[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 48
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL062018
647 AM EDT Tue Sep 11 2018

This product covers NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA.

** HURRICANE AND STORM SURGE WATCHES ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA **

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch have been issued for
      Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Eastern Currituck, Pasquotank,
      Perquimans, and Western Currituck

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Eastern Currituck, Pasquotank,
      Perquimans, and Western Currituck

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 1010 miles southeast of Norfolk VA
    - 26.4N 64.1W
    - Storm Intensity 140 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 290 degrees at 15 mph

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

Hurricane Florence has intensified into a dangerous category 4 hurricane,
and is expected to make landfall as a major Hurricane in North Carolina
or northern South Carolina early Friday morning. While the exact track of
Florence remains uncertain, significant to potentially life threatening
impacts are expected across portions of northeast North Carolina. A
slight shift in the track could change impacts drastically.

Significant and potentially life threatening storm surge impacts are
expected with Hurricane Florence. Based on the current forecast,
inundation of 3 to 6 feet above ground level is expected over areas
along the coast and near the Albemarle Sound. A small shift in the
track could change which locations experience the most significant
inundation.

Very high surf and large breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet or greater
will likely result in significant beach erosion and ocean overwash
along the North Carolina coast Thursday through Friday night. A high
threat of rip currents and the large and dangerous breaking waves in
the surf zone will produce extremely hazardous beach conditions.

Hurricane force winds in excess of 74 mph will be possible with the strongest
winds from late Thursday night through Friday afternoon. Tropical
storm force winds of 40 mph could develop as early as Thursday morning.
These strong winds will have the ability to knock down trees, weak
structures, and cause widespread power outages.

Another life threatening concern as Hurricane Florence makes landfall
will be very heavy rainfall leading to the risk for major flooding
across northeast North Carolina. The current rainfall forecast
indicates widespread amounts of 10 to 15 inches with locally higher
amounts possible. These rainfall totals are likely to cause major
flooding of low lying and urban areas. Flash Flooding is likely to
occur Thursday into Saturday, and river flooding from heavy rainfall
inland will persist for several days to weeks after the storm. The axis
of heaviest rainfall will vary with changes to the forecast track and
storm motion.

Isolated tornadoes will be possible Thursday and Friday.




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

* SURGE:
Prepare for significant to potentially life-threatening surge across
northeast North Carolina. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Severe storm surge flooding will likely cause inundation of
      numerous roads and buildings, resulting in a threat to life and
      property. Flooding will likely extend inland from the
      waterfront and shoreline flooding homes, businesses and
      isolating some neighborhoods. Large breaking waves will result
      in additional damage near the shoreline.
    - Numerous roads flooded or washed out.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching some dunes.
    - Severe damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is
      expected. Small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected marinas and docks.

* WIND:
Prepare for significant to potentially life-threatening wind having
possible extensive impacts across northeast North Carolina. Potential
impacts in this area include:
    - Considerable damage to sturdy buildings, including roof,
      window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes severely
      damaged, with some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne
      projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks.
    - Many large trees snapped or uprooted and roadway signs blown
      over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris including bridges,
      causeways, and access routes.
    - Widespread power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across northeast North Carolina. Potential impacts include:
    - Flooding from heavy rainfall may prompt evacuations and rescues
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen, with swift
      currents, and overspill their banks. Small streams, creeks, and
      ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures and/or weaken
      foundations. Some areas may experience areas of rapid
      inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
      storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
      become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures are expected.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
northeast North Carolina. Potential impacts include:
    - A few tornadoes are expected. As a result, execution of
      emergency plans could be hindered in affected areas.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Roofs peeled off some buildings. A few chimneys toppled and
      mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned. Large tree
      tops and branches snapped off, with some trees knocked over. A
      few vehicles blown off roads.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions,
including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so
immediately.

For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind,
falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move,
relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not relocate, help keep
roadways open for those under evacuation orders.

If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind and allow extra time
to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit. Gas up your vehicle
ahead of time.

Let others know where you are going prior to departure. Secure loose
items and pets in the car, and avoid distracted driving.

If evacuating, follow designated evacuation routes. Seek traffic
information on roadway signs, the radio, and from official sources.


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.

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 near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.

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

When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of
strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness
activities to become unsafe.

Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for
weathering the storm and your whereabouts. Have someone located away
from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital
contact information with others. Keep cell phones handy and charged.

Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.


* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see
www.readyvirginia.gov, readync.org or mema.maryland.gov
- For the latest weather and storm information go to
weather.gov/wakefield

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

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Wakefield VA around 12 pm EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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