[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KMHX 271532
HLSMHX
NCZ046-047-081-103-104-272345-

Hurricane Maria Local Statement Advisory Number 46
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC  AL152017
1132 AM EDT Wed Sep 27 2017

This product covers Eastern North Carolina

**MARIA TURNS NORTH-NORTHEASTWARD WHILE TROPICAL STORM WINDS HANG
ON OVER THE OUTER BANKS**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch have been
      cancelled for Carteret
    - The Storm Surge Watch has been cancelled for Mainland Dare,
      Mainland Hyde, and Tyrrell

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for 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 170 miles east of Buxton NC or about 240 miles
      east-northeast of Morehead City NC
    - 35.6N 72.6W
    - Storm Intensity 75 mph
    - Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 6 mph

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

Hurricane Maria is located about 170 miles east of Cape
Hatteras and is moving north-northeast at 6 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 45 to 55 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 on the Outer Banks soundside
from Ocracoke to Buxton. Oceanside, 2 to 4 feet of inundation is expected
north of Cape Hatteras north to Duck, and will be especially high around
high tide afternoon. Areas along Highway 12 in the Outer Banks may be
inundated at several locations. 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
soundside Outer Banks from Ocracoke to Buxton, and oceanside 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 typically vulnerable locations. Remain well away from locally
hazardous surge having possible 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
the Outer Banks and Albemarle-Pamlico peninsula. Remain well sheltered
from hazardous wind having possible 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.

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

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Large surf will bring a high threat of life threatening rip currents,
dangerous shore break and beach erosion across 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.

Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as
possible. If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for
personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications
systems with idle chatter.

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 5 PM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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