke Table Rock 6/22/2019 0 0 0 County comms reported multiple trees blown down on Highway 181. A line of strong to severe thunderstorms developing in association with an area of low pressure across Tennessee moved into the North Carolina mountains around midnight on the morning of the 22nd, and produced areas of wind damage before weakening. Alexande r Taylorsville Arpt 7/4/2019 0 0 0 Fire dept reported numerous trees and power lines blown down on Highway 16 near Taylorsville. Scattered thunderstorms and storm clusters developed across the North Carolina Piedmont during the afternoon. A couple of the storms produced damaging wind gusts. Caldwell Collettsville 7/8/2019 0 0 1000 Fire dept reported trees blown down on Yellow Belle Pl, with a tree on power lines and another on an outbuilding. Isolated thunderstorms developed near the North Carolina Blue Ridge during the late afternoon. One storm produced brief damaging winds in Caldwell County. Catawba Oyama 7/11/2019 0 0 0 Media reported multiple small trees uprooted. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed across western North Carolina during the afternoon. A few of the storms produced damaging wind gusts and even some large hail. Startown 0 0 0 Media reported one large hardwood tree uprooted and several smaller trees split near the intersection of Highway 10 and Jarrett Farm Rd. Burke Calvin 7/20/2019 0 0 10000 County comms reported the roof was blown off a building at a flea market on Jamestown Rd. Numerous Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed across ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-49 Draft County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative trees were blown down in this area as well, with more sporadic wind damage extending north past the Catawba River to near Highway 126. northern North Carolina during the afternoon. A few of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts and some hail. Caldwell Joyceton 7/20/2019 0 0 10000 County comms reported the roof of a mobile home collapsed on Mount Herman Rd. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed across northern North Carolina during the afternoon. A few of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts and some hail. Burke Morganton 8/7/2019 0 0 0 Spotter reported trees fell along E Parker Rd and Bethel Rd, with one tree falling on a vehicle. Isolated thunderstorms developed along the Blue Ridge during the late afternoon and moved east. One storm produced brief damaging winds in the Morganton area. Burke Morganton 8/13/2019 0 0 0 Spotter reported trees blown down on Valley View St. Widely scattered thunderstorms developed along the Blue Ridge during the afternoon and moved southeast. Several storms produced brief severe weather across the Piedmont, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts. Alexande r Bethlehem 0 0 5000 Amateur radio operator reported two trees blown down and blocking traffic near the intersection of Highway 127 and Telephone Exchange Rd. Spotter reported minor damage to a structure on Highway 127. Power lines were also blown down in the area. Catawba Oyama 0 0 0 County comms reported a tree blown down and blocking Snow Creek Rd NE and multiple trees and power lines down along Laurel Springs Dr, Lee Cline Rd, and County Home Rd. Bandy 0 0 0 Public reported a tree and multiple large limbs blown down. Burke Rutherford College 8/21/2019 0 0 0 County comms and media reported multiple trees and power lines blown down from the Rutherford College area through the Rhodiss and Icard area. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed near the North Carolina Blue Ridge during the afternoon into early evening. Several storm clusters organized as the storms moved Caldwell Granite Falls 0 0 0 County comms reported trees and power lines blown down in the Granite Falls area. Ham radio operator reported power lines down in the Northlakes area. ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-50 County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative Alexande r Millersville 0 0 50000 County comms reported multiple trees and power lines blown down in the Lake Hickory. One large tree fell on and split a house in half. Numerous trees and power lines were also blown down between Vashti and Hiddenite with one tree shut down due to trees blocking the road. southeast across the foothills and western Piedmont. Several of these clusters produced small swaths of damaging wind gusts, some of which were fairly significant. Catawba Claremont 0 0 0 Fire dept reported trees blown down on River Bend Rd and Rest Home Rd. Caldwell Valmead 8/22/2019 0 0 0 County comms reported a tree down across Powell Rd near Camelot Ct and another tree down along with downed power lines in the Green Mountain Park area. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed near the Blue Ridge escarpment during the afternoon and moved southeast to affect the foothills and western Piedmont into the late afternoon. Several of the storms produced brief damaging winds. Mt Herman 0 0 0 Spotter reported trees blown down on Norwood St. Alexande r Taylorsville 0 0 0 County comms reported a few power lines blown down in the Taylorsville area. Burke Icard 0 0 0 County comms reported trees blown down in far eastern Burke County. Burke Oak Hill 9/13/2019 0 0 0 Media reported multiple trees blown down northwest of Morganton, with a few down across Highway 181. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms and storm clusters developed over western North Carolina during the afternoon and evening in association with a back door cold front. A couple of the storms produced large hail, brief damaging winds, and/or heavy rainfall. Burke Morganton 10/31/2019 0 0 0 County comms reported multiple trees blown down in the Morganton area. Multiple lines of heavy rain showers and thunderstorms moved across western North Carolina throughout Halloween Day along and ahead of a potent cold front. Several pockets of strong to damaging winds were ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-51 Draft County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative reported in association with some of the thunderstorms and heaviest showers. Catawba Brookford 1/11/2020 0 0 0 Ham radio operator reported multiple trees blown down across Catawba County. Multiple lines of thunderstorms developed across the western Carolinas in advance of a cold front during the late afternoon and evening. Some of these lines produced swaths of wind damage across the southern mountains, foothills, and mainly the northern Piedmont. Caldwell Gamewell 4/13/2020 0 0 0 County comms reported trees blown down on Highway 18 in Gamewell. Spotter reported a large tree down on Connelly Springs Rd. A strong storm system impacted the Southeast, resulting in an area of widespread heavy rain and embedded strong to severe thunderstorms that moved across western North Carolina during the late night and early morning hours. Localized flash flooding, some of which was quite significant developed across the mountains. Isolated severe weather also occurred, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts. Strong southerly gradient winds also caused some damage across mainly the high elevations of western North Carolina. Burke Drexel 0 0 0 Media reported several trees blown down along John Berry Rd. Catawba Hickory 0 0 50000 Public reported a tree and power line fell on a vehicle and structure in the Hickory area. Spotter reported multiple trees down along I-40 east of Hickory. Burke Morganton 4/25/2020 0 0 0 Public reported (via Social Media) a few large trees blown down in Catawba Meadows Park. Isolated thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of a warm front across the mountains of southwest North Carolina and the northern foothills during the ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-52 County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative evening. In addition, a couple of supercell thunderstorms moved into the southern Piedmont from upstate South Carolina. Several of these storms produced large hail and brief damaging winds. Burke Morganton 7/10/2020 0 0 0 Media reported a tree blown down near the intersection of Valley View St and Highway 18. Law enforcement reported multiple trees and power lines down near Piedmont Rd and Belvidere Ln. Public reported (via Social Media) a couple of trees down in the Chesterfield community. Scattered thunderstorms developed across western North Carolina during the afternoon and evening. A couple of the storms produced brief severe weather. Burke Bridgewater 7/18/2020 0 0 0 Media reported multiple trees blown down off Dysartsville Rd. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed across western North Carolina throughout the afternoon and evening. Several of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts. Burke (Hky)Hickory Muni Ar 7/18/2020 0 0 0 Media reported multiple trees blown down along Airport Rhodiss Rd. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed across western North Carolina throughout the afternoon and evening. Several of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts. Catawba Hickory 0 0 0 Public reported (via Social Media) large tree limbs blown down along Highway 127. Burke Chesterfield 7/21/2020 0 0 0 Spotter reported multiple trees blown down along Highway 64 in the Chesterfield community. Numerous thunderstorms and scattered storm clusters developed across western North Carolina during the afternoon and evening. Multiple severe thunderstorms developed, mainly producing brief damaging wind gusts. Catawba Bandy 0 0 0 Fire Dept reported trees blown down on Bandys Cross Rd. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-53 Draft County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative Burke Chesterfield 7/23/2020 0 0 0 County comms reported trees and power lines blown down long Smokey Creek Rd and at Foothills Regional Airport. Scattered thunderstorms developed across western North Carolina during the afternoon. One storm produced brief damaging winds in Burke County. Burke Icard 7/31/2020 0 0 0 Media reported trees and power lines blown down on Cape Hickory Rd. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms and storm clusters developed across western North Carolina during the evening. Several of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts and/or heavy rainfall. A small area of flash flooding developed in downtown Asheville. of flash flooding developed in downtown Asheville. Alexande r All Healing Spgs 0 0 0 Media reported trees blown down and blocking Antioch Church Rd. Catawba Oyama 0 0 0 Public reported (via Social Media) a tree blown down on 46th Ave NE in Hickory. Ham radio operator reported multiple trees blown down along Rockbarn Rd NE in Conover. Catawba Oyama 8/2/2020 0 0 0 Fire dept reported trees blown down at County Home Rd and Lee Cline Rd on Herman Sipe Rd and on 1st Ave Place NE. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed along a cold front across western North Carolina during the afternoon. A couple of the storms produced brief damaging winds across the northern foothills. Alexande r Hiddenite 0 0 20000 Fire dept reported part of a chicken house destroyed and numerous trees and a few power lines blown down at the intersection of Sulfur Springs Rd and Hiddenite Church Rd. Burke Drexel 8/6/2020 0 0 0 County comms reported trees and power lines blown down in the Drexel area. Numerous thunderstorms and scattered storm clusters developed along a stationary front across western North Carolina during the afternoon and evening. One storm produced brief damaging winds in Burke County. Locally heavy to excessive rainfall also ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-54 County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative occurred, resulting in isolated flash flooding in Catawba County. Burke Morganton 3/27/2021 0 0 0 Public reported a few large tree limbs blown down in the Morganton area. Scattered thunderstorms and storm clusters developed over western North Carolina throughout the afternoon. A few of the storms produced isolated large hail and damaging wind gusts. Burke Oak Hill 4/10/2021 0 0 0 Media reported numerous trees blown down on Highway 181 at Bowman Ave and trees and power lines down on Highway 64 north of Morganton. A line of heavy rain showers and thunderstorms moved over the North Carolina foothills during the late afternoon and evening in advance of a cold front. A couple of areas of isolated damaging winds along with weak tornadoes were reported as the line swept across the area. Caldwell Piney 0 0 0 NWS storm survey reported a small area of downburst damage along Playmore Beach Rd. Numerous trees were snapped and/or uprooted from Braswell Place to just west of Celia Creek Rd. Alexande r Taylorsville Arpt 6/8/2021 0 0 0 Trees and utility lines were blown down along Highway 16. Isolated thunderstorms developed across western North Carolina during the afternoon and evening. One of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts in Alexander County. Catawba Claremont 7/17/2021 0 0 0 Multiple trees were blown down or heavily damaged in Riverbend Park. Additional large limbs were also blown down. Widely scattered thunderstorms developed over western North Carolina throughout the afternoon. One of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts in Catawba County. Burke Morganton 7/27/2021 0 0 30000 Spotter reported a tree blown down across on 3 cars and another tree on a house in the city of Morganton. Scattered thunderstorms and storm clusters developed across western North Carolina during the afternoon and early evening. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-55 Draft County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative A couple of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts over the foothills. Burke Oak Hill 8/14/2021 0 0 0 Media reported multiple trees and power lines blown down along Frank Whisnant Rd. Numerous thunderstorms developed over western North Carolina throughout the afternoon. A number of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts and some hail. Caldwell Baton 0 0 0 County comms reported trees and power lines blown down on Clarks Chapel Rd and on Calico Rd. Burke Morganton 8/26/2021 0 0 0 Fire dept reported several trees blown down in and around Morganton. Scattered thunderstorms developed over the mountains and adjacent foothills throughout the afternoon. A couple of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts in the foothills. Burke Pleasant Grove Brke 8/31/2021 0 0 0 County comms reported a few trees blown down in the Pleasant Grove area. Moisture associated with the far outer circulation of the remnants of Hurricane Ida resulted in development of numerous rain showers and thunderstorms across the North Carolina foothills during the afternoon. One small line of heavy showers and thunderstorms produced pockets of damaging winds as it moved north-northeast across the area. Glen Alpine 0 0 0 County comms reported a tree blown down on Lytle Dr. Public reported multiple trees down near Bethel Park in Morganton. Burke Morganton 3/23/2022 0 0 0 County comms reported trees and power lines blown down throughout the Morganton area, including at the intersection Of Propst Rd and Highway 64, and Sanford Rd at Tate St, and on Lenoir Rd and Kirksey Dr. A cold front moving across the region resulted in development of a line of scattered thunderstorms over western Nouth Carolina during the late afternoon and evening. A couple of the storms produced locally damaging wind gusts in addition ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-56 County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative to an EF1 tornado in Alexander County. Additionally, heavy rainfall resulted in some localized flooding in the southern mountains. Caldwell Baton 5/6/2022 0 0 0 Public reported 10 to 20 trees, a few of them large blown down along J M Craig Road. A few of the trees were quite large and uprooted. A tree limb punctured the wall of an old sawmill. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed ahead of a frontal system throughout the afternoon and evening across western North Carolina. Several of the storms produced brief large hail and damaging winds, while an EF1 tornado developed in Swain County. Caldwell Baton 0 0 0 Public reported (via Social Media) several trees blown down on Baton School Road. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed ahead of a frontal system throughout the afternoon and evening across western North Carolina. Several of the storms produced brief large hail and damaging winds, while an EF1 tornado developed in Swain County. Burke Icard 5/26/2022 0 0 0 Media reported multiple trees and power lines blown down. A broad band of moderate to heavy rain showers with embedded strong to severe thunderstorms moved over western North Carolina throughout the afternoon into the evening. Several strong to severe thunderstorms produced locally damaging wind gusts, brief large hail, and even a couple of tornadoes, including a strong tornado in Iredell County. Catawba Startown 0 0 0 Media reported multiple trees blown down on power lines in the Startown community. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-57 Draft County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative Burke Morganton 6/2/2022 0 0 0 Media reported trees and power lines blown down on Piedmont Rd near Highway 18. Scattered thunderstorms developed over the North Carolina mountains and foothills during early-to-mid afternoon and steadily developed into the Piedmont during mid-to-late afternoon. A few of the storms produced hail and brief damaging wind gusts. Joy 0 0 0 Media reported trees and power lines blown down at a couple of campgrounds along Steele Creek and Upper Creek. Caldwell Saw Mills 0 0 5000 Media reported three pine trees blown down off Powder Creek Ct and a tree on a vehicle on Pooveys Chapel Church Rd. Burke Oak Hill 0 0 0 County comms reported multiple trees blown down northwest of Morganton, including on Jay Clark Rd. Burke Ramsey 6/8/2022 0 0 5000 Media reported a tree was blown down on a truck along Highway 18. Isolated thunderstorms developed over western North Carolina during the afternoon. Some of the storms produced gusty winds. Catawba Brookford 6/14/2022 0 0 0 Spotter reported multiple trees blown down on Zion Church Rd. A line of thunderstorms moved south across western North Carolina during the morning. A few of the storms became strong-to-severe, producing hail and damaging wind gusts. Catawba Duan 6/16/2022 0 0 10000 Public reported a large tree was blown down on a house along Highway 16 south of Newton. Scattered thunderstorms developed over western North Carolina during the afternoon and moved southeast. Some of the storms organized into small clusters. Several of the clusters and individual cells produced large hail and damaging wind gusts. Caldwell Kings Creek 7/5/2022 0 0 0 Public reported multiple trees blown down in the Kings Creek community. A line of thunderstorms moved southeast across western North Carolina during the evening. Several of the embedded storms Burke Pleasant Grove Brke 0 0 0 County comms reported trees blown down on Corn Hill Rd. ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-58 County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative Burke Morganton 0 0 0 Media reported trees blown down near the intersection of Enola Rd and Highway 18. produced locally damaging wind gusts. Catawba Newton 0 0 0 County comms reported a few trees blown down across Catawba County. Catawba Plateau 0 0 0 County comms reported a few trees blown down off Cooksville Rd. Alexande r Bethlehem 7/6/2022 0 0 0 Media reported trees blown down in Bethlehem and along Lake Hickory near Highway 16. Scattered thunderstorms and storm clusters developed over western North Carolina during the afternoon into the early evening. Several of the storms produced locally damaging wind gusts. Burke Burke Chapel 0 0 50000 Public reported multiple trees blown down with one on a trailer, part of the roof removed from a house, and a destroyed barn on Buzz Lowman St. Media reported numerous trees blown down nearby on Old Laurel Rd and significant damage to the roof of a manufacturing building on Claude Britton Rd. Ham radio operator reported multiple large trees down on Highway 18. Burke Glen Alpine 7/23/2022 0 0 0 County comms reported trees blown down on Linville St. Scattered thunderstorms developed over western North Carolina, mainly during the evening. A few of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts. Alexande r Bethlehem 7/25/2022 0 0 0 Fire dept reported two pine trees blown down just north of Bethlehem. Scattered thunderstorms and storm clusters developed over western North Carolina during the afternoon and evening. Several of the storms produced strong-to-damaging wind gusts. Burke Pleasant Grove Brke 0 0 0 Park service reported multiple large tree limbs blown down across South Mountains State Park. Catawba Conover 8/12/2022 0 0 0 Multiple trees and power lines were blown down in the city of Conover and power lines were blown down in Newton. Isolated thunderstorms developed over the North Carolina foothills and Piedmont during the late afternoon and evening. One of the storms produced locally damaging wind gusts across several counties. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-59 Draft County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative Burke Brindletown 8/15/2022 0 0 0 Media reported two trees blown down near the intersection of Hayes Water Rd and Conley Rd. Scattered thunderstorms developed over western North Carolina during the afternoon. Several of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts. Burke Morganton 3/3/2023 0 0 0 County comms reported trees and power lines blown down along Wesley Rd. Multiple lines and clusters of thunderstorms moved into western North Carolina during the late afternoon and evening ahead of a cold front. Multiple reports of wind damage were received, mainly across the mountains. Burke Chesterfield 7/28/2023 0 0 0 Public reported trees and power lines blown down on Antioch Rd. Scattered thunderstorms developed over western North Carolina during the afternoon and evening. A few of these storms produced brief damaging wind gusts. Burke Icard 0 0 0 County comms reported multiple trees blown down throughout the Icard area. Caldwell Collettsville 7/29/2023 0 0 0 Ham radio operator reported several trees blown down across Caldwell County. A line of strong-to-severe thunderstorms moved into western North Carolina from east Tennessee during the late afternoon and evening. Isolated embedded cells produced locally damaging wind gusts. Burke Chesterfield 0 0 0 Ham radio operator and spotter reported multiple trees and power lines blown down on roads in the Drexel area, including on Antioch Rd, at N Drexel Rd and Butler Rd, and on Settlemyre Rd. Catawba Longview 0 0 0 Ham radio operators reported multiple trees blown down across the Hickory area, with multiple large trees down and blocking roads in Conover. Burke Pleasant Grove Brke 0 0 0 County comms reported trees blown down on Sugar Loaf Rd. Catawba Startown 8/6/2023 0 0 1000 Emergency manager reported several trees blown down in a wooded area off of Zion Church Rd, with a small tree down on an outbuilding in the vicinity. An area of showers and thunderstorms moved across the North Carolina Piedmont during the afternoon. Some of the embedded storms became ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-60 County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative briefly severe, producing damaging wind gusts. Burke Glen Alpine 8/7/2023 0 0 2000 County comms and spotter reported numerous trees and some power lines blown down from Glen Alpine across Morganton and vicinity. One tree fell on an outbuilding near Glen Alpine. Numerous thunderstorms and storm clusters moved across western North Carolina throughout the afternoon. Many of these storms produced severe weather, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts, some of which were fairly long-lived. A couple of weak tornadoes also developed in the Piedmont, including a long-track EF1. Caldwell Hudson 0 0 0 Emergency manager reported a billboard blown over along Highway 321 near Hudson. Ham radio operator reported a tree blown down on power lines in Sawmills. Alexande r Bethlehem 0 0 50000 Fire dept reported multiple trees and some power lines blown down, some blocking roads across southern Alexander County. Structural damage occurred to a couple of buildings, including a structure at Alexander County fairgrounds. Burke Hildebran 0 0 10000 Public reported (via Social Media) a tree blown down on a home. Catawba Brookford 0 0 200000 NWS storm survey found a swath of intense straight line wind damage across central Catawba County, from Mountain View and Hickory to Conover and Newton. Large numbers of trees were snapped and/or uprooted with numerous large tree branches downed. Several power poles were snapped and a few structures were damaged, including a building at the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds and a greenhouse that was destroyed. Catawba Maiden 0 0 0 Public reported (via Social Media) numerous trees and power lines blown down across Maiden and vicinity. Catawba Claremont 0 0 0 Public reported (via Social Media) trees blown down on I-40 in the Claremont area, and additional trees down on nearby Rock Barn Rd. Alexande r Bethlehem 8/27/2023 0 0 0 County comms reported a few trees blown to the south of Ellendale. Scattered thunderstorms and storm clusters developed across ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-61 Draft County Location Date Deaths Injuries Property Damage Event Narrative Episode Narrative Alexande r Millersville 0 0 0 County comms reported at least two trees blown down in the vicinity of Highway 16 across southern Alexander County. western North Carolina throughout the afternoon into the evening. Some storms produced brief damaging wind gusts. Burke Connellys Spgs 9/7/2023 0 0 0 Public reported trees blown down at Rhodhiss Rd and Knob Ave. Widely scattered thunderstorms along with a couple of storm clusters developed over western North Carolina, mainly during the evening. Several of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts and/or large hail. Catawba Conover 9/13/2023 0 0 0 County comms reported a tree blown down on a vehicle on Conover Blvd West. Fire dept reported a tree down on and blocking Highway 10. Scattered thunderstorms and storm clusters developed across western North Carolina during the late afternoon. A couple of storms produced brief damaging wind gusts in the northern Piedmont. Total 1 2 $750,000 Table A- 5: NCDC Thunderstorm Winds reported between 2018 and 2023 County Jurisdiction Date Event Type Deaths Injuries Property Damage Burke Co. Glen Alpine 4/15/2018 Flash Flood 0 0 1000 Caldwell Co. Edgemont 5/18/2018 Flash Flood 0 0 50000 Burke Co. Joy 5/18/2018 Flood 0 0 5000 Caldwell Co. Edgemont 5/19/2018 Flood 0 0 5000 Caldwell Co. Yadkin Vly 5/29/2018 Flash Flood 0 0 2000 Burke Co. Table Rock 5/29/2018 Flash Flood 0 0 3000 Caldwell Co. Edgemont 5/29/2018 Flash Flood 0 0 2000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-62 County Jurisdiction Date Event Type Deaths Injuries Property Damage Caldwell Co. Collettsville 5/30/2018 Flood 0 0 500 Burke Co. Joy 5/30/2018 Flood 0 0 1000 Caldwell Co. Edgemont 5/31/2018 Flash Flood 0 0 5000 Burke Co. Pleasant Grove Brke 9/16/2018 Flash Flood 0 0 1000 Caldwell Co. Edgemont 9/16/2018 Flood 0 0 1000 Burke Co. Joy 9/17/2018 Flood 0 0 1000 Burke Co. Joy 9/23/2018 Flash Flood 0 0 2000 Caldwell Co. Edgemont 10/11/2018 Flash Flood 0 0 1000 Burke Co. Joy 10/11/2018 Flood 0 0 2000 Caldwell Co. Edgemont 10/11/2018 Flood 0 0 500 Burke Co. Joy 12/21/2018 Flood 0 0 1000 Burke Co. Joy 12/28/2018 Flood 0 0 2000 Catawba Co. Brookford 6/7/2019 Flash Flood 0 0 5000 Burke Co. Calvin 6/8/2019 Flash Flood 0 0 50000 Caldwell Co. Lenoir 6/8/2019 Flash Flood 0 0 10000 Catawba Co. Longview 6/8/2019 Flash Flood 0 0 50000 Caldwell Co. Edgemont 6/8/2019 Flood 0 0 1000 Burke Co. Joy 6/8/2019 Flood 0 0 2000 Catawba Co. Catawba 6/9/2019 Flood 0 0 250000 Catawba Co. Oyama 6/9/2019 Flash Flood 0 0 10000 Alexander Co. Bethlehem 6/9/2019 Flash Flood 0 0 10000 Catawba Co. Oyama 6/9/2019 Flood 0 0 1000 Alexander Co. Bethlehem 6/9/2019 Flood 0 0 1000 Caldwell Co. Edgemont 6/9/2019 Flash Flood 0 0 30000 Burke Co. Joy 6/9/2019 Flash Flood 0 0 2000 Burke Co. Joy 1/12/2020 Flood 0 0 1000 Catawba Co. Conover 2/6/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 10000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-63 Draft County Jurisdiction Date Event Type Deaths Injuries Property Damage Burke Co. Brindletown 2/6/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 25000 Caldwell Co. Lenoir 2/6/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 2000 Alexander Co. Taylorsville 2/6/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 2000 Burke Co. Joy 2/6/2020 Flood 0 0 25000 Catawba Co. Catawba 2/6/2020 Flood 0 0 50000 Caldwell Co. Globe 4/13/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 100000 Burke Co. Joy 4/13/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 1000 Burke Co. Joy 4/13/2020 Flood 0 0 1000 Catawba Co. Propst Xrds 6/19/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 500 Catawba Co. Drums Xrds 8/6/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 500 Catawba Co. Hickory 8/15/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 50000 Caldwell Co. Yadkin Vly 10/29/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 3000 Burke Co. Joy 10/29/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 5000 Caldwell Co. Whitnel 10/29/2020 Flood 0 0 1000 Burke Co. Joy 10/29/2020 Flood 0 0 1000 Caldwell Co. Richland 11/12/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 50000 Alexander Co. Vashti 11/12/2020 Flash Flood 5 0 350000 Catawba Co. Catawba 11/12/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 500000 Burke Co. Chesterfield 11/12/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 10000 Catawba Co. Longview 11/12/2020 Flash Flood 0 0 1000 Alexander Co. Vashti 11/12/2020 Flood 1 0 100000 Catawba Co. Catawba 11/12/2020 Flood 0 0 10000 Caldwell Co. Collettsville 8/17/2021 Flood 0 0 500 Burke Co. Joy 8/17/2021 Flood 0 0 1000 Burke Co. Enola 10/7/2021 Flash Flood 0 0 10000 Burke Co. Joy 11/11/2022 Flood 0 0 1000 Caldwell Co. Collettsville 11/11/2022 Flood 0 0 500 Caldwell Co. Edgemont 11/11/2022 Flash Flood 0 0 500 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-64 County Jurisdiction Date Event Type Deaths Injuries Property Damage Alexander Co. All Healing Spgs 7/15/2023 Flash Flood 1 1 10000 Caldwell Co. Yadkin Vly 7/15/2023 Flash Flood 0 0 2000 Burke Co. Joy 12/26/2023 Flood 0 0 1000 Caldwell Co. Valmead 1/9/2024 Flash Flood 0 0 5000 Alexander Co. Taylorsville Arpt 1/9/2024 Flash Flood 0 0 1000 Burke Co. Joy 1/9/2024 Flood 0 0 1000 Caldwell Co. Collettsville 1/9/2024 Flood 0 0 1000 Catawba Co. Propst Xrds 1/9/2024 Flash Flood 0 0 1000 Table A- 6: Flooding Events from 2018-2024 from the NCDC Storm Events Database Incident Name County Discovery Date and Time Cause Acre s Landown er Category Landown er Kind Initial Lat Initial Lon Estimated Cost Dam Cove Rd Catawb a 2024-04-18 19:33:00 Human 0.4 Private Private 1200 Henry Fork Burke 2024-04-15 17:36:00 Undetermine d 211 State Other 3000 OVERLOOK Burke 2024-01-22 16:35:31 Human 0.1 USFS Federal 36.03246 -81.7928 Winchester Road Caldwel l 2023-11-07 18:25:00 Human 2 Private Private 600 TRUCKSTOP Burke 2023-11-03 20:02:51 Human 0.1 USFS Federal 35.92275 -81.8203 BABEL TOWER Burke 2023-04-25 18:13:00 Natural 12 USFS Federal 35.91848 -81.9184 181 Burke 2023-03-06 15:24:00 Undetermine d 0.1 USFS Federal 35.92307 -81.8203 OVERLOOK Burke 2022-03-22 21:36:00 Undetermine d 0.2 USFS Federal 35.90136 -81.906 RACKETT BRANCH Caldwel l 2022-03-05 22:28:00 Human 30 USFS Federal 36.08051 -81.7615 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan A-65 Draft HAWKSBILL Burke 2021-04-20 16:18:00 Human 4.5 USFS Federal 35.91469 -81.8783 UPPER CREEK FALLS Burke 2021-03-22 22:01:00 Unknown 0.1 USFS Federal 35.95921 -81.8614 GRF Dobson Knob RX Burke 2020-03-01 12:44:07 Unknown 35.81644 -81.9371 BARKHOUSE Burke 2019-11-10 20:37:00 Human 0.1 USFS Federal 35.95392 -81.8497 UPPER CREEK Burke 2019-10-19 14:59:00 Human 0.1 USFS Federal 35.93225 -81.8051 TABLE ROCK Burke 2019-06-02 22:43:00 Human 0.5 35.8898 -81.8839 BRUSHY RIDGE Burke 2019-04-28 20:22:00 Human 3 USFS Federal 35.92333 -81.9182 UPPER CREEK Burke 2018-04-30 23:06:00 Human 1 USFS Federal 35.91933 -81.8038 CORN FIELD Caldwel l 2018-03-17 18:48:00 Human 42 36.01123 -81.6516 WOLF PIT Burke 2018-03-04 20:59:00 Human 0.25 35.81 -81.8707 CABIN TRAIL Burke 2017-10-25 17:35:00 Human 0.4 USFS Federal WILSON CREEK Caldwel l 2017-07-07 19:04:00 Human USFS Federal STAIRCASE Caldwel l 2017-06-03 22:00:00 Natural 10 MCNAB Burke 2017-04-28 12:10:00 Human 25 USFS Federal Bartley Caldwel l 2017-03-24 18:44:00 5 3500 WHITE CREEK Burke 2017-03-16 19:45:00 Natural 5500 937840.56 Chestnut Knob Burke 2016-11-06 13:00:00 Undetermine d 6435 4600000 PADDY'S CREEK Burke 2016-10-24 20:10:00 Human 12 USFS Federal ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix A: Severe Weather Occurrences (2018-2024) A-66 Upper creek Burke 2016-06-07 21:30:00 Natural 169 USFS Federal 250000 THUNDERHOLE Caldwel l 2015-09-04 20:30:00 Natural 0.5 USFS Federal HWY 105 Burke 2015-05-04 18:31:00 Human 0.5 USFS Federal BLUE GRAVEL Burke 2015-04-11 18:30:00 Undetermine d 521 USFS Federal 264194 PERCY CREEK Burke 2014-12-13 19:15:00 Human USFS Federal Silver Creek Burke 2014-12-13 8:00:00 Undetermine d 300 3362 Jon Johnson Burke 2014-11-11 16:55:00 Human 0.1 HIGHWAY 105 Burke 2014-10-25 19:30:00 Human USFS Federal Table A- 7: Documented wildfires from the National Interagency Fire Center Database for the Unifour Counties. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan B-1 Draft Appendix B: Critical Facilities, Historical Properties, and Emergency Services Tables: Table 1: Healthcare and vulnerable facilities According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Service Regulation Table 2: Emergency Medical Services, Fire Stations, and Law Enforcement centers according to NC One Map Table 3: Historic Places, Buildings, Districts, and Structures from the NRI Register of Historic Places Table 1: Healthcare and vulnerable facilities According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Service Regulation County City or Town Facility Type Facility Name Burke Morganton Hospital UNC Health Blue Ridge Intermediate Care Facilities for Adults Hartland Group Home Chesterfield Group Home SCI-Burke ICF/MR Group Home Nursing Facility Autumn Care of Drexel Magnolia Lane Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Grace Ridge Grace Heights Health and Rehabilitation Cardiac Rehabilitation Facility UNC Health Blue Ridge- Cardiac Rehabilitation Family Care Homes Quaker Meadows Family Care Chesterfield Family Care Home Perkins Care Home The Patterson House Family Care Home Clara's Cottage # 2 Clara's Cottage # 1 McCurry Family Care Home Country Pines II Days of Comfort Family Care Home Adult Care Homes / Homes for the Aged Burke Assisted Living Cambridge House The Berkeley McAlpine Adult Care ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix B: Critical Facilities, Historical Properties, and Emergency Services B-2 County City or Town Facility Type Facility Name Morganton Long Term Care, Southview Facility Connely Springs Nursing Facility College Pines Health and Rehabilitation Carolina Rehab Center of Burke Family Care Homes East View Family Care Glen Alpine Family Care Homes Glen Alpine Family Care Hildebran Adult Care Homes / Homes for the Aged Cambridge House Jonas Ridge Adult Care Homes / Homes for the Aged Jonas Ridge Adult Care Caldwell Lenoir Hospital Caldwell Memorial Hospital Intermediate Care Facilities for Adults Creekside Group Home Nursing Facility Gateway Rehabilitation and Healthcare Lenoir Health and Rehabilitation Center Shaire Nursing Center Family Care Homes DalyCares Cardiac Rehabilitation Facility UNC Heart and Vascular Adult Care Homes / Homes for the Aged Brookdale Lenoir The Shaire Center Grandview Villa Assisted Living Granite Falls Intermediate Care Facilities for Adults VOCA-Laurel Group Home Nursing Facility Hickory Falls Health and Rehabilitation Adult Care Homes / Homes for the Aged Grace Village Assisted Living & Memory Care Brockford Inn Morganton Intermediate Care Facilities for Adults Playmore Group Home Lower Creek Group Home Catawba Hickory Hospital Catawba Valley Medical Center Frye Regional Medical Center Nursing Facility The Greens at Viewmont Trinity Ridge Trinity Village The Greens at Hickory Cardiac Rehabilitation Facility Catawba Valley Medical Center CRP Frye Regional Medical Center Cardiopulmonary Rehab. Prg Family Care Homes Serenity Family Care Home ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan B-3 Draft County City or Town Facility Type Facility Name Adult Care Homes / Homes for the Aged Hickory Village Springs of Catawba Brookdale Hickory Northeast Brookdale Falling Creek Claremont Intermediate Care Facilities for Adults Penny Lane #1 Penny Lane II Maiden Intermediate Care Facilities for Adults Wendover Home Newton Intermediate Care Facilities for Adults 23rd Street Home Shannonbrook Home Nursing Facility Abernethy Laurels Adult Care Homes / Homes for the Aged Piedmont Village at Newton TerraBella Newton Conover Nursing Facility Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Family Care Homes Mulberry Place Adult Care Homes / Homes for the Aged Austin Adult Care Heritage Place II Heritage Care of Conover Alexander Taylorsville Intermediate Care Facilities for Adults Little River Group Home VOCA-Second Avenue Group Home Ellendale Group Home Nursing Facility Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Family Care Homes Sarah’s House Adult Care Homes / Homes for the Aged Heritage Care Home of Taylorsville Faith Assisted Living Facility Taylorsville House Table 2: Emergency Medical Services, Fire Stations, and Law Enforcement centers according to NC One Map1 Facility Type Facility Name Address City County EMS Hiddenite Fire Department Incorporated 45 FIRE DEPARTMENT COURT ROAD Hiddenite Alexander Fire Station Hiddenite Fire Department, Inc. 4975 E. NC 90 Hwy Fire Station Hiddenite Fire Department, Inc. 4472 Cheatham Ford Road EMS Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department 501 Ruritan Park Stony Point Fire Station Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Fire Station Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 9621 Paul Payne Store Road 1 ; ; ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix B: Critical Facilities, Historical Properties, and Emergency Services B-4 Facility Type Facility Name Address City County EMS Sugarloaf Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated 3564 STATE HIGHWAY 16 NORTH Taylorsville EMS Bethlehem Community Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated 235 TEAGUE TOWN ROAD EMS Ellendale Community Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated 70 ELLENDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT ROAD EMS Central Alexander Fire Department Incorporated EMERGENCY STREET EMS Vashti Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated 21 VASHTI FIRE DEPARTMENT ROAD EMS Wittenburg Volunteer Fire Department 45 WITTENBURG ROAD EMS Alex Rescue Squad And Emergency Medical Services Incorporated 197 EMERGENCY STREET EMS Alexander County Emergency Medical Services Station 1 2430 STATE HIGHWAY 90 EAST Fire Station Bethlehem Community Fire & Rescue, Inc. 7373 NC Hwy 127 Fire Station Central Alexander Fire Department, Inc. 173 Emergency Street Fire Station Ellendale Community Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 30 Ellendale Road Fire Station Sugar Loaf Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 4272 N. NC 16 Hwy N Fire Station Vashti Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 21 Vashti Fire Department Road Fire Station Wittenburg Volunteer Fire Department 77 Wittenburg Road Law Enforcement Alexander County Sheriffs Office 29 WEST MAIN AVENUE Law Enforcement City Of Taylorsville Police Department 67 MAIN AVENUE DRIVE EMS Alexander County Emergency Medical Services - Bethlehem Base 9110 STATE HIGHWAY 127 Fire Station George Hildebran Fire And Rescue Department Inc. 7470 George Hildebran School Road Connelly Springs Burke Burke Fire Station Icard Township Fire Rescue, Inc. 3475 Miller Bridge Road Fire Station Lovelady Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, Incorporated 1008 US 70 Hwy Fire Station South Mountains Fire Rescue, Inc. 8204 Gus Peeler Road EMS Burke County Emergency Services Station 2 750 MALCOLM BOULEVARD EMS Rhodhiss Volunteer Fire Department 200 BURKE STREET Law Enforcement Rhodhiss Police Department 200 BURKE STREET Law Enforcement North Carolina Division Of Parks - South Mountains State Park 3001 SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK AVENUE Fire Station Drexel Fire Department 202 Church Street Drexel Law Enforcement Drexel Police Department 202 CHURCH STREET Fire Station Glen Alpine Volunteer Fire Department 104 Catawba Street Glen Alpine EMS Hickory Fire Department Station 4 - Airport 3101 9TH AVENUE DRIVE NORTHWEST Hickory Fire Station Drowning Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 1630 Airport Rhodhiss Road EMS Burke County Emergency Services Station 4 705 UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 70 WEST Hildebran Fire Station Icard Township Fire Rescue, Inc. 100 First Avenue North East Fire Station Jonas Ridge Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, Inc. 6680 Dogwood Knob Road Jonas Ridge ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan B-5 Draft Facility Type Facility Name Address City County EMS Burke County Emergency Services Station 1 108 FOOTHILLS DRIVE Morganton Burke EMS Burke County Emergency Services Station 3 50 CATAWBA STREET EMS Burke County Rescue Squad 120 SAINT MARYS CHURCH ROAD Fire Station Brendletown Fire Protection And Rescue Association, Inc. 5157 US Hwy 64 Fire Station Brendletown Fire Protection And Rescue Association, Inc. 3646 Bennet Road Fire Station Chesterfield Fire And Rescue Protection Association, Inc. 2160 Hwy. 18 N. and U.S. 64 Fire Station Enola Volunteer Fire Rescue 2559 Enola Road Fire Station Lake James Fire And Rescue, Inc. 3222 Hwy. 126 Fire Station Morganton Department Of Public Safety 231 Avery Avenue Fire Station Morganton Department Of Public Safety 801 Carbon City Road Fire Station Morganton Department Of Public Safety 840 Burkemont Avenue Fire Station Oak Hill Fire And Rescue Protection Association, Inc. 2400 NC 181 Hwy Fire Station Oak Hill Fire And Rescue Protection Association, Inc. 3000 Brown Mountian Beach Road Fire Station Salem Community Fire And Rescue Protection Association, Inc 1315 Salem Rd Fire Station Salem Community Fire And Rescue Protection Association, Inc 3461 NC 18 South Morganton Fire Station Triple Community Fire Department, Inc. 505 Mountain View Drive Fire Station West End Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated 3776 Jamestown Rd. Fire Station West End Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated 1908 Jamestown Road Law Enforcement Town Of Glen Alpine Police Department 103 PITTS STREET Law Enforcement Broughton State Mental Hospital Police Department 1000 SOUTH STERLING STREET Law Enforcement Burke County Sheriffs Department 150 GOVERNMENT DRIVE Law Enforcement North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troop F District I 260 ENOLA ROAD Law Enforcement Morganton Department Of Public Safety 304 SOUTH COLLEGE STREET Fire Station Longtown Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 7765 South Mountain Institute Rd. Nebo Fire Station West End Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated 5731 Benfield's Landing Road Law Enforcement North Carolina Division Of Parks - Lake James State Park 2785 STATE HIGHWAY 126 EMS Burke County Emergency Services Station 5 6680 DOGWOOD KNOB ROAD Newland Fire Station Lovelady Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, Incorporated 748 Malcolm Blvd. Rutherford College EMS Eastern Burke County Rescue Squad 713 CHURCH STREET NORTHWEST Valdese Fire Station Valdese Fire Department 121 Faet Street SW Law Enforcement City Of Valdese Police Department 121 FAET STREET EMS Collettsville Volunteer Fire And Rescue Department Incorporated 5430 ADAKO ROAD Collettsville ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix B: Critical Facilities, Historical Properties, and Emergency Services B-6 Facility Type Facility Name Address City County Fire Station Collettsville Volunteer Fire And Rescue Department, Inc. 5430 Adako Road Caldwell Caldwell EMS Granite Falls Fire Department 119 NORTH MAIN STREET Granite Falls EMS Grace Chapel Volunteer Fire Department 4470 GRACE CHAPEL ROAD EMS Sawmills Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated 4068 UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 321A EMS Lovelady Rescue Squad 5584 YORK ROAD Fire Station Grace Chapel Volunteer Fire Department 4548 Grace Chapel Road Fire Station Granite Falls Fire Department 119 North Main Street Fire Station Sawmills Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Inc. 4068 US 321-A Law Enforcement City Of Granite Falls Police Department 5 FALLS AVENUE Fire Station Rhodhiss Fire Department 200 Burke Street Hickory EMS Hudson Fire And Rescue Squad Incorporated 122 MOUNT HERMAN ROAD Hudson Fire Station The Hudson Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 122 Mount Herman Road Law Enforcement Town Of Hudson Police Department 550 CENTRAL STREET Law Enforcement North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troop F District Iii 309 PINE MOUNTAIN ROAD EMS Little River Fire Department Incorporated 4800 OAKHILL SCHOOL ROAD Lenoir EMS Gamewell Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated 2806 MORGANTON BOULEVARD SOUTHWEST EMS Patterson Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated 1414 YADKIN RIVER ROAD EMS Yadkin Valley Volunteer Fire Department 2815 STATE HIGHWAY 268 EMS North Catawba Fire - Rescue Department Incorporated 2064 CONNELLY SPRINGS ROAD EMS Lenoir Fire Department Station 2 1927 NORWOOD STREET SOUTHWEST EMS Kings Creek Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated 3420 WILKESBORO BOULEVARD EMS Valmead Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated 1757 NORTH MAIN STREET EMS Lenoir Fire Department Station 1 602 HARPER AVENUE NORTHWEST EMS Caldwell County Emergency Medical Services 616 WEST AVENUE NORTHWEST EMS Lenoir Rescue Squad 420 FAIRVIEW DRIVE SOUTHWEST Fire Station Collettsville Volunteer Fire And Rescue Department, Inc. 6370 Globe Creek Place Fire Station King's Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 3420 Wilkesboro Blvd Fire Station Lenoir Fire Department 602 Harper Ave. NW Fire Station Lenoir Fire Department 1927 Norwood Street Fire Station Lenoir Fire Department 1015 Wilkesboro Blvd. NE Fire Station Little River Fire Department, Inc. 4800 Oak Hill School Road Fire Station North Catawba Fire-Rescue Department, Inc. 2064 Connelly Springs Road ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan B-7 Draft Facility Type Facility Name Address City County Fire Station Patterson Fire-Rescue Department Inc. 1414 Yadkin River Rd. Fire Station Patterson Fire-Rescue Department Inc. 4500 Blowing Rock Blvd Fire Station The Gamewell Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 2806 Morganton Blvd. Fire Station Valmead Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department, Inc. 1757 North Main Street Fire Station Yadkin Valley Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department, Inc. 2815 NC Hwy 268 Law Enforcement Caldwell County Sheriffs Department / Caldwell County Jail 2351 MORGANTON BOULEVARD SOUTHWEST Law Enforcement North Carolina Department Of Environment And Natural Resources Division Of Forest Resources - District 2 1543 WILKESBORO BOULEVARD NORTHEAST Law Enforcement City Of Lenoir Police Department 1035 WEST AVENUE NORTHWEST EMS Catawba Volunteer Fire Department Station 8 108 NORTH MAIN STREET Catawba Catawba EMS Bandys Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department Station 9 Base 1 1611 BUFFALO SHOALS ROAD EMS Catawba Rescue Squad Incorporated 300 ROSENWALD SCHOOL STREET Fire Station Bandys Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated 1611 Buffalo Shoals Road Fire Station Catawba Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 108 N Main St Law Enforcement Catawba Police Department 107 SOUTH MAIN STREET EMS Oxford Fire Department Station 2 - Catfish Fire District 5710 STATE HIGHWAY 16 NORTH Claremont EMS Claremont Fire Department 2850 FIREHOUSE LANE EMS Claremont Rescue Squad 2748 SOUTH OXFORD STREET Fire Station Claremont Fire Department 2850 Fire House Lane Fire Station Oxford Fire Department, Inc. 5688 Oxford School Rd Fire Station Oxford Fire Department, Inc. 5710 NC Hwy 16 North Law Enforcement Claremont Police Department 3301 EAST MAIN STREET EMS Saint Stephens Fire Department Station 4 Base 2 4060 SPRINGS ROAD Conover EMS Conover Fire Department Station 1 1225 CONOVER BOULEVARD EAST EMS Conover Fire Department Station 3 1776 VILLAGE SQUARE NORTHWEST EMS Conover Fire Department Station 2 1110 FIRST STREET WEST Fire Station Conover Fire Department 1225 Conover Blvd E Fire Station Conover Fire Department 1011 1st Street W Fire Station Conover Fire Department 1776 Village Square NW Fire Station St. Stephens Fire Department, Inc. 4060 Springs Road Law Enforcement North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement District 7 Station 3305-13 16TH AVENUE SOUTHEAST Law Enforcement Conover Police Department 115 2ND AVENUE NORTHEAST Fire Station Sherrills Ford - Terrell Fire & Rescue, Inc. 4582 Burris Rd Denver ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix B: Critical Facilities, Historical Properties, and Emergency Services B-8 Facility Type Facility Name Address City County EMS Saint Stephens Fire Department Station 4 Base 1 2810 SPRINGS ROAD NORTHEAST Hickory Catawba Catawba EMS Mountain View Volunteer Fire Department Station 12 3323 STATE HIGHWAY 127 SOUTH EMS Hickory Fire Department Station 6 - Viewmont 3036 NORTH CENTER STREET EMS Hickory Fire Department Station 5 - Fairbrook 1425 21ST STREET DRIVE SOUTHEAST EMS Hickory Fire Department Station 2 - Highland 1305 9TH AVENUE NORTHEAST EMS Hickory Fire Department Station 1 - Headquarters 19 2ND STREET DRIVE NORTHEAST EMS Hickory Rescue Squad Incorporated 320 3RD STREET DRIVE SOUTHWEST EMS Hickory Fire Department Station 7 - Southeast 465 CATAWBA VALLEY BOULEVARD SOUTHEAST Hickory EMS Hickory Fire Department Station 3 - West Hickory 135 11TH STREET NORTHWEST Fire Station Hickory Fire Department 19 2nd Street NE Fire Station Hickory Fire Department 1305 9th Ave NE Fire Station Hickory Fire Department 135 11th Street NW Fire Station Hickory Fire Department 3101 9th Avenue Fire Station Hickory Fire Department 1425 21st Street Drive SE Fire Station Hickory Fire Department 3036 North Center Street Fire Station Hickory Fire Department 465 Catawba Valley Blvd Fire Station Long View Fire Department 2404 1ST AVE SW Fire Station Mountain View Volunteer Fire Department Of Catawba County, Inc. 3323 Hwy # 127 South Fire Station Mountain View Volunteer Fire Department Of Catawba County, Inc. 1540 Henry River Road Fire Station Mountain View Volunteer Fire Department Of Catawba County, Inc. 3571 NC Hwy 127 South Fire Station St. Stephens Fire Department, Inc. 2810 Springs Road Law Enforcement Federal Bureau Of Investigation - Hickory Resident Agency 231 GOVERNMENT AVENUE SOUTHWEST Law Enforcement Brookford Police Department 1700 SOUTH CENTER STREET Law Enforcement Longview Police Department 2404 1ST AVENUE SOUTHWEST Law Enforcement City Of Hickory Police Department 347 2ND AVENUE SOUTHWEST Law Enforcement North Carolina Bureau Of Investigation - Hickory Office 1060 ZION CHURCH ROAD Law Enforcement United States Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division - Hickory 115 5TH AVENUE NORTHWEST EMS Long View Fire Department Station 2 2404 1ST AVENUE SOUTHWEST Long View EMS Maiden Fire Department Station 10 110 WEST MAIN STREET Maiden Fire Station Bandys Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated 3679 Buffalo Shoals Road Fire Station Bandys Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated 4849 NC 16 Hwy S Fire Station Maiden Fire Department 110 W Main St ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan B-9 Draft Facility Type Facility Name Address City County Fire Station Maiden Fire Department 5911 Startown Rd. Caldwell Caldwell Law Enforcement Maiden Police Department 201 WEST MAIN STREET EMS Newton Fire Department Station 2 - Northside 560 WEST 21ST STREET Newton EMS Bandys Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department Station 9 Base 2 1598 BUFFALO SHOALS ROAD EMS Newton-Conover Rescue Squad Incorporated 327 EAST A STREET EMS Propst Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department 3169 PLATEAU ROAD EMS Newton Fire Department Station 1 - Headquarters 116 WEST A STREET EMS Maiden Rescue Squad Incorporated 3496 SAINT JAMES CHURCH ROAD Newton EMS Catawba County Emergency Medical Services 1101 SOUTH BRADY AVENUE Fire Station Newton Fire Department 119 S. Brady Ave. Fire Station Newton Fire Department 560 W 21St Street Fire Station Newton Fire Department 4197 Startown Road Fire Station Propst Cross Roads Volunteer Fire Department No. 5 3169 Plateau Rd Law Enforcement North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troop F - Headquarters 1033 SMYRE FARM ROAD Law Enforcement North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troop F District V 3265 UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 70 SOUTHEAST Law Enforcement Catawba County Sheriffs Office / Catawba County Jail 100 SOUTHWEST BOULEVARD Law Enforcement Newton City Police Department 411 NORTH COLLEGE AVENUE EMS Sherrills Ford Terrell Fire And Rescue Station 2 4385 MOUNT PLEASANT ROAD Sherrills Ford EMS Sherrills Ford Terrell Fire And Rescue - Headquarters 4011 SLANTING BRIDGE ROAD EMS Sherrills Ford Terrell Fire And Rescue 8073 SHERRILLS FORD ROAD Fire Station Sherrills Ford - Terrell Fire & Rescue, Inc. 4011 Slanting Bridge Rd Fire Station Sherrills Ford - Terrell Fire & Rescue, Inc. 4385 Mt. Pleasant Rd Fire Station Sherrills Ford - Terrell Fire & Rescue, Inc. 2080 Mollys Backbone Road EMS Cooksville Volunteer Fire Department Station 14 6942 OLD SHELBY ROAD Vale Fire Station Cooksville Volunteer Fire Department No. 8 6942 Old Shelby Road Table 3: Historic Places, Buildings, Districts, and Structures from the NRI Register of Historic Places2 County Property Name Property Type Alexander Lucas Mansion Building Taylorsville Milling Company Roller Mill 2 National Register Database and Research - National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service). ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix B: Critical Facilities, Historical Properties, and Emergency Services B-10 County Property Name Property Type Burke Avery Avenue Historic District District Avery Avenue School Building Avery, Alphonse Calhoun, House Building Bellevue Building Broughton Hospital Historic District District Burke County Courthouse Building Creekside Building Dale's, USB Market Building Dalmas, Jean-Pierre Auguste, House Building Dunavant Cotton Manufacturing Company Building Forney, Jacob, Jr., House Building Franklin-Penland House Building Gaither House Building Garrou-Morganton Full-Fashioned Hosiery Mills Building Gaston Chapel Building Gilboa Methodist Church Building Henry River Mill Village Historic District District Hunting Creek Railroad Bridge Structure Jonesboro Historic District District Lackey, John Alexander, House Building Magnolia Place Building Magnolia Place (Boundary Decrease) Building Morganton Downtown Historic District District Mountain View Building North Carolina School for the Deaf Historic District District North Carolina School for the Deaf: Main Building Building North Green Street-Bouchelle Street Historic District District Quaker Meadows Building Quaker Meadows Cemetery Site Riddle, Dr. Joseph Bennett, House Building Sloan-Throneburg Farm Building South King Street Historic District District Southern Railway Freight Station Building Swan Ponds Building Tate House Building Tate, Franklin Pierce, House Building Valdese Elementary School Building Waldensian Presbyterian Church Building Waldensian Swiss Embroidery Company– Valdese Weavers, Inc. Mill Building West Union Street Historic District District Western North Carolina Insane Asylum Building ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan B-11 Draft County Property Name Property Type White Street-Valdese Avenue Historic District District Caldwell Bernhardt, J.M., Planing Mill and Box Factory- Steele Cotton Mill Building Caldwell County Courthouse Building Carolina and Northwestern Railway Freight Station Building Clover Hill Building Dula-Horton Cemetery Site Fort Defiance Building Fountain, The Building Hagler, William, House Building Hudson Cotton Manufacturing Company Building Lenoir Cotton Mill-Blue Bell Inc. Plant Building Lenoir Downtown Historic District District Lenoir Downtown Historic District (Boundary Increase) District Lenoir Grammar School Building Lenoir High School District Lenoir, Walter James, House Building Mariah's Chapel Building Mary's Grove Building Patterson School Historic District District Poe, Edgar Allan, House Building Riverside Building Catawba Anthony, Abraham, Farm District Balls Creek Campground District Bandy Farms Historic District District Bolick Historic District District Bost-Burris House Building Bunker Hill Covered Bridge Structure Catawba County Courthouse Building Catawba Historic District District Claremont High School Historic District District Claremont High School Historic District (Boundary Increase) District Elliott-Carnegie Library Building First Presbyterian Church Building Foil-Cline House Building Frye, Dr. Glenn House Building Geitner, Clement, House Building George, Lee & Helen, House Building Grace Reformed Church Building Grace Union Church and Cemetery District Harris Arcade Building ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix B: Critical Facilities, Historical Properties, and Emergency Services B-12 County Property Name Property Type Hickory Municipal Building Building Hickory Southwest Downtown Historic District District Highland School Building Hollar Hosiery Mills-Knit Sox Knitting Mills Building Houck's Chapel Building Huffman, George, Farm District Keever-Cansler Farm District Kenworth Historic District District Kenworth Historic District (Boundary Increase) District Lentz, John House Building Long, McCorkle and Murray Houses District Lyerly Full Fashioned Mill Building Memorial Reformed Church Building Miller-Cansler House Building Moore, Alexander, Farm District Moretz, John Alfred, House Building Munday House Building Murray's Mill Historic District District Neill-Turner-Lester House Building Newton Downtown Historic District District North Main Avenue Historic District District Oakwood Historic District District Oakwood Historic District (Boundary Increase) District Perkins House Building Piedmont Wagon Company Building Powell-Trollinger Lime Kilns Structure Propst House Building Propst, David House Building Reinhardt, Franklin and Harren-Hood Farms District Reinhardt, William Pinckney, House Building Ridgeview Public Library, (Former) Building Rock Barn Farm Building Rudisill-Wilson House Building Self-Trott-Bickett House Building Sharpe-Gentry Farm District Sherrill, Miles Alexander, House Building Shuford House Building Shuford-Hoover House Building St. Paul's Church and Cemetery Building St. Paul's Reformed Church Building Terrell Historic District District Warlick-Huffman Farm District Weidner Rock House Building Wesley's Chapel Arbor and Cemetery District ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan B-13 Draft County Property Name Property Type Whisnant Hosiery Mills Building Wilfong-Wilson Farm District Yoder's Mills District Historic District ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-1 Draft Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005-2018) Table 1: Flooding Sources Studied by Detailed Methods: Revised or Newly Studied Table 1: Flooding Sources Studied by Detailed Methods: Revised or Newly Studied Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Abingdon Creek Approximately 940 feet upstream of Huffman Road Approximately 325 feet upstream of M.W. Setzer Road Caldwell County Amos Creek The confluence with Mulberry Creek Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of the confluence with Mulberry Creek Caldwell County Angley Creek The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 600 feet upstream of SE Starcross Road Caldwell County, City of Lenoir, Town of Hudson Angley Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Angley Creek Approximately 1.2 miles upstream of the confluence with Angley Creek Caldwell County, City of Lenoir Anthony Creek Approximately 55 feet upstream of the confluence with Prong Creek and Racket Creek Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of the confluence with Prong Creek and Rocket Creek Caldwell County Back Creek The confluence with Irish Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Irish Creek Burke County Bailey Fork Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of I-40 At US-64 Burke County, City of Morganton Bakers Creek Tributary The confluence with Bakers Creek Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of Swinging Bridge Road Catawba County Bakers Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Bakers Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of Stratford Drive (SR 3000) Catawba County Balls Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 970 feet upstream of Little Mountain Road Catawba County, Town of Catawba Barger Branch The confluence with Henry Fork Approximately 200 feet upstream of 8th Avenue SE City of Hickory, Town of Brookford ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-2 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Barger Branch Tributary 1 The confluence with Barger Branch Approximately 800 feet upstream of 8th Avenue SE City of Hickory Barger Branch Tributary 2 The confluence with Barger Branch Tributary 1 Approximately 1,050 feet upstream of confluence with Barger Branch Tributary 1 City of Hickory Barger Branch Tributary 3 The confluence with Barger Branch Approximately 130 feet upstream of 8th Avenue SE City of Hickory Beaver Branch The confluence with Lambert Creek Approximately 500 feet upstream of SR 1307 Alexander County Beaver Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 1.5 miles upstream of the Wilkes / Caldwell County boundary Caldwell County Beaverdam Creek The confluence with Big Branch into South Yadkin River Approximately 2.5 miles upstream of Vashti Road (SR 1403) Alexander County Big Branch The confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Approximately 550 feet upstream of SR 1619 Alexander County Big Branch into South Yadkin River The confluence with South Yadkin River Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Vashti Cemetery Road (SR 1430) Alexander County Bills Branch Approximately 830 feet upstream of US 321 Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of US Highway 321 Catawba County, City of Newton, Town of Maiden Billy Branch The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of North Highland Avenue Town of Granite Falls Blairs Fork Creek Approximately 130 feet upstream of Collettsville Road / NC- 90 Approximately 780 feet upstream of Parson’s Park Drive Caldwell County Blairs Fork Creek The confluence with Lower Creek Approximately 130 feet upstream of Collettsville Road / NC- 90 Caldwell County, City of Lenoir Blue Creek The confluence with Kings Creek 1 and Little Kings Creek Approximately 2.9 miles upstream of Grandin Road (SR 1552) Caldwell County Boone Fork The confluence with Mulberry Creek Approximately 2.1 miles upstream of the confluence with Mulberry Creek Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-3 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Bristol Creek The confluence with Lower Creek Approximately 180 feet of the Burke / Caldwell County boundary Burke County, Caldwell County Bristol Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Bristol Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with Bristol Creek Burke County Camp Creek The confluence with Jacob Fork Approximately 0.5 mile of SR 1736 Burke County, Catawba County Camp Creek The confluence with Wilson Creek The confluence of Raider Camp Creek and Harper Creek Caldwell County Canoe Creek Approximately 150 feet upstream of NC 126 Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of SR 1254 Burke County, City of Morganton Carroll Creek The confluence with Parks Creek Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of SR 1424 Burke County Catawba River Approximately 0.6 mile of Hudson Chapel Road Toe at Lookout Shoals Dam Catawba County, Town of Catawba Catawba River Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of confluence of Elk Shoal Creek Lake Hickory/ Oxford Dam Alexander County, Catawba County Catawba River Approximately 1,100 feet upstream of Watermill Glen Alpine Road (SR 1147) At Bridgewater Dam (Power Plant) Burke County, Town of Glen Alpine Catawba River Approximately 1,100 feet upstream of Watermill Glen Alpine Road (SR1147) Approximately 1,100 feet of SR 1501 Burke County Catawba River At Malcolm Boulevard The confluence of Johns River Burke County, Caldwell County, City of Morganton, Town of Rutherford College, Town of Valdese Catawba River North Center Street/State Highway 127 At Lake Rhodhiss Dam Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County, City of Hickory, Town of Granite Falls, Town of Rhodhiss Catawba River The confluence of Johns River Approximately 1,100 feet upstream of Watermill Glen Alpine Road (SR 1147) Burke County, City of Morganton, Town of Glen Alpine ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-4 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Catawba River Tributary 1 Approximately 370 feet of 39th Avenue Drive NW Approximately 1,080 feet upstream of 31st Avenue NW Catawba County, City of Hickory Catawba River Tributary 1 The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of SR 1223 Burke County Catawba River Tributary 2 The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 2.8 miles upstream of the confluence with Catawba River Burke County Celia Creek The confluence with Husband Creek Approximately 1.0 mile upstream of Celia Creek Road Caldwell County Clarks Creek Approximately 100 feet of confluence of Clarks Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 310 feet upstream of the Catawba/Lincoln County boundary Catawba County Clarks Creek Approximately 310 feet upstream of Catawba/Lincoln County line Approximately 60 feet of 15th Street SE Catawba County, City of Hickory, City of Newton, Town of Maiden Clear Creek The confluence with Silver Creek Approximately 500 feet upstream of US 64 Burke County Cline Creek Approximately 30 feet of the confluence of Cline Creek Tributary 1 Approximately 150 feet of Interstate 40 City of Conover Cline Creek The confluence with Clarks Creek Approximately 30 feet of confluence of Cline Creek Tributary 1 Catawba County, City of Conover, City of Newton Cline Creek North Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Rifle Range Road Approximately 2.0 miles upstream of the confluence of Cline Creek North Tributary 1 Catawba County Cline Creek North Tributary 1 The confluence with Cline Creek North Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Rifle Range Road Catawba County Cline Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Cline Creek Approximately 450 feet upstream of Interstate 40 City of Conover Cline Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Cline Creek Approximately 1,300 feet upstream of Interstate 40 City of Conover Cold Water Creek The confluence with Johns River Approximately 1.7 miles upstream of the confluence with Johns River Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-5 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Conover Creek The confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 1,420 feet upstream of 5th Street Place NE Catawba County, City of Conover Cow Branch The confluence with Pott Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of Grace Church Road Catawba County Craig Creek The confluence with Wilson Creek Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of the confluence with Wilson Creek Caldwell County Cripple Creek The confluence with Frye Creek and Horseford Creek Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of 4th Street Drive NW City of Hickory Cripple Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Cripple Creek Approximately 1,910 feet upstream of confluence with Cripple Creek City of Hickory Cub Creek The confluence with Henry Fork Approximately 200 feet of SR 1737 Burke County Dellinger Creek The confluence with Elk Shoal Creek Approximately 725 feet upstream of Rest Home Road (SR 1702) Catawba County Dennis Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of Hines Branch Road Caldwell County Double Branch The confluence with McGalliard Creek Approximately 1,800 feet upstream of I-40 Burke County, Town of Valdese Double Branch Tributary 1 The confluence with Double Branch Approximately 900 feet upstream of SR 1722 Burke County Douglas Creek The confluence with Jacob Fork Approximately 0.4 mile of Old Rock Quarry Road Burke County, Catawba County Drowning Creek Approximately 300 feet of SR 1621 Approximately 1.8 miles upstream of I-40 Burke County Drowning Creek Tributary 1 Approximately 800 feet upstream of Wilson Road Approximately 1,700 feet upstream of Cline Park Drive Town of Hildebran Drowning Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 100 feet of the confluence of Drowning Creek Tributary 2B Approximately 200 feet of the Railroad Burke County Drowning Creek Tributary 2B The confluence with Drowning Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 150 feet of the Railroad Burke County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-6 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Duck Creek The confluence with Middle Little River The confluence of Holsclaw Creek and White Creek Alexander County Dye Branch The confluence with McGalliard Creek Approximately 150 feet of Ribet Avenue SE Burke County, Town of Valdese Elk Branch The confluence with Jones Creek Approximately 1,310 feet upstream of Old Sampson Road (SR 1574) Caldwell County Elk Shoal Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1,980 feet upstream of Rest Home Road (SR 1702) Catawba County Elk Shoals Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 350 feet upstream of SR 1631 Alexander County Elk Shoals Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Alexander County Elk Shoals Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Alexander County Estes Mill Creek The confluence with Wilson Creek Approximately 1.2 miles upstream of the confluence with Wilson Creek Caldwell County Falling Creek Approximately 0.4 mile of Cloninger Mill Road NE Approximately 50 feet of 12th Avenue NE Catawba County, City of Hickory Falling Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Falling Creek Approximately 275 feet upstream of 14th Avenue NE City of Hickory Falling Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Falling Creek Approximately 380 feet upstream of 12th Avenue NE City of Hickory Fiddle Creek The confluence with Mulberry Creek Approximately 1,620 feet upstream of the confluence with Mulberry Creek Caldwell County Franklin Branch The confluence with Johns River Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the confluence with Franklin Branch Tributary 1 Caldwell County Franklin Branch Tributary 1 The confluence with Franklin Branch Approximately 1,540 feet upstream of the confluence with Franklin Branch Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-7 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Freemason Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 300 feet upstream of Stamey Road Caldwell County, Town of Sawmills Freemason Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Freemason Creek Approximately 1.5 miles upstream of the confluence with Freemason Creek Caldwell County, Town of Sawmills Freemason Creek Tributary 1A The confluence with Freemason Creek Tributary 1 Approximately 1,690 feet upstream of Hickory Nut Ridge Road Town of Sawmills Freemason Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Freemason Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of Horseshoe Bend Road Town of Sawmills Freemason Creek Tributary 2A The confluence with Freemason Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 620 feet upstream of Lafayette Avenue Town of Sawmills Frye Creek The confluence with Cripple Creek and Horseford Creek Approximately 425 feet upstream of 33rd Street NW City of Hickory, Town of Long View Geitner Branch The confluence with Henry Fork Approximately 1,900 feet upstream of 7th Avenue SW City of Hickory Geitner Branch Tributary 1 The confluence with Geitner Branch Approximately 1,250 feet upstream of confluence with Geitner Branch City of Hickory Geitner Branch Tributary 2 The confluence with Geitner Branch Approximately 1,670 feet upstream of 7th Avenue SW City of Hickory Ginger Creek The confluence with Middle Little River Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of Draco Road Caldwell County Ginger Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Ginger Creek Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of Scout Road Caldwell County Glade Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of SR 1604 Alexander County Glade Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Glade Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of SR 1607 Alexander County, Town of Taylorsville Grassy Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of SR 1344 Alexander County Grassy Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Grassy Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of the confluence with Grassy Creek Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-8 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Grassy Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Grassy Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of NC 16 Alexander County Greasy Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of SR 1344 Alexander County Greasy Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Grassy Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of the confluence with Grassy Creek Alexander County, Town of Taylorsville Green Rock Branch The confluence with Buffalo Creek Approximately 1.5 miles upstream of Buffalo Cove Road (SR 1504) Caldwell County Gunpowder Creek Approximately 785 feet upstream of SE Starcross Road Approximately 600 feet upstream of SE Applegate Court City of Lenoir Gunpowder Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Pine Mountain Road (SR 1809) Caldwell County, City of Hickory, Town of Granite Falls, Town of Hudson Gunpowder Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 280 feet of Temple Hill Church Road Caldwell County Gunpowder Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 45 feet of Christie Road (SR 1717) Caldwell County Gunpowder Creek Tributary 2A The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 1,550 feet upstream of Christie Road (SR 1717) Caldwell County, Town of Hudson Gunpowder Creek Tributary 3 The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 2,340 feet upstream of the confluence with Gunpowder Creek Town of Hudson Gunpowder Creek Tributary 4 The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of the confluence with Gunpowder Creek Town of Hudson Gunpowder Creek Tributary 5 The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 1,115 feet upstream of SE Eastwood Park Circle City of Lenoir Gunpowder Creek Tributary 6 The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Renwick Street City of Lenoir Guys Branch The confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-9 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Haas Creek The confluence with Pott Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of Grace Church Road Catawba County Hall Creek The confluence with Silver Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of US 64 Burke County Harper Creek The confluence with Camp Creek and Raider Camp Creek The confluence of South Harper Creek Caldwell County Hayes Mill Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of Helton Road Caldwell County, Town of Granite Falls, Town of Sawmills Hayes Mill Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Hayes Mill Creek Approximately 1,700 feet upstream of the confluence with Hayes Mill Creek Town of Granite Falls, Town of Sawmills Hayes Mill Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Hayes Mill Creek Approximately 1,900 feet upstream of the confluence with Hayes Mill Creek Town of Sawmills Henry Fork Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of SR 1002 Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of SR 1918 Burke County Henry Fork The confluence with South Fork Catawba River and Jacob Fork The Catawba/Burke County boundary Catawba County, City of Hickory, City of Newton, Town of Brookford, Town of Long View Henry Fork Tributary 1 The confluence with Henry Fork Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Catawba Valley Boulevard SE City of Hickory Henry Fork Tributary 2 The confluence of Henry Fork Approximately 1,930 feet upstream of Brookford Boulevard City of Hickory, Town of Brookford Henry Fork Tributary 3 The confluence with Henry Fork Approximately 2,000 feet upstream of Robinson Road Catawba County Hildebran Creek The confluence with Clarks Creek Approximately 150 feet upstream of A. C. Little Drive City of Newton Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1,500 ft upstream of the confluence of Creek Tributary 1 Catawba County Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Creek Approximately 1,450 feet upstream of the confluence with Creek Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-10 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Holly Branch Approximately 220 feet of the confluence of Holly Branch Tributary 1 and Shady Branch The confluence of Shady Branch and Holly Branch Tributary 1 Town of Maiden Holly Branch Tributary 1 The confluence with Holly Branch Approximately 200 feet upstream of South Main Avenue Town of Maiden Holsclaw Creek The confluence with Duck Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of SR 1302 Alexander County Hop Creek The confluence with Holly Branch Approximately 200 feet upstream of South Main Avenue Catawba County Horseford Creek Approximately 1,520 feet upstream of confluence with Catawba River The confluence of Frye Creek and Cripple Creek Catawba County, City of Hickory Howard Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 850 feet upstream of SR 1512 Burke County, Town of Drexel, Town of Valdese Howard Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Howard Creek Approximately 350 feet upstream of Railroad Town of Drexel Howards Creek The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Approximately 500 feet upstream of the Catawba/Lincoln County boundary Catawba County Hoyle Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the confluence with Micol Creek Burke County, Town of Rutherford College, Town of Valdese Hoyle Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Hoyle Creek Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of the confluence with Hoyle Creek Burke County, Town of Rutherford College, Town of Valdese Hoyle Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Hoyle Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of the confluence with Hoyle Creek Town of Rutherford College, Town of Valdese Hunting Creek Approximately 250 feet upstream of the confluence of Hunting Creek Tributary 3 Approximately 1,100 feet upstream of SR 2002 Burke County, City of Morganton Hunting Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Hunting Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of Walker Road (SR 1942) City of Morganton Hunting Creek Tributary 3 The confluence with Hunting Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with Hunting Creek Burke County, City of Morganton ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-11 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Husband Creek The confluence with Lower Creek Approximately 1,925 feet upstream of Rocky Road (SR 1143) Caldwell County, Town of Gamewell Husband Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Husband Creek Approximately 140 feet of Fleming Chapel Church Road (SR 1322) Caldwell County Husband Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Husband Creek Approximately 750 feet upstream of Crooked Creek Way Caldwell County Indian Creek The Lincoln/Gaston County boundary Approximately 550 ft upstream of the Catawba/Lincoln County boundary Catawba County Irish Creek The confluence with Upper Creek and Warrior Fork Approximately 800 feet upstream of the confluence with Reedys Fork Creek Burke County Irish Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Irish Creek At SR 1240 Burke County Isaac Creek The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of SR 1143 Alexander County Island Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of SR 1621 Alexander County Island Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of I-40 Burke County, Town of Connelly Springs, Town of Rutherford College Jackson Camp Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 1.0 mile upstream of Richland Road (SR 1372) Caldwell County Jacob Fork Approximately 220 feet upstream of Providence Church Road Approximately 990 feet upstream of the Catawba/Burke County boundary Burke County, Catawba County Jacob Fork Approximately 990 feet upstream of the Catawba/Burke County boundary Approximately 450 feet upstream of SR 1904 Burke County Jacob Fork Tributary 1 The confluence with Jacob Fork Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of Cooksville Road Catawba County Jesse Fork The confluence with Buffalo Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream Stone Mountain Road (SR 1503) Caldwell County Jesse Fork Tributary 1 The confluence with Jesse Fork Approximately 330 feet upstream of Wallace Coffey Place Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-12 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Johns River Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of Triple T Lane Approximately 3.8 miles upstream of the confluence of Thunderhole Creek Caldwell County Johns River The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the Burke / Caldwell County boundary Burke County, Caldwell County, City of Morganton Jones Creek The confluence with Buffalo Creek Approximately 50 feet of the Watauga / Caldwell County boundary Caldwell County Jumping Run The confluence with Rock Creek Approximately 500 feet upstream of NC 127 Alexander County Kings Creek 1 The confluence with Yadkin River The confluence of Little Kings Creek and Blue Creek Caldwell County Kings Creek 2 The confluence with Blue Creek Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of the confluence of Kings Creek 2 Tributary 1 Caldwell County Kings Creek 2 Tributary 1 The confluence with Kings Creek 2 Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of Blue Door School Road Caldwell County Lambert Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of SR 1307 Alexander County Lambert Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Lambert Creek Approximately 800 feet upstream of SR 1307 Alexander County Laurel Creek The confluence with Henry Fork Approximately 1.2 miles upstream of Shouppe Way Burke County Laurel Creek The confluence with Wilson Creek Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of the confluence with Wilson Creek Caldwell County Laytown Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 1.8 miles upstream of Laytown Road (SR 1507) Caldwell County Linville River Approximately 2.6 miles upstream of NC 126 Approximately 800 feet of the Land Harbors Dam Burke County Linville River The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.7 mile of NC 126 Burke County Lippard Creek The confluence with Sawmill Branch and Leepers Creek Approximately 1,940 feet upstream of the Catawba/Lincoln County boundary Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-13 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Little Creek The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of Cove Mountain Lane Caldwell County Little Gunpowder Creek (near City of Lenoir) Approximately 700 feet upstream of SW Walt Arney Road Approximately 1,075 feet upstream of Connelly Springs Road Town of Cajah's Mountain Little Gunpowder Creek (near Town of Hudson) Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of Little Gunpowder Creek Drive (SR 1133) Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of Little Gunpowder Creek Drive (SR 1133) Caldwell County, Town of Cajah's Mountain Little Gunpowder Creek (near Town of Hudson) The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of Little Gunpowder Creek Drive (SR 1133) Caldwell County, Town of Granite Falls, Town of Hudson, Town of Sawmills Little Gunpowder Creek (near Town of Hudson) Tributary 1 The confluence with Little Gunpowder Creek (near Town of Hudson) Approximately 50 feet upstream of Madison MHP Drive Town of Hudson Little Gunpowder Creek (near Town of Hudson) Tributary 2 The confluence with Little Gunpowder Creek (near Town of Hudson) Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Chickadee Trail Place Town of Hudson Little Kings Creek The confluence with Kings Creek and Blue Creek Approximately 1,620 feet upstream of Zacks Fork Road (SR 1511) Caldwell County Little Mulberry Creek 1 The confluence with Mulberry Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Planters Way Caldwell County Little Mulberry Creek 2 The confluence with Mulberry Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Shallow Creek Road (SR 1530) Caldwell County Little Silver Creek Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of Causby Road (SR 1147) Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of Ceramic Tile Drive Burke County, City of Morganton, Town of Glen Alpine Long Creek The confluence with McLin Creek Approximately 1,450 feet upstream of Railroad City of Claremont, City of Conover Long Shoal Creek The confluence with Catawba River (Lake Hickory) Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Pinecrest Drive NE Catawba County, City of Hickory Long View Creek The confluence with Henry Fork Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of US-70 SW City of Hickory, Town of Long View Long View Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Long View Creek Approximately 100 feet upstream of US-70 City of Hickory Long View Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Long View Creek Approximately 1,460 feet upstream of confluence with Long View Creek Town of Long View ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-14 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Lost Cove Creek The confluence with Wilson Creek Approximately 2.1 miles upstream of the confluence with Gragg Prong Creek Caldwell County Lower Creek Approximately 800 feet of the confluence of Abingdon Creek Approximately 1,830 feet upstream of the second crossing of Cedar Rock Circle (SR 1706) Caldwell County, City of Lenoir, Town of Gamewell Lower Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1,290 feet of the confluence with Husband Creek Burke County, Caldwell County Lower Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Lower Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of SE Haigler Road City of Lenoir Lower Little River The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of SR 1332 Alexander County Lower Little River Tributary 1 The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of the confluence with Lower Little River Alexander County Lower Little River Tributary 2 The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 1,600 feet upstream of SR 1124 Alexander County Lower Little River Tributary 2A The confluence with Lower Little River Tributary 2 Approximately 1,600 feet upstream of confluence with Lower Little River Tributary 2 Alexander County Lower Little River Tributary 3 The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of SR 1110 Alexander County Lower Little River Tributary 4 The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of SR 1104 Alexander County, Town of Taylorsville Lyle Creek Approximately 0.6 miles of confluence of Bakers Creek Approximately 550 feet upstream of 18th Street NE Catawba County, City of Conover, City of Hickory Lyle Creek Tributary The confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 1,950 feet upstream of Community Road Catawba County Lyle Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 1.0 mile upstream of Crossing Creek Drive (SR 2454) Catawba County Maiden Creek Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of Providence Mill Road Approximately 80 feet of North Olivers Cross Road Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-15 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities McGalliard Creek Approximately 250 feet upstream of confluence of McGalliard Creek Tributary 2 The confluence of Double Branch Burke County, Town of Valdese McGalliard Creek The confluence of Double Branch Approximately 400 feet upstream of SR 1722 Burke County McGalliard Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of the confluence with Catawba River Burke County, Town of Valdese McGalliard Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with McGalliard Creek Approximately 1,800 feet upstream of Louise Avenue NE Burke County, Town of Valdese McGalliard Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with McGalliard Creek Approximately 600 feet of I-40 Burke County, Town of Drexel McGalliard Creek Tributary 2A The confluence with McGalliard Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 800 feet upstream of Drexel Road Town of Drexel McGalliard Creek Tributary 2B The confluence with McGalliard Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 200 feet of SR 1721 Burke County, Town of Drexel McLin Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with McLin Creek Approximately 1,250 feet upstream of Frazier Drive City of Claremont McRory Creek The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of McRary Creek Road (SR 1721) Caldwell County Micol Creek The confluence with Hoyle Creek Approximately 350 feet of I-40 Burke County, Town of Valdese Micol Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Micol Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Montonya View Drive Burke County, Town of Rutherford College, Town of Valdese Micol Creek Tributary 1A The confluence with Micol Creek Tributary 1 Approximately 75 feet of SR 1001 Burke County, Town of Rutherford College Micol Creek Tributary 1A1 The confluence with Micol Creek Tributary 1A Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with Micol Creek Tributary 1A Burke County Middle Little River The confluence with Catawba River/Lake Hickory Approximately 280 feet upstream of the Alexander / Caldwell County boundary Alexander County, Caldwell County Middle Little River The most crossing of the Alexander / Caldwell County boundary Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Brush Mountain Road (SR 1733) Alexander County, Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-16 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Middle Little River Tributary 2 The confluence with Middle Little River Approximately 300 feet of SR 1152 Alexander County Middle Little River Tributary 3 The confluence with Middle Little River Approximately 1,480 feet upstream of Taylorsville Road Caldwell County Middle Little River Tributary 4 The confluence with Middle Little River Approximately 1,300 feet upstream of Duck Creek Road (SR 1730) Caldwell County Middle Little River Tributary 5 The confluence with Middle Little River Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Middle Little River Caldwell County Mill Creek The confluence with South Yadkin River Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with South Yadkin River Alexander County Mill Creek The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 1.0 mile upstream of Petra Mill Road (SR 1740) Caldwell County Mill Creek (into Yadkin River) The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 1.2 miles upstream of NC Highway 268 Caldwell County Miller Branch The confluence with Clarks Creek Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of confluence with Clarks Creek City of Hickory Miller Creek The confluence with South Yadkin River Approximately 260 feet upstream of Sprinkle Dairy Road (SR 1475) Alexander County Morris Creek The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 490 feet upstream of Sheriffs Road (SR 1730) Caldwell County Mountain Creek The confluence with Catawba River (Lake Norman) Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of the confluence of Mountain Creek Tributary 3 Catawba County Mountain Creek The confluence with Middle Little River Approximately 200 feet upstream of SR 1150 Alexander County Mountain Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Mountain Creek Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of the confluence with Mountain Creek Catawba County Mountain Creek Tributary 2A The confluence with Mountain Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of the confluence with Mountain Creek Tributary 2 Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-17 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Mountain Creek Tributary 3 The confluence with Mountain Creek Approximately 1.0 mile upstream of the confluence with Mountain Creek Catawba County Mountain Creek Tributary 3A The confluence with Mountain Creek Tributary 3 Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Mountain Creek Tributary 3 Catawba County Mountain Run The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 125 feet upstream of Fox Road (SR 1726) Caldwell County Muddy Creek Approximately 0.4 mile of Robinson Road (SR 1146) The confluence of Muddy Creek Tributary 2 and Muddy Creek Tributary 3 Catawba County Muddy Creek The confluence of Old Catawba River The confluence of North Muddy Creek and South Muddy Creek Burke County Muddy Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Muddy Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of Robinwood Road (SR 1148) Catawba County Muddy Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Muddy Creek Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of Robinwood Road (SR 1148) Catawba County Muddy Creek Tributary 3 The confluence with Muddy Creek Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of the confluence with Muddy Creek Catawba County, City of Hickory Muddy Fork Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 600 feet of SR 1405 Alexander County, Town of Taylorsville Muddy Fork Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Muddy Fork Creek Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of Old Wilkesboro Road Alexander County, Town of Taylorsville Mulberry Creek Approximately 90 feet of Collettsville Road Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of the confluence of Amos Creek Caldwell County Mull Creek The confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 500 feet upstream of 9th Avenue NE Catawba County, City of Claremont, City of Conover Mundy Creek The confluence with Reed Creek Approximately 500 feet upstream of Lineberger Road Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-18 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Mundy Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Mundy Creek Approximately 1,400 feet upstream of Grassy Creek Road Catawba County Naked Creek Approximately 0.5 mile of St. Peters Church Road (SR 1453) Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Timber Ridge Road Catawba County Nolden Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1,900 feet upstream of Nolden Creek Road Burke County, Town of Connelly Springs Old Catawba River The confluence with Catawba River The Burke / McDowell County boundary Burke County Old Field Branch The confluence with Buffalo Creek Approximately 1.7 miles upstream of the confluence with Buffalo Creek Caldwell County Ooten Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of the confluence with Yadkin River Caldwell County Paddy Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 2.9 miles upstream of SR 1237 Burke County Parks Creek The confluence with Johns River Approximately 100 feet of SR 1405 Burke County Pearcy Creek The confluence with Parks Creek Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of SR 1405 Burke County Pearcy Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Pearcy Creek Approximately 20 feet of SR 1405 Burke County Pilot Branch The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 440 feet upstream of Burns Road (SR 1749) Caldwell County Pinch Gut Creek Approximately 120 feet upstream of Saint James Church Road Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of Saint James Church Road Catawba County Pinch Gut Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Pinch Gut Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Pinch Gut Creek Catawba County Poplar Creek The confluence with Lambert Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of SR 1305 Alexander County Pott Creek The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of Plateau Road Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-19 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Preston Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 650 feet upstream of Kirby Mountain Road (SR 1370) Caldwell County Prong Creek The confluence with Johns River Approximately 65 feet of the confluence Racket Creek and Anthony Creek Caldwell County Propst Creek Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 75 feet of Sipe Road (SR 1492) Catawba County, City of Hickory Racket Creek Approximately 65 feet of the confluence with Prong Creek and Anthony Creek Approximately 145 feet upstream of the confluence with Ballew Creek Caldwell County Raider Camp Creek The confluence with Camp Creek Approximately 1,795 feet upstream of the confluence with Camp Creek Caldwell County Reed Creek The confluence with Mountain Creek Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of Mount Pleasant Road (SR 1849) Catawba County Reedys Fork Creek The confluence with Irish Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Irish Creek Burke County Rhodes Mill Creek The confluence with Pott Creek Approximately 1,100 feet upstream of Leatherman Road Catawba County Rhodes Mill Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Rhodes Mill Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with Rhodes Mill Creek Catawba County Rock Creek The confluence with Middle Little River The confluence of Jumping Run Alexander County Rock Creek The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 200 feet of Fowler Road (SR 1747) Caldwell County Rock Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Rock Creek Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of confluence with Rock Creek Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-20 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Rockhouse Creek The confluence with Buffalo Creek Approximately 30 feet of the Watauga / Caldwell County boundary Caldwell County Rockhouse Creek The confluence with Lost Cove Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Avery/Caldwell County boundary Caldwell County Rocky Creek The confluence with South Yadkin River The Alexander/Iredell County boundary Alexander County Rocky Creek The Iredell/Alexander County boundary Approximately 1.0 mile upstream of the confluence of Rocky Creek Tributary 1 Alexander County Roses Creek The confluence with Irish Creek Approximately 1.7 miles upstream of SR 1262 Burke County Roses Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Roses Creek Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of the confluence with Roses Creek Burke County Rush Branch The confluence with Mulberry Creek Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of the confluence with Mulberry Creek Caldwell County Russell Creek The confluence with Irish Creek Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of SR 1240 Burke County Secrets Creek The confluence with Howard Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of South Main Street Town of Drexel, Town of Valdese Shady Branch The confluence with Holly Branch Approximately 500 feet upstream of South 11th Avenue Town of Maiden Shady Branch Tributary 1 The confluence with Shady Branch Approximately 1,800 feet upstream of South 8th Avenue Town of Maiden Silver Creek Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of I-40 Approximately 1,800 feet upstream of US 64 Burke County, City of Morganton Silver Creek The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of Falls Avenue (SR 1107) Caldwell County, Town of Granite Falls Silver Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Silver Creek Approximately 100 feet of the Railroad City of Morganton ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-21 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Simpson Creek The confluence with Roses Creek Approximately 1.5 miles upstream of the confluence with Roses Creek Burke County Smokey Creek The confluence with Catawba River The Burke / Caldwell County boundary Burke County Smokey Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Smokey Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with Smokey Creek Burke County Smyre Creek Approximately 120 feet of the confluence of Smyre Creek Tributary 1 Approximately 50 feet of NC-16 Catawba County, City of Newton Smyre Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Smyre Creek Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the confluence with Smyre Creek Catawba County, City of Newton Snow Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1,040 feet upstream of 15th Avenue NE Catawba County, City of Hickory Snow Creek The confluence with South Yadkin River Approximately 260 feet upstream of Mountain View Road (SR 1614E) Alexander County Snow Hill Branch The confluence with Town Creek Approximately 1,100 feet upstream of East 11th Street City of Newton South Fork Catawba River Approximately 2.6 miles upstream of the confluence of Howards Creek Approximately 125 feet of NC-10 Catawba County, City of Newton South Fork Catawba River Tributary 6 The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Approximately 530 feet upstream of Herter Road (SR 2022) Catawba County South Fork Catawba River Tributary 7 The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of the confluence with South Fork Catawba River Catawba County South Fork Catawba River Tributary 8 The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of Wilfong Road (SR 2020) Catawba County South Fork Catawba River Tributary 9 The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of US Highway 321 Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-22 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities South Fork Catawba River Tributary 9A The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Tributary 9 Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the confluence with South Fork Catawba River Tributary 9 Catawba County South Muddy Creek The confluence with Muddy Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of SR 1780 Burke County South Muddy Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with South Muddy Creek Approximately 920 feet upstream of McDowell/Burke County boundary Burke County South Yadkin River The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 510 feet of Vashti Road (SR 1403) Alexander County Spainhour Creek The confluence with Blairs Fork Creek Approximately 1,800 feet upstream of Blowing Rock Boulevard City of Lenoir Spring Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 1.7 miles upstream of SR 1121 Alexander County Stirewalt Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Just upstream of the Railroad Alexander County, Town of Taylorsville Stratford Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 130 feet of Lee Pearson Road (SR 1136) Caldwell County Stratford Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Stratford Creek Approximately 1,815 feet upstream of Baton School Road (SR 1139) Caldwell County Terrapin Creek The confluence with Catawba River (Lake Norman) Approximately 1.2 miles upstream of the confluence of Terrapin Creek Tributary 1 Catawba County Terrapin Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Terrapin Creek Approximately 1 mile upstream of the confluence with Terrapin Creek Catawba County Third Creek Approximately 1,130 feet of Interstate 40 Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Lentz Road Alexander County Thorps Creek The confluence with Wilson Creek Approximately 1,375 feet upstream of Edgemont Road Caldwell County Thunderhole Creek The confluence with Johns River Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence of New Years Creek Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-23 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Tims Creek The confluence with Henry Fork Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of SR 1788 Burke County Town Branch The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of 2nd Street S.W. Town of Catawba Town Creek Approximately 1,400 feet upstream of St. James Church Road Approximately 0.8 miles upstream of State Route 10 City of Newton Tributary to Lyle Creek Tributary The confluence with Lyle Creek Tributary Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of the confluence with Lyle Creek Tributary Catawba County Upper Creek The confluence with Irish Creek and Warrior Fork Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of SR 1405 Burke County Upper Little River The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of Teaberry Lane Alexander County, Caldwell County Upper Little River Tributary 1 The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 2,380 feet upstream of Charlie Little Road (SR 1741) Caldwell County Wallace Creek The confluence with South Yadkin River Approximately 1,200 feet upstream of the confluence of Greasy Creek Alexander County Walnut Bottom Creek The confluence with Johns River Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of the confluence with Johns River Caldwell County Warrior Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 210 feet upstream of Warrior Road (SR 1346) Caldwell County Warrior Fork Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence of Wilson Creek The confluence of Irish Creek and Upper Creek Burke County, City of Morganton White Creek The confluence with Duck Creek Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of SR 1304 Alexander County Wilson Creek Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of Adako Road (SR 1337) Approximately 500 feet upstream of the confluence of Cary Flat Branch Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-24 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Yadkin River Approximately 90 feet upstream of Whisnant Road (SR 1517) Approximately 2.2 miles upstream of the confluence of Ooten Creek Caldwell County Yadkin River The confluence of Elk Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence of Mill Creek (into Yadkin River) Caldwell County Yadkin River Tributary 25 The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of NC Highway 268 Caldwell County Zacks Fork Creek The confluence with Lower Creek Approximately 900 feet of NE Georgetown Road City of Lenoir Zacks Fork Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Zacks Fork Creek Approximately 1.2 miles upstream of the confluence with Zacks Fork Creek Caldwell County, City of Lenoir Table 2: Flooding Sources Studied by Detailed Methods: Limited Detailed Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Abingdon Creek The confluence with Lower Creek Approximately 940 feet upstream of Huffman Road Caldwell County, City of Lenoir, Town of Gamewell Allen Creek The confluence with Maiden Creek Approximately 50 feet of Jim Beard Road (SR 1867) Catawba County, Town of Maiden Bailey Fork The confluence with Silver Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of I-40 City of Morganton Bakers Creek The confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 900 feet of Lee Cline Road (SR 1486) Catawba County Betts Branch The confluence with Clarks Creek Approximately 2.0 miles upstream of Sigmon Dairy Road Catawba County Bills Branch The confluence with Clarks Creek Approximately 830 feet upstream of US Highway 321 Catawba County, City of Newton Canoe Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 150 feet upstream of NC 126 Burke County, City of Morganton ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-25 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Catawba River At Lake Rhodhiss Dam At Malcolm Boulevard Burke County, Caldwell County, City of Lenoir, Town of Connelly Springs, Town of Granite Falls, Town of Rhodhiss, Town of Rutherford College, Town of Sawmills Catawba River (Lake Hickory) Lake Hickory / Oxford Dam NC 127 Alexander County, Catawba County, City of Hickory Catawba River (Lake Norman) Cowans Ford Dam Approximately 0.6 mile of Hudson Chapel Road (SR 1004) Catawba County Catawba River (Lookout Shoals Lake) Toe at Lookout Shoals Dam Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence of Elk Shoal Creek Alexander County, Catawba County Cline Creek North The confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Rifle Range Road (SR 1488) Catawba County, City of Conover Drowning Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 300 feet of SR 1621 Burke County Drowning Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Drowning Creek Approximately 800 feet upstream of Wilson Road Burke County, Town of Hildebran Drowning Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Drowning Creek Approximately 100 feet of the confluence of Drowning Creek Tributary 2B Burke County, Town of Hildebran Drowning Creek Tributary 2A The confluence with Drowning Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 1,600 feet upstream of the confluence with Drowning Creek Tributary 2 Burke County East Prong Creek The confluence with Hunting Creek Approximately 500 feet of Mount Home Church Road City of Morganton East Tributary to McLin Creek The confluence with McLin Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of confluence with McLin Creek City of Conover Fiddlers Run The confluence with East Prong Creek Approximately 100 feet of Old Colony Road City of Morganton ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-26 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Fitz Creek The confluence with Cripple Creek Approximately 175 feet upstream of 2nd Avenue NW City of Hickory Greasy Creek The confluence with Lower Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of SW Morganton Boulevard City of Lenoir Gunpowder Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Pine Mountain Road (SR 1809) Approximately 785 feet upstream of SE Starcross Road City of Lenoir, Town of Hudson Hagan Fork Creek The confluence with McLin Creek Upstream side of Mount Olive Church Road Catawba County Henry Fork Burke / Catawba County boundary Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of SR 1002 Burke County, Catawba County Herman Branch Creek The confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 25 feet of 26th Street NE Catawba County, City of Hickory Hickory Creek The confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 1,350 ft upstream of 20th Street NE City of Hickory Holly Branch The confluence with Maiden Creek Approximately 220 feet of the confluence of Holly Branch Tributary 1 and Shady Branch Town of Maiden Howard Creek Approximately 850 feet upstream of SR 1512 Approximately 300 feet upstream of US-70 Burke County, Town of Drexel, Town of Valdese Hunting Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 250 feet upstream of the confluence of Hunting Creek Tributary 3 Burke County, City of Morganton Hunting Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Hunting Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of the confluence with Hunting Creek Burke County, City of Morganton Jacob Fork The confluence with Henry Fork and South Fork Catawba River Approximately 220 feet upstream of Providence Church Road Catawba County, City of Newton Johns River Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the Burke / Caldwell County boundary Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of Triple T Lane Caldwell County Lake Norman Cowans Ford Dam Approximately 0.6 mile of Hudson Chapel Road (SR 1004) Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-27 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Linville River Approximately 0.7 mile of NC 126 Approximately 2.6 miles upstream of NC 126 Burke County Little Gunpowder Creek (near City of Lenoir) The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 700 feet upstream of SW Walt Arney Road City of Lenoir, Town of Cajah's Mountain, Town of Hudson Little Silver Creek The confluence with Silver Creek Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of Causby Road (SR 1147) City of Morganton, Town of Glen Alpine Lower Creek Approximately 1,830 feet upstream of the second crossing of Cedar Rock Circle (SR 1706) Approximately 1,900 feet upstream of K and B Farm Lane Caldwell County, Village of Cedar Rock Lower Creek The Burke / Caldwell County boundary Approximately 800 feet of the confluence of Abingdon Creek Burke County, Caldwell County, Town of Gamewell Lyle Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.6 mile of the confluence of Bakers Creek Catawba County, City of Claremont, City of Conover, Town of Catawba Maiden Creek The confluence with Clarks Creek Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of Providence Mill Road Catawba County, Town of Maiden McGalliard Creek Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of the confluence with Catawba River Approximately 250 feet upstream of the confluence of McGalliard Creek Tributary 2 Burke County, Town of Valdese McLin Creek The confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of East 20th Street Catawba County, City of Claremont, City of Conover, City of Newton, Town of Catawba Mulberry Creek The confluence with Johns River Approximately 90 feet of Collettsville Road Caldwell County Pinch Gut Creek The confluence with Maiden Creek Approximately 120 feet upstream of Saint James Church Road Catawba County, Town of Maiden Propst Creek The confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of the confluence with Lyle Creek Catawba County, City of Conover ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-28 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Sandy Run The confluence with Hunting Creek Approximately 2.4 miles upstream of the confluence with Hunting Creek Burke County, City of Morganton Silver Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of I-40 Burke County, City of Morganton Smokey Creek The Burke / Caldwell County boundary Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of Smokey Creek Road (SR 1134) Burke County, Caldwell County Smyre Creek The confluence with Clarks Creek Approximately 120 feet of the confluence of Smyre Creek Tributary 1 Catawba County, City of Newton South Fork Catawba River Approximately 125 feet of NC 10 The confluence of Jacob Fork and Henry Fork Catawba County, City of Newton Town Creek The confluence with Smyre Creek Approximately 1,400 feet upstream of St. James Church Road City of Newton Warrior Fork The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence of Wilson Creek Burke County, City of Morganton West Tributary McLin Creek The confluence with McLin Creek Approximately 850 feet upstream of Ann Avenue City of Newton Wilson Creek The confluence with Johns River Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of Adako Road (SR 1337) Caldwell County Wilson Creek The confluence with Warrior Fork Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of St. Mary’s Church Road (SR 1414) Burke County, City of Morganton Yadkin River Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence of Mill Creek Approximately 90 feet upstream of Whisnant Road (SR 1517) Caldwell County Zacks Fork Branch The confluence with Zacks Fork Creek Approximately 100 feet upstream of NE Sherlee Street City of Lenoir Zacks Fork Creek Approximately 900 feet of NE Georgetown Road Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of Westover Heights Road Caldwell County, City of Lenoir ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-29 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Abingdon Creek Approximately 940 feet upstream of Huffman Road Approximately 325 feet upstream of M.W. Setzer Road Caldwell County Amos Creek The confluence with Mulberry Creek Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of the confluence with Mulberry Creek Caldwell County Angley Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Angley Creek Approximately 1.2 miles upstream of the confluence with Angley Creek Caldwell County, City of Lenoir Anthony Creek Approximately 55 feet upstream of the confluence with Prong Creek and Racket Creek Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of the confluence with Prong Creek and Rocket Creek Caldwell County Back Creek The confluence with Irish Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Irish Creek Burke County Bailey Fork Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of I-40 At US-64 Burke County, City of Morganton Bakers Creek Tributary The confluence with Bakers Creek Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of Swinging Bridge Road Catawba County Bakers Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Bakers Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of Stratford Drive (SR 3000) Catawba County Balls Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 970 feet upstream of Little Mountain Road Catawba County, Town of Catawba Beaver Branch The confluence with Lambert Creek Approximately 500 feet upstream of SR 1307 Alexander County Beaver Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 1.5 miles upstream of the Wilkes / Caldwell County boundary Caldwell County Beaverdam Creek The confluence with Big Branch into South Yadkin River Approximately 2.5 miles upstream of Vashti Road (SR 1403) Alexander County Big Branch The confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Approximately 550 feet upstream of SR 1619 Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-30 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Big Branch into South Yadkin River The confluence with South Yadkin River Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Vashti Cemetery Road (SR 1430) Alexander County Bills Branch Approximately 830 feet upstream of US 321 Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of US Highway 321 Catawba County, City of Newton, Town of Maiden Billy Branch The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of North Highland Avenue Town of Granite Falls Blairs Fork Creek Approximately 130 feet upstream of Collettsville Road / NC- 90 Approximately 780 feet upstream of Parson’s Park Drive Caldwell County Blue Creek The confluence with Kings Creek 1 and Little Kings Creek Approximately 2.9 miles upstream of Grandin Road (SR 1552) Caldwell County Boone Fork The confluence with Mulberry Creek Approximately 2.1 miles upstream of the confluence with Mulberry Creek Caldwell County Bristol Creek The confluence with Lower Creek Approximately 180 feet of the Burke / Caldwell County boundary Burke County, Caldwell County Bristol Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Bristol Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with Bristol Creek Burke County Camp Creek The confluence with Jacob Fork Approximately 0.5 mile of SR 1736 Burke County, Catawba County Camp Creek The confluence with Wilson Creek The confluence of Raider Camp Creek and Harper Creek Caldwell County Canoe Creek Approximately 150 feet upstream of NC 126 Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of SR 1254 Burke County, City of Morganton Carroll Creek The confluence with Parks Creek Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of SR 1424 Burke County Catawba River Approximately 0.6 mile of Hudson Chapel Road Toe at Lookout Shoals Dam Catawba County, Town of Catawba Catawba River Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of confluence of Elk Shoal Creek Lake Hickory/ Oxford Dam Alexander County, Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-31 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Catawba River Approximately 1,100 feet upstream of Watermill Glen Alpine Road (SR 1147) At Bridgewater Dam (Power Plant) Burke County, Town of Glen Alpine Catawba River Approximately 1,100 feet upstream of Watermill Glen Alpine Road (SR1147) Approximately 1,100 feet of SR 1501 Burke County Catawba River At Malcolm Boulevard The confluence of Johns River Burke County, Caldwell County, City of Morganton, Town of Rutherford College, Town of Valdese Catawba River North Center Street/State Highway 127 At Lake Rhodhiss Dam Alexander County, Burke County, Caldwell County, Catawba County, City of Hickory, Town of Granite Falls, Town of Rhodhiss Catawba River Tributary 1 The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of SR 1223 Burke County Catawba River Tributary 2 The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 2.8 miles upstream of the confluence with Catawba River Burke County Celia Creek The confluence with Husband Creek Approximately 1.0 mile upstream of Celia Creek Road Caldwell County Clarks Creek Approximately 100 feet of confluence of Clarks Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 310 feet upstream of the Catawba/Lincoln County boundary Catawba County Clear Creek The confluence with Silver Creek Approximately 500 feet upstream of US 64 Burke County Cline Creek Approximately 30 feet of the confluence of Cline Creek Tributary 1 Approximately 150 feet of Interstate 40 City of Conover Cline Creek North Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Rifle Range Road Approximately 2.0 miles upstream of the confluence of Cline Creek North Tributary 1 Catawba County Cline Creek North Tributary 1 The confluence with Cline Creek North Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Rifle Range Road Catawba County Cline Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Cline Creek Approximately 450 feet upstream of Interstate 40 City of Conover ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-32 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Cline Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Cline Creek Approximately 1,300 feet upstream of Interstate 40 City of Conover Cold Water Creek The confluence with Johns River Approximately 1.7 miles upstream of the confluence with Johns River Caldwell County Cow Branch The confluence with Pott Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of Grace Church Road Catawba County Craig Creek The confluence with Wilson Creek Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of the confluence with Wilson Creek Caldwell County Cub Creek The confluence with Henry Fork Approximately 200 feet of SR 1737 Burke County Dennis Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of Hines Branch Road Caldwell County Double Branch Tributary 1 The confluence with Double Branch Approximately 900 feet upstream of SR 1722 Burke County Douglas Creek The confluence with Jacob Fork Approximately 0.4 mile of Old Rock Quarry Road Burke County, Catawba County Drowning Creek Approximately 300 feet of SR 1621 Approximately 1.8 miles upstream of I-40 Burke County Drowning Creek Tributary 1 Approximately 800 feet upstream of Wilson Road Approximately 1,700 feet upstream of Cline Park Drive Town of Hildebran Drowning Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 100 feet of the confluence of Drowning Creek Tributary 2B Approximately 200 feet of the Railroad Burke County Drowning Creek Tributary 2B The confluence with Drowning Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 150 feet of the Railroad Burke County Elk Branch The confluence with Jones Creek Approximately 1,310 feet upstream of Old Sampson Road (SR 1574) Caldwell County Elk Shoals Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 350 feet upstream of SR 1631 Alexander County Elk Shoals Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-33 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Elk Shoals Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Alexander County Estes Mill Creek The confluence with Wilson Creek Approximately 1.2 miles upstream of the confluence with Wilson Creek Caldwell County Fiddle Creek The confluence with Mulberry Creek Approximately 1,620 feet upstream of the confluence with Mulberry Creek Caldwell County Franklin Branch The confluence with Johns River Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the confluence with Franklin Branch Tributary 1 Caldwell County Franklin Branch Tributary 1 The confluence with Franklin Branch Approximately 1,540 feet upstream of the confluence with Franklin Branch Caldwell County Freemason Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 300 feet upstream of Stamey Road Caldwell County, Town of Sawmills Freemason Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Freemason Creek Approximately 1.5 miles upstream of the confluence with Freemason Creek Caldwell County, Town of Sawmills Freemason Creek Tributary 1A The confluence with Freemason Creek Tributary 1 Approximately 1,690 feet upstream of Hickory Nut Ridge Road Town of Sawmills Freemason Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Freemason Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of Horseshoe Bend Road Town of Sawmills Freemason Creek Tributary 2A The confluence with Freemason Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 620 feet upstream of Lafayette Avenue Town of Sawmills Ginger Creek The confluence with Middle Little River Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of Draco Road Caldwell County Ginger Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Ginger Creek Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of Scout Road Caldwell County Glade Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of SR 1604 Alexander County Glade Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Glade Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of SR 1607 Alexander County, Town of Taylorsville ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-34 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Grassy Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of SR 1344 Alexander County Grassy Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Grassy Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of the confluence with Grassy Creek Alexander County Grassy Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Grassy Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of NC 16 Alexander County Greasy Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of SR 1344 Alexander County Greasy Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Grassy Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of the confluence with Grassy Creek Alexander County, Town of Taylorsville Green Rock Branch The confluence with Buffalo Creek Approximately 1.5 miles upstream of Buffalo Cove Road (SR 1504) Caldwell County Gunpowder Creek Approximately 785 feet upstream of SE Starcross Road Approximately 600 feet upstream of SE Applegate Court City of Lenoir Gunpowder Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 280 feet of Temple Hill Church Road Caldwell County Gunpowder Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 45 feet of Christie Road (SR 1717) Caldwell County Gunpowder Creek Tributary 2A The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 1,550 feet upstream of Christie Road (SR 1717) Caldwell County, Town of Hudson Gunpowder Creek Tributary 3 The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 2,340 feet upstream of the confluence with Gunpowder Creek Town of Hudson Gunpowder Creek Tributary 4 The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of the confluence with Gunpowder Creek Town of Hudson Gunpowder Creek Tributary 5 The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 1,115 feet upstream of SE Eastwood Park Circle City of Lenoir Gunpowder Creek Tributary 6 The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Renwick Street City of Lenoir ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-35 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Guys Branch The confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Elk Shoals Creek Alexander County Haas Creek The confluence with Pott Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of Grace Church Road Catawba County Hall Creek The confluence with Silver Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of US 64 Burke County Harper Creek The confluence with Camp Creek and Raider Camp Creek The confluence of South Harper Creek Caldwell County Hayes Mill Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Hayes Mill Creek Approximately 1,700 feet upstream of the confluence with Hayes Mill Creek Town of Granite Falls, Town of Sawmills Hayes Mill Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Hayes Mill Creek Approximately 1,900 feet upstream of the confluence with Hayes Mill Creek Town of Sawmills Henry Fork Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of SR 1002 Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of SR 1918 Burke County Henry Fork Tributary 3 The confluence with Henry Fork Approximately 2,000 feet upstream of Robinson Road Catawba County Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1,500 ft upstream of the confluence of Creek Tributary 1 Catawba County Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Creek Approximately 1,450 feet upstream of the confluence with Creek Catawba County Holly Branch Approximately 220 feet of the confluence of Holly Branch Tributary 1 and Shady Branch The confluence of Shady Branch and Holly Branch Tributary 1 Town of Maiden Holly Branch Tributary 1 The confluence with Holly Branch Approximately 200 feet upstream of South Main Avenue Town of Maiden Hop Creek The confluence with Holly Branch Approximately 200 feet upstream of South Main Avenue Catawba County Howard Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 850 feet upstream of SR 1512 Burke County, Town of Drexel, Town of Valdese ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-36 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Howard Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Howard Creek Approximately 350 feet upstream of Railroad Town of Drexel Howards Creek The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Approximately 500 feet upstream of the Catawba/Lincoln County boundary Catawba County Hoyle Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the confluence with Micol Creek Burke County, Town of Rutherford College, Town of Valdese Hoyle Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Hoyle Creek Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of the confluence with Hoyle Creek Burke County, Town of Rutherford College, Town of Valdese Hoyle Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Hoyle Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of the confluence with Hoyle Creek Town of Rutherford College, Town of Valdese Hunting Creek Approximately 250 feet upstream of the confluence of Hunting Creek Tributary 3 Approximately 1,100 feet upstream of SR 2002 Burke County, City of Morganton Hunting Creek Tributary 3 The confluence with Hunting Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with Hunting Creek Burke County, City of Morganton Husband Creek The confluence with Lower Creek Approximately 1,925 feet upstream of Rocky Road (SR 1143) Caldwell County, Town of Gamewell Husband Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Husband Creek Approximately 140 feet of Fleming Chapel Church Road (SR 1322) Caldwell County Husband Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Husband Creek Approximately 750 feet upstream of Crooked Creek Way Caldwell County Indian Creek The Lincoln/Gaston County boundary Approximately 550 ft upstream of the Catawba/Lincoln County boundary Catawba County Irish Creek The confluence with Upper Creek and Warrior Fork Approximately 800 feet upstream of the confluence with Reedys Fork Creek Burke County Irish Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Irish Creek At SR 1240 Burke County Isaac Creek The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of SR 1143 Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-37 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Island Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of SR 1621 Alexander County Island Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of I-40 Burke County, Town of Connelly Springs, Town of Rutherford College Jackson Camp Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 1.0 mile upstream of Richland Road (SR 1372) Caldwell County Jacob Fork Approximately 220 feet upstream of Providence Church Road Approximately 990 feet upstream of the Catawba/Burke County boundary Burke County, Catawba County Jacob Fork Approximately 990 feet upstream of the Catawba/Burke County boundary Approximately 450 feet upstream of SR 1904 Burke County Jacob Fork Tributary 1 The confluence with Jacob Fork Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of Cooksville Road Catawba County Jesse Fork The confluence with Buffalo Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream Stone Mountain Road (SR 1503) Caldwell County Jesse Fork Tributary 1 The confluence with Jesse Fork Approximately 330 feet upstream of Wallace Coffey Place Caldwell County Johns River Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of Triple T Lane Approximately 3.8 miles upstream of the confluence of Thunderhole Creek Caldwell County Johns River The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the Burke / Caldwell County boundary Burke County, Caldwell County, City of Morganton Jones Creek The confluence with Buffalo Creek Approximately 50 feet of the Watauga / Caldwell County boundary Caldwell County Jumping Run The confluence with Rock Creek Approximately 500 feet upstream of NC 127 Alexander County Kings Creek 1 The confluence with Yadkin River The confluence of Little Kings Creek and Blue Creek Caldwell County Kings Creek 2 The confluence with Blue Creek Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of the confluence of Kings Creek 2 Tributary 1 Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-38 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Kings Creek 2 Tributary 1 The confluence with Kings Creek 2 Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of Blue Door School Road Caldwell County Lambert Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of SR 1307 Alexander County Lambert Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Lambert Creek Approximately 800 feet upstream of SR 1307 Alexander County Laurel Creek The confluence with Henry Fork Approximately 1.2 miles upstream of Shouppe Way Burke County Laurel Creek The confluence with Wilson Creek Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of the confluence with Wilson Creek Caldwell County Laytown Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 1.8 miles upstream of Laytown Road (SR 1507) Caldwell County Linville River Approximately 2.6 miles upstream of NC 126 Approximately 800 feet of the Land Harbors Dam Burke County Linville River The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.7 mile of NC 126 Burke County Lippard Creek The confluence with Sawmill Branch and Leepers Creek Approximately 1,940 feet upstream of the Catawba/Lincoln County boundary Catawba County Little Creek The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of Cove Mountain Lane Caldwell County Little Gunpowder Creek (near City of Lenoir) Approximately 700 feet upstream of SW Walt Arney Road Approximately 1,075 feet upstream of Connelly Springs Road Town of Cajah's Mountain Little Gunpowder Creek (near Town of Hudson) Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of Little Gunpowder Creek Drive (SR 1133) Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of Little Gunpowder Creek Drive (SR 1133) Caldwell County, Town of Cajah's Mountain Little Gunpowder Creek (near Town of Hudson) Tributary 1 The confluence with Little Gunpowder Creek (near Town of Hudson) Approximately 50 feet upstream of Madison MHP Drive Town of Hudson Little Gunpowder Creek (near Town of Hudson) Tributary 2 The confluence with Little Gunpowder Creek (near Town of Hudson) Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Chickadee Trail Place Town of Hudson Little Kings Creek The confluence with Kings Creek and Blue Creek Approximately 1,620 feet upstream of Zacks Fork Road (SR 1511) Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-39 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Little Mulberry Creek 2 The confluence with Mulberry Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Shallow Creek Road (SR 1530) Caldwell County Lost Cove Creek The confluence with Wilson Creek Approximately 2.1 miles upstream of the confluence with Gragg Prong Creek Caldwell County Lower Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1,290 feet of the confluence with Husband Creek Burke County, Caldwell County Lower Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Lower Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of SE Haigler Road City of Lenoir Lower Little River The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of SR 1332 Alexander County Lower Little River Tributary 1 The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of the confluence with Lower Little River Alexander County Lower Little River Tributary 2 The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 1,600 feet upstream of SR 1124 Alexander County Lower Little River Tributary 2A The confluence with Lower Little River Tributary 2 Approximately 1,600 feet upstream of confluence with Lower Little River Tributary 2 Alexander County Lower Little River Tributary 3 The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of SR 1110 Alexander County Lower Little River Tributary 4 The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of SR 1104 Alexander County, Town of Taylorsville Lyle Creek Tributary The confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 1,950 feet upstream of Community Road Catawba County Lyle Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Lyle Creek Approximately 1.0 mile upstream of Crossing Creek Drive (SR 2454) Catawba County Maiden Creek Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of Providence Mill Road Approximately 80 feet of North Olivers Cross Road Catawba County McGalliard Creek The confluence of Double Branch Approximately 400 feet upstream of SR 1722 Burke County McGalliard Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of the confluence with Catawba River Burke County, Town of Valdese ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-40 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities McGalliard Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with McGalliard Creek Approximately 1,800 feet upstream of Louise Avenue NE Burke County, Town of Valdese McGalliard Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with McGalliard Creek Approximately 600 feet of I-40 Burke County, Town of Drexel McGalliard Creek Tributary 2A The confluence with McGalliard Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 800 feet upstream of Drexel Road Town of Drexel McGalliard Creek Tributary 2B The confluence with McGalliard Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 200 feet of SR 1721 Burke County, Town of Drexel McLin Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with McLin Creek Approximately 1,250 feet upstream of Frazier Drive City of Claremont McRory Creek The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of McRary Creek Road (SR 1721) Caldwell County Micol Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Micol Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Montonya View Drive Burke County, Town of Rutherford College, Town of Valdese Micol Creek Tributary 1A The confluence with Micol Creek Tributary 1 Approximately 75 feet of SR 1001 Burke County, Town of Rutherford College Micol Creek Tributary 1A1 The confluence with Micol Creek Tributary 1A Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with Micol Creek Tributary 1A Burke County Middle Little River The most crossing of the Alexander / Caldwell County boundary Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Brush Mountain Road (SR 1733) Alexander County, Caldwell County Middle Little River Tributary 2 The confluence with Middle Little River Approximately 300 feet of SR 1152 Alexander County Middle Little River Tributary 3 The confluence with Middle Little River Approximately 1,480 feet upstream of Taylorsville Road Caldwell County Middle Little River Tributary 4 The confluence with Middle Little River Approximately 1,300 feet upstream of Duck Creek Road (SR 1730) Caldwell County Middle Little River Tributary 5 The confluence with Middle Little River Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Middle Little River Caldwell County Mill Creek The confluence with South Yadkin River Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with South Yadkin River Alexander County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-41 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Mill Creek The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 1.0 mile upstream of Petra Mill Road (SR 1740) Caldwell County Mill Creek (into Yadkin River) The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 1.2 miles upstream of NC Highway 268 Caldwell County Miller Creek The confluence with South Yadkin River Approximately 260 feet upstream of Sprinkle Dairy Road (SR 1475) Alexander County Morris Creek The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 490 feet upstream of Sheriffs Road (SR 1730) Caldwell County Mountain Creek The confluence with Catawba River (Lake Norman) Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of the confluence of Mountain Creek Tributary 3 Catawba County Mountain Creek The confluence with Middle Little River Approximately 200 feet upstream of SR 1150 Alexander County Mountain Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Mountain Creek Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of the confluence with Mountain Creek Catawba County Mountain Creek Tributary 2A The confluence with Mountain Creek Tributary 2 Approximately 1.4 miles upstream of the confluence with Mountain Creek Tributary 2 Catawba County Mountain Creek Tributary 3 The confluence with Mountain Creek Approximately 1.0 mile upstream of the confluence with Mountain Creek Catawba County Mountain Creek Tributary 3A The confluence with Mountain Creek Tributary 3 Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Mountain Creek Tributary 3 Catawba County Mountain Run The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 125 feet upstream of Fox Road (SR 1726) Caldwell County Muddy Creek Approximately 0.4 mile of Robinson Road (SR 1146) The confluence of Muddy Creek Tributary 2 and Muddy Creek Tributary 3 Catawba County Muddy Creek The confluence of Old Catawba River The confluence of North Muddy Creek and South Muddy Creek Burke County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-42 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Muddy Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Muddy Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of Robinwood Road (SR 1148) Catawba County Muddy Creek Tributary 2 The confluence with Muddy Creek Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of Robinwood Road (SR 1148) Catawba County Muddy Creek Tributary 3 The confluence with Muddy Creek Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of the confluence with Muddy Creek Catawba County, City of Hickory Muddy Fork Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 600 feet of SR 1405 Alexander County, Town of Taylorsville Muddy Fork Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Muddy Fork Creek Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of Old Wilkesboro Road Alexander County, Town of Taylorsville Mulberry Creek Approximately 90 feet of Collettsville Road Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of the confluence of Amos Creek Caldwell County Mundy Creek The confluence with Reed Creek Approximately 500 feet upstream of Lineberger Road Catawba County Mundy Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Mundy Creek Approximately 1,400 feet upstream of Grassy Creek Road Catawba County Nolden Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 1,900 feet upstream of Nolden Creek Road Burke County, Town of Connelly Springs Old Catawba River The confluence with Catawba River The Burke / McDowell County boundary Burke County Old Field Branch The confluence with Buffalo Creek Approximately 1.7 miles upstream of the confluence with Buffalo Creek Caldwell County Ooten Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of the confluence with Yadkin River Caldwell County Paddy Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 2.9 miles upstream of SR 1237 Burke County Parks Creek The confluence with Johns River Approximately 100 feet of SR 1405 Burke County Pearcy Creek The confluence with Parks Creek Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of SR 1405 Burke County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-43 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Pearcy Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Pearcy Creek Approximately 20 feet of SR 1405 Burke County Pilot Branch The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 440 feet upstream of Burns Road (SR 1749) Caldwell County Pinch Gut Creek Approximately 120 feet upstream of Saint James Church Road Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of Saint James Church Road Catawba County Pinch Gut Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Pinch Gut Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Pinch Gut Creek Catawba County Poplar Creek The confluence with Lambert Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of SR 1305 Alexander County Pott Creek The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of Plateau Road Catawba County Preston Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 650 feet upstream of Kirby Mountain Road (SR 1370) Caldwell County Prong Creek The confluence with Johns River Approximately 65 feet of the confluence Racket Creek and Anthony Creek Caldwell County Racket Creek Approximately 65 feet of the confluence with Prong Creek and Anthony Creek Approximately 145 feet upstream of the confluence with Ballew Creek Caldwell County Raider Camp Creek The confluence with Camp Creek Approximately 1,795 feet upstream of the confluence with Camp Creek Caldwell County Reed Creek The confluence with Mountain Creek Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of Mount Pleasant Road (SR 1849) Catawba County Reedys Fork Creek The confluence with Irish Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence with Irish Creek Burke County Rhodes Mill Creek The confluence with Pott Creek Approximately 1,100 feet upstream of Leatherman Road Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-44 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Rhodes Mill Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Rhodes Mill Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with Rhodes Mill Creek Catawba County Rock Creek The confluence with Middle Little River The confluence of Jumping Run Alexander County Rock Creek The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 200 feet of Fowler Road (SR 1747) Caldwell County Rock Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Rock Creek Approximately 1,000 feet upstream of confluence with Rock Creek Alexander County Rockhouse Creek The confluence with Buffalo Creek Approximately 30 feet of the Watauga / Caldwell County boundary Caldwell County Rockhouse Creek The confluence with Lost Cove Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of Avery/Caldwell County boundary Caldwell County Rocky Creek The Iredell/Alexander County boundary Approximately 1.0 mile upstream of the confluence of Rocky Creek Tributary 1 Alexander County Roses Creek The confluence with Irish Creek Approximately 1.7 miles upstream of SR 1262 Burke County Roses Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Roses Creek Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of the confluence with Roses Creek Burke County Rush Branch The confluence with Mulberry Creek Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of the confluence with Mulberry Creek Caldwell County Russell Creek The confluence with Irish Creek Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of SR 1240 Burke County Secrets Creek The confluence with Howard Creek Approximately 0.8 mile upstream of South Main Street Town of Drexel, Town of Valdese Shady Branch The confluence with Holly Branch Approximately 500 feet upstream of South 11th Avenue Town of Maiden Shady Branch Tributary 1 The confluence with Shady Branch Approximately 1,800 feet upstream of South 8th Avenue Town of Maiden ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-45 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Silver Creek Approximately 1.6 miles upstream of I-40 Approximately 1,800 feet upstream of US 64 Burke County, City of Morganton Silver Creek The confluence with Gunpowder Creek Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of Falls Avenue (SR 1107) Caldwell County, Town of Granite Falls Silver Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Silver Creek Approximately 100 feet of the Railroad City of Morganton Simpson Creek The confluence with Roses Creek Approximately 1.5 miles upstream of the confluence with Roses Creek Burke County Smokey Creek The confluence with Catawba River The Burke / Caldwell County boundary Burke County Smokey Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Smokey Creek Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence with Smokey Creek Burke County Smyre Creek Approximately 120 feet of the confluence of Smyre Creek Tributary 1 Approximately 50 feet of NC-16 Catawba County, City of Newton Smyre Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Smyre Creek Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the confluence with Smyre Creek Catawba County, City of Newton Snow Creek The confluence with South Yadkin River Approximately 260 feet upstream of Mountain View Road (SR 1614E) Alexander County South Fork Catawba River Approximately 2.6 miles upstream of the confluence of Howards Creek Approximately 125 feet of NC-10 Catawba County, City of Newton South Fork Catawba River Tributary 6 The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Approximately 530 feet upstream of Herter Road (SR 2022) Catawba County South Fork Catawba River Tributary 7 The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Approximately 0.9 mile upstream of the confluence with South Fork Catawba River Catawba County South Fork Catawba River Tributary 8 The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of Wilfong Road (SR 2020) Catawba County South Fork Catawba River Tributary 9 The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of US Highway 321 Catawba County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-46 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities South Fork Catawba River Tributary 9A The confluence with South Fork Catawba River Tributary 9 Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the confluence with South Fork Catawba River Tributary 9 Catawba County South Muddy Creek The confluence with Muddy Creek Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of SR 1780 Burke County South Muddy Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with South Muddy Creek Approximately 920 feet upstream of McDowell/Burke County boundary Burke County South Yadkin River The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 510 feet of Vashti Road (SR 1403) Alexander County Spring Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Approximately 1.7 miles upstream of SR 1121 Alexander County Stirewalt Creek The confluence with Lower Little River Just upstream of the Railroad Alexander County, Town of Taylorsville Stratford Creek The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 130 feet of Lee Pearson Road (SR 1136) Caldwell County Stratford Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Stratford Creek Approximately 1,815 feet upstream of Baton School Road (SR 1139) Caldwell County Terrapin Creek The confluence with Catawba River (Lake Norman) Approximately 1.2 miles upstream of the confluence of Terrapin Creek Tributary 1 Catawba County Terrapin Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Terrapin Creek Approximately 1 mile upstream of the confluence with Terrapin Creek Catawba County Third Creek Approximately 1,130 feet of Interstate 40 Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of Lentz Road Alexander County Thorps Creek The confluence with Wilson Creek Approximately 1,375 feet upstream of Edgemont Road Caldwell County Thunderhole Creek The confluence with Johns River Approximately 0.4 mile upstream of the confluence of New Years Creek Caldwell County Tims Creek The confluence with Henry Fork Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of SR 1788 Burke County ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-47 Draft Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Town Creek Approximately 1,400 feet upstream of St. James Church Road Approximately 0.8 miles upstream of State Route 10 City of Newton Tributary to Lyle Creek Tributary The confluence with Lyle Creek Tributary Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of the confluence with Lyle Creek Tributary Catawba County Upper Creek The confluence with Irish Creek and Warrior Fork Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of SR 1405 Burke County Upper Little River The confluence with Catawba River Approximately 0.7 mile upstream of Teaberry Lane Alexander County, Caldwell County Upper Little River Tributary 1 The confluence with Upper Little River Approximately 2,380 feet upstream of Charlie Little Road (SR 1741) Caldwell County Wallace Creek The confluence with South Yadkin River Approximately 1,200 feet upstream of the confluence of Greasy Creek Alexander County Walnut Bottom Creek The confluence with Johns River Approximately 0.6 mile upstream of the confluence with Johns River Caldwell County Warrior Creek The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 210 feet upstream of Warrior Road (SR 1346) Caldwell County Warrior Fork Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence of Wilson Creek The confluence of Irish Creek and Upper Creek Burke County, City of Morganton White Creek The confluence with Duck Creek Approximately 1.9 miles upstream of SR 1304 Alexander County Wilson Creek Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of Adako Road (SR 1337) Approximately 500 feet upstream of the confluence of Cary Flat Branch Caldwell County Yadkin River Approximately 90 feet upstream of Whisnant Road (SR 1517) Approximately 2.2 miles upstream of the confluence of Ooten Creek Caldwell County Yadkin River The confluence of Elk Creek Approximately 0.5 mile upstream of the confluence of Mill Creek (into Yadkin River) Caldwell County ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-48 Riverine Sources Sources From To Affected Communities Yadkin River Tributary 25 The confluence with Yadkin River Approximately 1.3 miles upstream of NC Highway 268 Caldwell County Zacks Fork Creek Tributary 1 The confluence with Zacks Fork Creek Approximately 1.2 miles upstream of the confluence with Zacks Fork Creek Caldwell County, City of Lenoir Table 3: Historical Flooding Occurrences from NCDC between 2005-2018. Location Date Type Deaths Injuries Reported Property Damage Reported Property Damage (PV) Reported Crop Damage Reported Crop Damage (PV) Alexander Alexander County (Unincorporate d Area) 10/08/0 5 Flood 0 0 0 $0 0 $0 Alexander County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/26/0 9 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Alexander County (Unincorporate d Area) 06/03/0 9 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Alexander County (Unincorporate d Area) 01/24/1 0 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Alexander County (Unincorporate d Area) 01/24/1 0 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Alexander County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/14/1 2 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Alexander County (Unincorporate d Area) 07/11/13 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Alexander 7 Events 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-49 Draft Location Date Type Deaths Injuries Reported Property Damage Reported Property Damage (PV) Reported Crop Damage Reported Crop Damage (PV) Burke Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 08/26/0 8 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/26/0 9 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 01/24/1 0 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 01/25/1 0 Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 08/15/1 0 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 03/06/11 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 04/16/11 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 04/16/11 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 04/16/11 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 04/16/11 Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 11/29/11 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 09/18/1 2 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/05/1 3 Flood 0 0 $30,000 $24,254 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 07/04/1 3 Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 07/04/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-50 Location Date Type Deaths Injuries Reported Property Damage Reported Property Damage (PV) Reported Crop Damage Reported Crop Damage (PV) Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 07/04/1 3 Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 07/12/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $60,000 $48,827 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 04/19/1 5 Flood 0 0 $1,000 $865 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 12/02/1 5 Flood 0 0 $500 $442 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 12/24/1 5 Flash Flood 0 0 $1,000 $885 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 02/03/1 6 Flash Flood 0 0 $5,000 $4,443 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 10/23/1 7 Flood 0 0 $1,000 $943 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 04/15/1 8 Flash Flood 0 0 $1,000 $959 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/18/1 8 Flood 0 0 $5,000 $4,808 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/29/1 8 Flash Flood 0 0 $3,000 $2,888 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/30/1 8 Flood 0 0 $1,000 $963 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 09/16/1 8 Flash Flood 0 0 $1,000 $973 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 09/17/1 8 Flood 0 0 $1,000 $973 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 09/23/1 8 Flash Flood 0 0 $2,000 $1,946 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 10/11/18 Flood 0 0 $2,000 $1,950 $0 $0 Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 12/21/1 8 Flood 0 0 $1,000 $981 $0 $0 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-51 Draft Location Date Type Deaths Injuries Reported Property Damage Reported Property Damage (PV) Reported Crop Damage Reported Crop Damage (PV) Burke County (Unincorporate d Area) 12/28/1 8 Flood 0 0 $2,000 $1,964 $0 $0 City of Morganton 05/19/0 5 Flash Flood 0 0 0 $0 0 $0 City of Morganton 07/19/0 5 Flash Flood 0 0 0 $0 0 $0 City of Morganton 07/27/0 5 Flash Flood 0 0 0 $0 0 $0 City of Morganton 08/17/0 5 Flash Flood 0 0 0 $0 0 $0 City of Morganton 09/12/1 4 Flash Flood 0 0 $100,000 $84,720 $0 $0 City of Morganton 09/12/1 4 Flood 0 0 $10,000 $8,472 $0 $0 Town of Drexel 06/09/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Burke 39 Events 0 0 $227,500 $192,255 $0 $0 Caldwell Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 07/03/0 5 Flash Flood 0 0 $20,000 $12,347 0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 08/18/0 5 Flash Flood 0 0 0 $0 0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 08/26/0 8 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/16/0 9 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 03/06/11 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 04/16/11 Flash Flood 0 1 $50,000 $37,671 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/14/1 2 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-52 Location Date Type Deaths Injuries Reported Property Damage Reported Property Damage (PV) Reported Crop Damage Reported Crop Damage (PV) Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/14/1 2 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/14/1 2 Flash Flood 0 0 $300,000 $234,584 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/14/1 2 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 07/11/12 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 08/09/1 2 Flash Flood 0 0 $5,000 $3,941 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 01/30/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $50,000 $40,064 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/05/1 3 Flood 0 0 $30,000 $24,254 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 06/09/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 07/04/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $300,000 $243,966 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 07/07/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 07/12/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $50,000 $40,689 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 09/01/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-53 Draft Location Date Type Deaths Injuries Reported Property Damage Reported Property Damage (PV) Reported Crop Damage Reported Crop Damage (PV) Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 04/19/1 5 Flood 0 0 $1,000 $865 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 02/03/1 6 Flash Flood 0 0 $5,000 $4,443 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/24/1 7 Flash Flood 0 0 $500 $465 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 10/23/1 7 Flood 0 0 $1,000 $943 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/18/1 8 Flash Flood 0 0 $50,000 $48,077 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/19/1 8 Flood 0 0 $5,000 $4,808 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/29/1 8 Flash Flood 0 0 $2,000 $1,925 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/29/1 8 Flash Flood 0 0 $2,000 $1,925 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/30/1 8 Flood 0 0 $500 $481 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/31/1 8 Flash Flood 0 0 $5,000 $4,814 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 09/16/1 8 Flood 0 0 $1,000 $973 $0 $0 Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 10/11/18 Flash Flood 0 0 $1,000 $975 $0 $0 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix C: Flooding Sources and Historical Flooding (2005 – 2018) C-54 Location Date Type Deaths Injuries Reported Property Damage Reported Property Damage (PV) Reported Crop Damage Reported Crop Damage (PV) Caldwell County (Unincorporate d Area) 10/11/18 Flood 0 0 $500 $487 $0 $0 City of Lenoir 06/07/0 5 Flash Flood 0 0 $15,000 $9,238 0 $0 City of Lenoir 06/08/0 5 Flash Flood 0 0 0 $0 0 $0 City of Lenoir 06/10/0 9 Flash Flood 0 0 $20,000 $14,139 $0 $0 City of Lenoir 06/09/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Town of Hudson 07/27/1 7 Flash Flood 0 0 $500 $468 $0 $0 Village of Cedar Rock 07/02/1 3 Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Caldwell 38 Events 0 1 $915,000 $732,543 $0 $0 Catawba Catawba County (Unincorporate d Area) 01/24/1 0 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Catawba County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/14/1 2 Flash Flood 0 0 $20,000 $15,639 $0 $0 Catawba County (Unincorporate d Area) 05/06/1 3 Flood 0 0 $2,000,000 $1,616,958 $0 $0 Catawba County (Unincorporate d Area) 06/05/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Catawba County (Unincorporate d Area) 07/27/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $1,000,000 $814,901 $0 $0 Catawba County (Unincorporate d Area) 06/02/1 6 Flash Flood 0 0 $500 $449 $0 $0 City of Conover 07/27/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $900,000 $733,411 $0 $0 City of Hickory 05/19/0 5 Flash Flood 0 0 $5,000 $3,073 0 $0 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan C-55 Draft Location Date Type Deaths Injuries Reported Property Damage Reported Property Damage (PV) Reported Crop Damage Reported Crop Damage (PV) City of Hickory 07/07/0 5 Flash Flood 0 0 0 $0 0 $0 City of Hickory 07/09/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 City of Hickory 07/27/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $1,500,000 $1,222,352 $0 $0 City of Hickory 07/27/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $200,000 $162,980 $0 $0 City of Hickory 07/27/1 3 Flash Flood 0 0 $1,500 $1,222 $0 $0 City of Hickory 07/27/1 3 Flood 0 0 $100,000 $81,490 $0 $0 City of Hickory 02/03/1 6 Flash Flood 0 0 $2,000 $1,777 $0 $0 City of Newton 08/27/0 8 Flash Flood 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Town of Long View 07/21/1 2 Flash Flood 0 0 $1,000 $787 $0 $0 Town of Maiden 08/17/0 8 Flash Flood 0 0 $50,000 $34,365 $0 $0 Subtotal Catawba 18 Events 0 0 $5,780,000 $4,689,405 $0 $0 TOTAL PLAN 102 Events 0 1 $6,922,500 $5,614,203 $0 $0 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 1 / 35 72.44% 418 27.56% 159 Q1 Have you ever experienced or been impacted by a disaster? Answered: 577 Skipped: 2 TOTAL 577 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Yes No ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes No Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 2 / 35 Q2 If yes, Which of these natural hazards have you experienced or been impacted by? (Check all that apply.) Answered: 439 Skipped: 140 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Dam/Levee Failure Drought/Extreme Heat Earthquake Erosion Flood Thunderstorm/Ha il/Lightning Hurricane/Tropi cal Storm Landslide Sinkhole Tornado Wildfire Winter Weather Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 3 / 35 1.37% 6 25.97% 114 9.11% 40 7.06% 31 40.55% 178 58.31% 256 65.83% 289 2.96% 13 5.47% 24 36.90% 162 11.85% 52 56.72% 249 Total Respondents: 439 ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Dam/Levee Failure Drought/Extreme Heat Earthquake Erosion Flood Thunderstorm/Hail/Lightning Hurricane/Tropical Storm Landslide Sinkhole Tornado Wildfire Winter Weather Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 4 / 35 Q3 What was the most difficult part for you in recovering from past disasters that you have experienced? (1 being most difficult and 6 being least difficult.) Answered: 467 Skipped: 112 27.75% 96 27.75% 96 19.08% 66 13.29% 46 7.23% 25 4.91% 17 346 4.41 16.42% 56 17.89% 61 22.87% 78 19.06% 65 17.01% 58 6.74% 23 341 3.77 35.90% 140 24.36% 95 17.95% 70 11.79% 46 5.64% 22 4.36% 17 390 4.60 5.69% 19 14.67% 49 20.06% 67 29.64% 99 20.06% 67 9.88% 33 334 3.27 10.05% 38 11.38% 43 17.72% 67 19.58% 74 31.22% 118 10.05% 38 378 3.19 10.83% 26 2.08% 5 5.42% 13 5.42% 13 9.17% 22 67.08% 161 240 1.99 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Financial Emotional Direct damage to property Loss of possessions Long recovery time Other 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL SCORE Financial Emotional Direct damage to property Loss of possessions Long recovery time Other Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 5 / 35 Q4 How concerned are you about the possibility of your community being impacted by each of these natural hazards? (Check the corresponding circle for each natural hazard.) Answered: 576 Skipped: 3 Dam/levee failure Drought/extreme heat Earthquake Erosion Flood Hurricane Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 6 / 35 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Not Concer… Somewhat … Very Conce… Landslide Sinkhole Thunderstorm/Ha il/Lightning Tornado Wildfire Winter weather Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 7 / 35 64.62% 358 31.41% 174 3.97% 22 554 1.39 19.82% 112 60.88% 344 19.29% 109 565 1.99 65.11% 362 31.65% 176 3.24% 18 556 1.38 53.06% 295 39.75% 221 7.19% 40 556 1.54 23.94% 136 54.23% 308 21.83% 124 568 1.98 27.66% 156 56.03% 316 16.31% 92 564 1.89 71.32% 393 25.59% 141 3.09% 17 551 1.32 44.95% 249 45.85% 254 9.21% 51 554 1.64 6.53% 37 49.03% 278 44.44% 252 567 2.38 8.47% 48 50.62% 287 40.92% 232 567 2.32 27.37% 153 47.23% 264 25.40% 142 559 1.98 27.22% 153 55.69% 313 17.08% 96 562 1.90 NOT CONCERNED SOMEWHAT CONCERNED VERY CONCERNED TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE Dam/levee failure Drought/extreme heat Earthquake Erosion Flood Hurricane Landslide Sinkhole Thunderstorm/Hail/Lightning Tornado Wildfire Winter weather Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 8 / 35 Q5 In your opinion, which of the following categories are most susceptible to natural hazards in your community? (Rank the community assets in order of vulnerability, 1 being most vulnerable and 6 being least vulnerable.) Please note, the list will automatically re-order itself as you make your selections. You can also drag and drop the items on the list to reorder them. Answered: 572 Skipped: 7 5.31% 28 5.31% 28 6.83% 36 10.25% 54 20.49% 108 51.80% 273 527 2.09 11.00% 57 16.99% 88 28.76% 149 23.75% 123 13.51% 70 5.98% 31 518 3.70 7.37% 39 13.42% 71 18.15% 96 23.82% 126 26.28% 139 10.96% 58 529 3.19 5.79% 31 12.71% 68 17.01% 91 24.67% 132 22.06% 118 17.76% 95 535 3.02 17.53% 95 38.93% 211 19.56% 106 10.52% 57 10.15% 55 3.32% 18 542 4.33 52.41% 294 13.55% 76 11.94% 67 7.66% 43 5.70% 32 8.73% 49 561 4.73 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Cultural/Histor ic: Damage or loss of... Economic: Business interruption... Environmental: Damage, contaminatio... Governance: Ability to maintain ord... Infrastructure: Damage/loss of roads, bridg... People: Loss of life and/or injuries 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL SCORE Cultural/Historic: Damage or loss of libraries, museums, historic properties, etc. Economic: Business interruptions/closures, job losses, etc. Environmental: Damage, contamination or loss of forests, wetlands, waterways, etc. Governance: Ability to maintain order and/or provide public amenities and services Infrastructure: Damage/loss of roads, bridges, utilities, schools, etc. People: Loss of life and/or injuries Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 9 / 35 Q6 How important is each of the following specific community assets to you? (Check the appropriate circle for each asset.) Answered: 576 Skipped: 3 Airports Colleges/Univer sities Day Care and Elder Care Facilities Emergency Operations Centers Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 10 / 35 Centers Emergency Shelters Fire, Police and EMS Stations Historic Buildings Hospitals and Medical Facilities Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 11 / 35 Local Businesses Major Roads and Bridges Parks and Recreation Schools (K-12) Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 12 / 35 19.11% 107 14.29% 80 28.39% 159 22.50% 126 15.71% 88 560 3.01 9.35% 53 7.76% 44 26.10% 148 33.51% 190 23.28% 132 567 3.54 4.01% 23 3.49% 20 12.74% 73 28.27% 162 51.48% 295 573 4.20 1.22% 7 0.52% 3 4.51% 26 14.06% 81 79.69% 459 576 4.70 1.22% 7 2.09% 12 9.91% 57 25.04% 144 61.74% 355 575 4.44 0.52% 3 0.35% 2 2.09% 12 8.70% 50 88.35% 508 575 4.84 6.65% 38 11.91% 68 32.05% 183 36.95% 211 12.43% 71 571 3.37 0.70% 4 0.35% 2 2.78% 16 9.39% 54 86.78% 499 575 4.81 1.40% 8 2.62% 15 13.79% 79 45.38% 260 36.82% 211 573 4.14 0.35% 2 0.17% 1 3.13% 18 16.35% 94 80.00% 460 575 4.75 4.18% 24 12.89% 74 29.27% 168 33.62% 193 20.03% 115 574 3.52 2.45% 14 1.75% 10 12.24% 70 23.25% 133 60.31% 345 572 4.37 5.24% 30 8.90% 51 29.67% 170 35.25% 202 20.94% 120 573 3.58 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Not Import… Not Very Im… Neutral Somewhat I… Very Import… Town Hall/Courthouse NOT IMPORTANT NOT VERY IMPORTANT NEUTRAL SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT VERY IMPORTANT TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE Airports Colleges/Universities Day Care and Elder Care Facilities Emergency Operations Centers Emergency Shelters Fire, Police and EMS Stations Historic Buildings Hospitals and Medical Facilities Local Businesses Major Roads and Bridges Parks and Recreation Schools (K-12) Town Hall/Courthouse Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 13 / 35 Q7 Natural hazards can have a significant impact on a community, but planning for these types of events can help lessen the impacts. Please tell us how important each statement is to you by checking the appropriate circle for each. Answered: 576 Skipped: 3 Protecting private property Protecting critical facilities Preventing development in hazard areas Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 14 / 35 Enhancing the function of natural... Protecting historical and cultural... Protecting and reducing damage to utilities Strengthening emergency services Promoting cooperation Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 15 / 35 1.82% 10 2.73% 15 10.02% 55 33.52% 184 51.91% 285 549 4.31 0.00% 0 0.52% 3 1.57% 9 6.81% 39 91.10% 522 573 4.88 0.35% 2 1.40% 8 13.96% 80 31.41% 180 52.88% 303 573 4.35 1.23% 7 1.75% 10 18.95% 108 41.23% 235 36.84% 210 570 4.11 5.81% 33 7.92% 45 30.11% 171 37.85% 215 18.31% 104 568 3.55 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 3.84% 22 21.29% 122 74.87% 429 573 4.71 0.17% 1 0.52% 3 2.97% 17 11.54% 66 84.79% 485 572 4.80 1.74% 10 1.57% 9 8.89% 51 31.01% 178 56.79% 326 574 4.40 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Not Import… Not Very Im… Neutral Somewhat I… Very Import… p among public... NOT IMPORTANT NOT VERY IMPORTANT NEUTRAL SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT VERY IMPORTANT TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE Protecting private property Protecting critical facilities (for example, hospitals, police stations, fire stations, etc.) Preventing development in hazard areas Enhancing the function of natural features (for example, streams, wetlands, etc.) Protecting historical and cultural landmarks Protecting and reducing damage to utilities Strengthening emergency services (for example, police, fire, ambulance) Promoting cooperation among public agencies, citizens, non-profit organizations, and businesses Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 16 / 35 67.78% 387 77.06% 440 13.49% 77 74.26% 424 33.63% 192 76.88% 439 82.14% 469 54.47% 311 68.13% 389 Q8 What are some steps that you and/or your local government could take to reduce or eliminate the risk of future natural hazard damages in your neighborhood? Answered: 571 Skipped: 8 Total Respondents: 571 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Assist vulnerable populations Education and awareness activities Elevate your home or business Emergency preparedness kits Floodproof your home or business Keep storm drains clean Protect power lines Reduce stormwater runoff Restrict development in floodplain... ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Assist vulnerable populations Education and awareness activities Elevate your home or business Emergency preparedness kits Floodproof your home or business Keep storm drains clean Protect power lines Reduce stormwater runoff Restrict development in floodplain areas Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 17 / 35 Q9 A number of community-wide activities can reduce risk from natural hazards. Please tell us how important you think each one is for your community to consider pursuing. Answered: 572 Skipped: 7 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Not Import… Neutral Very Import… Local Plans and Regulations (Government... Structure and Infrastructure Projects... Natural Systems Protection... Education and Awareness Programs... Other Types of Actions (Actions tha... Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 18 / 35 3.32% 19 23.78% 136 72.90% 417 572 2.70 1.40% 8 28.60% 163 70.00% 399 570 2.69 1.41% 8 29.70% 169 68.89% 392 569 2.67 2.81% 16 25.09% 143 72.11% 411 570 2.69 6.05% 34 55.87% 314 38.08% 214 562 2.32 NOT IMPORTANT NEUTRAL VERY IMPORTANT TOTAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE Local Plans and Regulations (Government policies or codes that influence the way land and buildings are developed and built.) Structure and Infrastructure Projects (Modifying existing structures and infrastructure to protect them from a hazard or remove them from a hazard area.) Natural Systems Protection (Actions that minimize damage and losses and also preserve or restore the functions of natural systems.) Education and Awareness Programs (Actions that inform and educate citizens, elected officials and property owners about hazards and potential ways to mitigate them.) Other Types of Actions (Actions that are related to mitigation in ways that make sense to the local government that do not fall into one of the categories above.) Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 19 / 35 Q10 What are the most effective ways for you to receive information about how to make your home and neighborhood more resistant to natural hazards? Answered: 570 Skipped: 9 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Local Government Channel Internet (Social Media) Internet (Web Pages) Mail Mobile Messages/Alerts Newspaper Public Meetings/Worksh ops Radio Programs Radio Ads Television News Television Ads Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 20 / 35 18.95% 108 76.49% 436 54.74% 312 43.68% 249 68.42% 390 22.46% 128 31.05% 177 21.23% 121 17.02% 97 37.19% 212 18.42% 105 Total Respondents: 570 ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Local Government Channel Internet (Social Media) Internet (Web Pages) Mail Mobile Messages/Alerts Newspaper Public Meetings/Workshops Radio Programs Radio Ads Television News Television Ads Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 21 / 35 3.48% 20 84.67% 486 11.85% 68 Q11 Is your home located in a floodplain? Answered: 574 Skipped: 5 TOTAL 574 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Yes No I don't know ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes No I don't know Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 22 / 35 9.39% 54 81.57% 469 9.04% 52 Q12 Do you have flood insurance? Answered: 575 Skipped: 4 TOTAL 575 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Yes No I don't know ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes No I don't know Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 23 / 35 66.12% 322 10.06% 49 1.64% 8 12.32% 60 2.67% 13 7.19% 35 Q13 If “No,” why not? Answered: 487 Skipped: 92 TOTAL 487 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% The house is not located in a floodplain Flood insurance is too expensive I don't think it's necessary because it... I don't think it's necessary because I don't think it's necessary because I ha... I've never really considered it ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES The house is not located in a floodplain Flood insurance is too expensive I don't think it's necessary because it never floods I don't think it's necessary because I’m elevated or otherwise protected I don't think it's necessary because I have homeowners insurance I've never really considered it Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 24 / 35 Q14 In the following list, please check the activities that you have done in your household, plan to do in the near future, have not done, or are unable to do. (Please check one response for each preparedness activity.) Answered: 574 Skipped: 5 Attended meetings or received... Talked with members in your household ab... Developed a “Household/Fami ly Emergency... Prepared a “Disaster Supply Kit”... Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 25 / 35 41.46% 238 8.36% 48 47.74% 274 2.44% 14 574 74.96% 428 10.33% 59 13.31% 76 1.40% 8 571 53.32% 305 24.65% 141 20.98% 120 1.05% 6 572 40.77% 234 33.28% 191 24.56% 141 1.39% 8 574 54.36% 312 6.62% 38 37.11% 213 1.92% 11 574 92.48% 529 4.72% 27 1.92% 11 0.87% 5 572 31.82% 182 22.03% 126 43.18% 247 2.97% 17 572 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Have Done Plan To Do Not Done Unable To … In the last year, has anyone in yo... Prepared your home by installing... Discussed or created a utility shut... HAVE DONE PLAN TO DO NOT DONE UNABLE TO DO TOTAL Attended meetings or received written information on natural disasters or emergency preparedness? Talked with members in your household about what to do in case of a natural disaster or emergency? Developed a “Household/Family Emergency Plan” in order to decide what everyone would do in the event of a disaster? Prepared a “Disaster Supply Kit” (stored extra food, water, batteries or other emergency supplies)? In the last year, has anyone in your household been trained in First Aid or Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)? Prepared your home by installing smoke detectors on each level of the house? Discussed or created a utility shutoff procedure in the event of a natural disaster? Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 26 / 35 Q15 In which community do you live? Answered: 543 Skipped: 36 Alexander 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Unincorpor… Taylorsville Community Burke Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 27 / 35 Community Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 28 / 35 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Unincorpor… Connelly Sp… Drexel Glen Alpine Hildebran Morganton Valdese Rutherford … Caldwell Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 29 / 35 Community Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 30 / 35 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Unincorpor… Cajah's Mo… Cedar Rock Gamewell Granite Falls Hudson Lenoir Rhodhiss Sawmills Catawba Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 31 / 35 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% U i B kf d C t b Cl t Community Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 32 / 35 Alexander 52.70% 39 47.30% 35 74 Burke 17.37% 33 8.95% 17 5.26% 10 5.26% 10 3.16% 6 50.00% 95 7.37% 14 2 Caldwell 12.50% 7 3.57% 2 0.00% 0 12.50% 7 28.57% 16 8.93% 5 25.00% 14 0.00% 0 Catawba 13.10% 30 0.44% 1 14.85% 34 4.37% 10 18.78% 43 30.13% 69 0.87% 2 3.93% 9 Unincorpor… Brookford Catawba Claremont Conover Hickory Long View Maiden Newton UNINCORPORATED TAYLORSVILLE TOTAL Community UNINCORPORATED CONNELLY SPRINGS DREXEL GLEN ALPINE HILDEBRAN MORGANTON VALDESE RUTHERF COLLEGE Community UNINCORPORATED CAJAH'S MOUNTAIN CEDAR ROCK GAMEWELL GRANITE FALLS HUDSON LENOIR RHODHISS SA Community UNINCORPORATED BROOKFORD CATAWBA CLAREMONT CONOVER HICKORY LONG VIEW MAIDEN Community Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 33 / 35 2.44% 14 11.52% 66 6.98% 40 11.69% 67 67.36% 386 Q16 How long have you lived in the Unifour region? Answered: 573 Skipped: 6 TOTAL 573 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Less than one year 1-5 years 6-9 years 10-19 years 20 years or more ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Less than one year 1-5 years 6-9 years 10-19 years 20 years or more Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 34 / 35 84.75% 478 1.06% 6 0.89% 5 2.30% 13 0.53% 3 10.46% 59 Q17 What type of building do you live in? Answered: 564 Skipped: 15 TOTAL 564 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Single-family home Duplex Apartment (3-4 units in structure) Apartment (5 or more units in structure) Condominium Manufactured home ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Single-family home Duplex Apartment (3-4 units in structure) Apartment (5 or more units in structure) Condominium Manufactured home Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 Unifour Hazard Mitigation Plan Update SurveyMonkey 35 / 35 Q18 Additional Comments Answered: 55 Skipped: 524 Appendix D: Public Survey Results ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan E-1 Draft Plan Incorporation and Monitoring Tool: 1. Comprehensive Plan a. Plan Name b. Plan Lead or Lead Agency c. Plan Status ☐Implemented ☐Plan Development In Progress ☐Plan Implementation Delayed ☐Other: d. Next Designated Review Period or Public Meeting Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: e. Next Designated Time to Review Progress Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: f. What Progress is Expected to be Complete Before the Next Review Period? g. Questions to be considered in follow up meetings to ensure Hazard Mitigation Actions are included in the Comprehensive Plan and related actions: 2. Capital Improvement Plan a. Plan Name b. Plan Lead or Lead Agency c. Plan Status ☐Implemented ☐Plan Development In Progress ☐Plan Implementation Delayed ☐Other: d. Next Designated Review Period or Public Meeting Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: Click or tap to enter a date. ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix E: Plan Review Tools and Incorporation Worksheet E-2 e. Next Designated Time to Review Progress Meeting Details: f. What Progress is Expected to be Complete Before the Next Review Period? g. Questions to be considered in follow up meetings to ensure Hazard Mitigation Actions are included in the Capital Improvement Plan and related actions: 3. Economic Development Plan a. Plan Name b. Plan Lead or Lead Agency c. Plan Status ☐Implemented ☐Plan Development In Progress ☐Plan Implementation Delayed ☐Other: d. Next Designated Review Period or Public Meeting Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: e. Next Designated Time to Review Progress Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: f. What Progress is Expected to be Complete Before the Next Review Period? g. Questions to be considered in follow up meetings to ensure Hazard Mitigation Actions are included in the Economic Development Plan and related actions: a. Plan Name b. Plan Lead or Lead Agency ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan E-3 Draft 4. Emergency Operations Plan c. Plan Status ☐Implemented ☐Plan Development In Progress ☐Plan Implementation Delayed ☐Other: d. Next Designated Review Period or Public Meeting Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: e. Next Designated Time to Review Progress Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: f. What Progress is Expected to be Complete Before the Next Review Period? g. Questions to be considered in follow up meetings to ensure Hazard Mitigation Actions are included in the Emergency Operations Plan and related actions: 5. Transportation Plan a. Plan Name b. Plan Lead or Lead Agency c. Plan Status ☐Implemented ☐Plan Development In Progress ☐Plan Implementation Delayed ☐Other: d. Next Designated Review Period or Public Meeting Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: e. Next Designated Time to Review Progress Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: f. What Progress is Expected to be Complete Before the Next Review Period? ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix E: Plan Review Tools and Incorporation Worksheet E-4 g. Questions to be considered in follow up meetings to ensure Hazard Mitigation Actions are included in the Emergency Operations Plan and related actions: 6. Housing Plan a. Plan Name b. Plan Lead or Lead Agency c. Plan Status ☐Implemented ☐Plan Development In Progress ☐Plan Implementation Delayed ☐Other: d. Next Designated Review Period or Public Meeting Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: e. Next Designated Time to Review Progress Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: f. What Progress is Expected to be Complete Before the Next Review Period? g. Questions to be considered in follow up meetings to ensure Hazard Mitigation Actions are included in the Housing Plan and related actions: 7. Building Codes a. Responsible Agency b. Next Designated Review Period or Public Meeting Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan E-5 Draft c. Next Designated Time to Review Progress Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: d. What design standards need to be implemented to ensure new development can withstand natural hazards? e. Questions to be considered in follow up meetings to ensure Hazard Mitigation Actions are included in the Building Codes related Requirements: 8. Zoning Ordinances a. Responsible Agency b. Next Designated Review Period or Public Meeting Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: c. Next Designated Time to Review Progress Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: d. What design standards need to be implemented to ensure new zoning ordinances can withstand natural hazards? e. Questions to be considered in follow up meetings to ensure Hazard Mitigation Actions are included in the Zoning Ordinances: ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix E: Plan Review Tools and Incorporation Worksheet E-6 9. Natural Hazard Ordinance a. Responsible Agency b. Next Designated Review Period or Public Meeting Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: c. Next Designated Time to Review Progress Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: d. What design standards need to be implemented to ensure new zoning ordinances can withstand natural hazards? e. Questions to be considered in follow up meetings to ensure Hazard Mitigation Actions are included in the Zoning Ordinances: 10. Maintenance Programs for Hazard Mitigation a. Responsible Agency b. Next Designated Review Period or Public Meeting Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: c. Next Designated Time to Review Progress Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: d. What design standards need to be implemented to ensure new zoning ordinances can withstand natural hazards? e. Questions to be considered in follow up meetings to ensure Hazard Mitigation Actions are included in the Zoning Ordinances: ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan E-7 Draft 11. Maintenance Programs for Hazard Mitigation a. Responsible Agency b. Next Designated Review Period or Public Meeting Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: c. Next Designated Time to Review Progress Click or tap to enter a date. Meeting Details: d. What design standards need to be implemented to ensure new zoning ordinances can withstand natural hazards? e. Questions to be considered in follow up meetings to ensure Hazard Mitigation Actions are included in the Zoning Ordinances: Technical Resources Available (Yes/No) Details Changes Since Last Review Considerations for Next Capability Review 12. Warning Systems ☐Yes ☐No 13. Hazard Data and Information ☐Yes ☐No 14. Grant Writing ☐Yes ☐No 15. Geographic Information Systems Analysis ☐Yes ☐No ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix E: Plan Review Tools and Incorporation Worksheet E-8 Technical Resources Available (Yes/No) Details Changes Since Last Review Considerations for Next Capability Review 16. Fire Safety Programs ☐Yes ☐No 17. Natural Disaster Safety Programs ☐Yes ☐No 18. Gatherings and Celebrations Outreach Programs ☐Yes ☐No ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan F-1 Draft Figure 1: Invitation for the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Meeting on June 12, 2024 in person in Newton, NC. 2 Figure 2: In-Person Sign in sheet for the Unifour HMP Meeting #2 (Emails and phone numbers redacted) 4 Figure 3: Unifour HMP Meeting Sign in from the 06/12/2024 in person meeting (emails and phone numbers redacted) 5 Figure 4: Alexander County Facebook Post and Alexander County Health Department inviting the public and stakeholders to participate in the in-person Unifour Public Meeting on June 12, 2024 6 Figure 5: Flyers placed around the Alexander County County Administration, Senior Center, Department of Social Services, Health Department, and Volunteer Rescue Squad inviting the public to participate in the Unifour HMP Update Process for the public meeting on June 12, 2024 7 Table 1: Unifour HMP Kickoff Meeting Attendance Sheet from Virtual Meeting (02/16/2024) 3 Table 2: Attendance sign in for the virtual Unifour Hazard Mitigation Planning Meeting #2 (4/11/2024) 3 Table 3: Unifour Hazard Mitigation Meeting Sign in from June 12, 2024 5 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix F: Plan Adoption Resolutions, Meeting Sign-ins, Participation Invitations F-2 Figure 1: Invitation for the Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Meeting on June 12, 2024 in person in Newton, NC. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan F-3 Draft Table 1: Unifour HMP Kickoff Meeting Attendance Sheet from Virtual Meeting (02/16/2024) Name Role Houston, McKenzie M Organizer Jimmy E Drum Attendee Caleb Bynum Attendee Curt Willis Attendee Catawba County Attendee Franks, Richard (Clifton) Attendee Baker, Carl (NCEM) Attendee Alex Fulbright Attendee Bryan Blanton Attendee Keefe, Kelly Presenter Burgess, Brian Attendee Cal Overby Attendee Hamby, Karen (NCEM) Attendee Jason Williams, Catawba County Attendee Peterson, Kelsey Attendee Mello, John (NCEM) Attendee Holbrook, Seth Attendee Chris Timberlake Attendee Larry Johnson Attendee Martha Blanton Attendee Samuel Abernethy Attendee City of Morganton (Guest) Attendee Michael Willis Attendee Crew, John (NCEM) Attendee Greene, Russell (NCEM) Attendee Daniel Fox Attendee Teresa Kinney Attendee Daniel Fox Attendee Table 2: Attendance sign in for the virtual Unifour Hazard Mitigation Planning Meeting #2 (4/11/2024) Name Role Houston, McKenzie M Organizer Catawba County Government Center Presenter Mario Sclarandis (Guest) Presenter Chaiyo Vang-Caldwell County Presenter Michael Willis Presenter Bill Carroll (Drexel) Presenter Kudla, Kymberly Presenter Jodie Yoder- Program Manager Samaritan's Purse U.S. Disaster Relief Presenter Baker, Carl (NCEM) Presenter Peterson, Kelsey Presenter ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix F: Plan Adoption Resolutions, Meeting Sign-ins, Participation Invitations F-4 Cal Overby Presenter Ashure Ministry - Kristal Manning Presenter Holbrook, Seth Presenter Crew, John (NCEM) Presenter Cramer, Jordan Presenter Curt Willis Presenter Russell Greene Presenter Truman Walton, Town of Valdese Presenter Katelyn Smith Presenter Teresa Kinney Presenter Figure 2: In-Person Sign in sheet for the Unifour HMP Meeting #2 (Emails and phone numbers redacted) ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan F-5 Draft Table 3: Unifour Hazard Mitigation Meeting Sign in from June 12, 2024 Name Affiliation Mckenzie Houston AECOM, Planner Curt Willis Emergency Management Planner, WPCOG Chris Crew NCEM, Mitigation Plans Manager Blake Wright Planning Director, Town of Maiden Caleb Bynum Senior Utilities Engineer, City of Hickory Kaine Riggan BRIC Development Lead Marti Blanton Burke County EM Gerg Wilson Town Planner, Granite Falls Dustin Millsaps WPCOG (Town of Catawba and Town Sawmills) Daniel Odom WPCOG, Village of Cedar Rock Jonathan Cook EMS Director, Caldwell County EMS Dallas Goodnight WPCOG, GIS Specialist Figure 3: Unifour HMP Meeting Sign in from the 06/12/2024 in person meeting (emails and phone numbers redacted) ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix F: Plan Adoption Resolutions, Meeting Sign-ins, Participation Invitations F-6 Seth Holbrook GIS Specialist, AECOM Kelly Christensen GIS Tech, WPCOG Chad Fisher Deputy Chief, Hickory Fire Department Mario Sclarandis Director of Development Services Wendy Smith Design Services Vic Misenheimer Caldwell County EM Russell Greene NCEM Stephen Craig Fire Marshal, Hickory Fire Department Kelsey Peterson Environmental Planner, AECOM Katelyn Smith WPCOG, Town of Hildebran and Rutherford College Greg Foster 911 EM Director, Alexander County Figure 4: Alexander County Facebook Post and Alexander County Health Department inviting the public and stakeholders to participate in the in-person Unifour Public Meeting on June 12, 2024 ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan F-7 Draft Figure 5: Flyers placed around the Alexander County County Administration, Senior Center, Department of Social Services, Health Department, and Volunteer Rescue Squad inviting the public to participate in the Unifour HMP Update Process for the public meeting on June 12, 2024 ---PAGE BREAK--- Appendix F: Plan Adoption Resolutions, Meeting Sign-ins, Participation Invitations F-8 Figure 6: Plan Adoption Resolution – RESOLUTION ADOPTING PLAN NAME REGIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN WHEREAS, the citizens and property within County/Town are subject to the effects of natural hazards that pose threats to lives and cause damage to property, and with the knowledge and experience that certain areas of the county are particularly vulnerable to drought, extreme heat, hailstorm, hurricane and tropical storm, lightning, thunderstorm wind/high wind, tornado, winter storm and freeze, flood, hazardous material incident, and wildfire; and WHEREAS, the County desires to seek ways to mitigate the impact of identified hazard risks; and WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of North Carolina has in Part 6, Article 21 of Chapter 143; Parts 3, 5, and 8 of Article 19 of Chapter 160A; and Article 8 of Chapter 160A of the North Carolina General Statutes, delegated to local governmental units the responsibility to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry; and WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of North Carolina has enacted General Statute Section 166A-19.41 (State emergency assistance funds) which provides that for a state of emergency declared pursuant to G.S. 166A-19.20(a) after the deadline established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency pursuant to the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2002, P.L. 106-390, the eligible entity shall have a hazard mitigation plan approved pursuant to the Stafford Act; and. WHEREAS, Section 322 of the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 states that local governments must develop an All-Hazards Mitigation Plan in order to be eligible to receive future Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funds and other disaster-related assistance funding and that said Plan must be updated and adopted within a five year cycle; and WHEREAS, the County/Town has performed a comprehensive review and evaluation of each section of the previously approved Hazard Mitigation Plan and has updated the said plan as required under regulations at 44 CFR Part 201 and according to guidance issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan F-9 Draft WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Board of Commissioners of County/Town to fulfill this obligation in order that the County will be eligible for federal and state assistance in the event that a state of disaster is declared for a hazard event affecting the County; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Board of Commissioners of hereby: 1. Adopts the Plan Name Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. 2. Vests County/Town Agency Emergency Management with the responsibility, authority, and the means to: Inform all concerned parties of this action. Cooperate with Federal, State and local agencies and private firms which undertake to study, survey, map and identify floodplain areas, and cooperate with neighboring communities with respect to management of adjoining floodplain areas in order to prevent exacerbation of existing hazard impacts. 3. Appoints County/Town Emergency Management to assure that the Hazard Mitigation Plan is reviewed annually and every five years as specified in the Plan to assure that the Plan is in compliance with all State and Federal regulations and that any needed revisions or amendments to the Plan are developed and presented to the County Board of Commissioners for consideration. 4. Agrees to take such other official action as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the objectives of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Adopted this the xxth day of xxxx. Name, Chair Board of Commissioners Attest: Name, Clerk Board of Commissioners Certified by: (SEAL) Date: ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan G-1 Draft Appendix G: Alternate Participation Figure G- 1: Connely Springs Participation email ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan G-2 Draft Figure G- 2: Town of Glen Alpine Participation Email ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan G-3 Draft Figure G- 3: Town of Brookford Participation email ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan G-4 Draft Figure G- 4: City of Claremont Email Participation ---PAGE BREAK--- Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan G-5 Draft