[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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NCZ046-047-081-093-095-098-103-104-251745-

Hurricane Maria Local Statement Advisory Number 37
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC  AL152017
537 AM EDT Mon Sep 25 2017

This product covers Eastern North Carolina

**TROPICAL STORM WARNING ISSUED FOR A PORTION OF THE COAST OF NORTH
CAROLINA**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
      Warning for Carteret, Mainland Dare, Mainland Hyde, Outer Banks
      Dare, Outer Banks Hyde, and Tyrrell

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 350 miles south-southeast of Buxton NC or about 360 miles
      southeast of Morehead City NC
    - 30.6N 73.0W
    - Storm Intensity 80 mph
    - Movement North or 355 degrees at 7 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Hurricane Maria located about 350 miles south-southeast of Cape
Hatteras is moving north at 7 mph and will continue on this track for
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 level 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 vulnerable spots. The very rough surf will continue the
threat of life threatening rip currents as well as beach erosion along
all beaches.

Heaviest 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:
Protect against 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, protect against 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:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
Eastern North Carolina. Potential impacts include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
      uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
      shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
      bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Large surf will bring a high threat of life threatening rip currents,
dangerous shore break and beach erosion across all Eastern North Carolina
beaches. It is recommended that you stay out of the surf zone.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across Outer Banks Dare and Outer Banks Hyde 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:
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 bring to completion all preparations to protect
life and property in accordance with your emergency plan.

If relocating to a nearby shelter or to the home of a family member
or friend, drive with extra caution, especially on secondary roads.
Remember, many bridges and causeways will be closed once higher winds
arrive. Also, if you encounter water covering the road, seek an
alternate route. Always obey official road signs for closures and
detours.

Closely monitor NOAA Weather radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Be ready to adapt to 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 Noon EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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