[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Maria Local Statement Advisory Number 35
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC  AL152017
540 PM EDT Sun Sep 24 2017

This product covers Eastern North Carolina

**TROPICAL STORM AND STORM SURGE WATCHES ISSUED FOR A PORTION OF THE
COAST OF NORTH CAROLINA**

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for Craven
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch have been issued
      for Carteret, Outer Banks Dare, and Outer Banks Hyde
    - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Mainland Dare,
      Mainland Hyde, Onslow, and Tyrrell

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Craven
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect for
      Carteret, Outer Banks Dare, and Outer Banks Hyde
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Mainland Dare, Mainland
      Hyde, Onslow, and Tyrrell

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 430 miles south-southeast of Buxton NC or about 430 miles
      south-southeast of Morehead City NC
    - 29.4N 73.0W
    - Storm Intensity 105 mph
    - Movement North or 350 degrees at 9 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Hurricane Maria located about 425 miles south-southeast of Cape
Hatteras is moving north at 9 mph and will continue on this track the
next several days with a slower forward speed expected. Maria is
forecast to move between 100 and 150 miles offshore of the North
Carolina coast Tuesday Night through Wednesday Night. Tropical Storm
force winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph are expected to
spread along the coast Tuesday afternoon and continue into Wednesday
Night. The strongest winds are expected north of Cape Lookout and
especially over the Outer Banks.

The prolonged gusty north to northeast winds will lead to storm surge
inundation of 2 to 4 feet above ground mainly for the beaches north of
Cape Lookout and adjacent to the southern Pamlico Sound. This will
produce minor to moderate coastal flooding with ocean overwash
likely in spots. The very rough surf will continue the threat of life
threatening rip currents all beaches.

Rainfall will be confined to mainly the immediate coast with amounts
of 1 to 3 inches. This should produce only minor flooding of low lying
areas.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across soundside portions of Dare, Hyde, Craven and Downeast
Carteret Counties, along with oceanside Dare County north of Cape
Hatteras.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
      waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
    - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
      weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low
      spots.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
      numerous rip currents.
    - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected anchorages.

Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across Tyrrell and Mainland Dare Counties adjacent to the
Alligator River, and soundside portions of Pamlico County.

Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell and Carteret Counties. Potential impacts in this
area include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
      experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
      homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines.

Also, prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across Eastern NC along and east of Highway 17.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across Dare, Hyde, and Carteret Counties. Potential
impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen
      and overflow in spots.
    - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually
      vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water
      occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become
      near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge
      closures.

Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is
anticipated.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
WATCH/WARNING PHASE - If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or
water hazards from tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation,
especially if being officially recommended. Relocate to a
predetermined shelter or safe destination.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary
actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be
underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency
Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties
which must be taken into account.

If you live in a place that is particularly vulnerable to high wind,
such as a mobile home, an upper floor of a high rise building, or on
a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. Take enough supplies for you
and your family for several days.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley or canyon, or near an already swollen
river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders
that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives
of others.

Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the
forecast.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Newport/Morehead City NC around 1130 PM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
DAG
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