[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KMHX 270931
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NCZ046-047-081-095-103-104-271745-

Tropical Storm Maria Local Statement Advisory Number 45
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC  AL152017
531 AM EDT Wed Sep 27 2017

This product covers Eastern North Carolina

**MARIA CRAWLING NORTHWARD OFF THE NORTH CAROLINA OUTER BANKS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 150 miles east of Buxton NC or about 220 miles east of
      Morehead City NC
    - 35.1N 72.9W
    - Storm Intensity 70 mph
    - Movement North or 5 degrees at 5 mph

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

Tropical Storm Maria is located about 150 miles east of Cape Hatteras
and is moving north at 5 mph and will continue on this track through
this evening then begin moving away from the region late tonight and
Thursday. Tropical Storm force winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts of 50
to 60 mph are expected to continue along the coast through today then
gradually diminish tonight. The strongest winds are forecast to occur
across the Outer Banks.

The prolonged gusty north to northwest winds will lead to storm surge
inundation of 2 to 4 feet above ground level mainly for the beaches
north of Cape Hatteras and adjacent to the southern Pamlico Sound
including Cedar Island, Adams Creek, South River, and soundside areas
of Hatteras Island and Ocracoke. This will produce minor to moderate
coastal flooding with ocean overwash likely in vulnerable spots around
the times of high tide. The most significant overwash is expected to
occur with this afternoon's high tide and Highway 12 along the Outer
Banks may be inundated at several locations late this morning through
much of the afternoon. The very rough surf will continue the risk of
life threatening rip currents as well as beach erosion along all
beaches.

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

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
southern portions of the Pamlico Sound, especially from Cedar Island
to Buxton, as well ocean side locations along the Outer Banks north
of Cape Hatteras. Remain well away from life-threatening surge having
additional significant impacts. If realized, these impacts 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.

Potential impacts from the main surge event are also now unfolding
across Core Sound and middle and southern portion of the Alligator
River. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having additional
limited impacts.

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

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Eastern North Carolina. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind
having additional limited impacts. If realized, these 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Do not return to evacuated areas until hazardous winds diminish and
flood waters abate.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to remain safely sheltered from the storm. Stay
inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case
you lose electrical power. Locate your battery powered radio and
flashlight from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Keep these items close.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos. Be wise and avoid becoming another statistic.

* 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 12 PM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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