From the editor: How we decide when to start reporting on a tropical system

I’ve been asked a few times recently about how and when we decide to start covering a potential tropical system because some readers think we start too early.

There’s no set rule on the timing of these articles. Our goal is to start publishing them when the National Hurricane Center first reports on a tropical system that could impact the Wilmington area.

We don’t want to be alarmist, but we do want to give readers as much time as possible to prepare.

Preparing in advance can help ensure grocery store shelves aren’t empty when you get there. Or that home improvement stores have the supplies you need. It can also give you time to make arrangements for pets or to decide when and if you want to evacuate.

You’ll notice that when there’s a storm brewing, our initial coverage focuses on the location and potential track. As the storm gets closer, usually within a few days of landfall, we start providing more in-depth coverage of what to expect and when to expect it.

During Tropical Storm Debby, we started coverage about a week before we felt significant impacts in the Cape Fear region. Once we had a better idea of what to expect here, we gave you stories about potential flooding and rainfall.

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Once the storm was upon us, we provided updates on flooded roads, power outages, rainfall totals, and school and government closings. We also published numerous photo galleries and videos so you could see exactly what conditions were like.

We had staff members working almost around the clock for several days in a row to keep you informed about what was happening across the region.

With three more months left in hurricane season, it’s best to stay alert and be prepared. Should a storm take aim at the North Carolina coast, you’ll be glad you had your hurricane supplies ready to go.

Sherry Jones is the StarNews executive editor. You can reach her at sjones1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: From the editor: How we decide when to start reporting on a tropical system