How should I prepare for Helene?

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CHARLOTTE ( PINPOINT WEATHER ) — We are preparing for big impacts from Hurricane Helene across the Carolinas, with potentially catastrophic flooding for the mountains and tornadoes across the lower elevations.

Wind gusts between 40-60 mph could knock down numerous trees and powerlines.

To prepare, be sure you have several ways to receive weather information. This includes watches, warnings, and alerts. It is imperative to charge your devices. Phones, tablets, and other devices that allow you to receive these alerts just incase of a power outage.

Go to settings on your cell phone and make sure that Wireless Emergency Alerts are activated. This way alerts like flash flood emergencies and tornado warnings will come directly to you. This is shown above on an iPhone. Android may be slighty different.

You can receive these same alerts by downloading the Pinpoint Weather App as well!

Watch Queen City News for constant news and weather updates as well.

Discuss your emergency plan with your family. This includes where you would go in case of a flood or tornado. In the mountains, be prepared to seek higher ground.

Also, strap down any fall decorations, inflatables, and other loose objects around the exterior of your house. Most objects should just be brought inside.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.