Carteret County Emergency Services is urging residents to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season by attending the annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo, scheduled for May 30 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City.
The event aims to help families and businesses learn how to protect themselves from hurricanes. The expo provides an opportunity for attendees to hear from local, state, and federal experts about what to expect during the 2026 hurricane season and how best to get ready.
According to organizers, meteorologists, emergency managers, county staff, and community organizations such as the Salvation Army will be present. There will also be participation from North Carolina Emergency Management and other groups who will answer questions and provide resources throughout the day. The schedule includes a hurricane season outlook from the National Weather Service as well as presentations like “Preparedness for Hurricane Season 2026” by Erik Heden of the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Newport/Morehead City. Informative sessions begin at 9:30 a.m., with additional offerings such as evacuation zone look-ups and registration for special needs assistance programs.
A limited number of vendor spots remain available for businesses or nonprofits that provide storm-related services or supplies. Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to apply through carteretcountync.gov.
The expo is co-organized by Carteret County Emergency Services, Carteret County Government, and the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Newport/Morehead City. For further information about vendor spaces or event details, residents can contact Carteret County Emergency Services at 252-222-5841.
In related educational news affecting local students, college readiness rates among Carteret County high school juniors and seniors ranged between roughly one-third and one-half on ACT tests during the last school year according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
