[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KRAH 111057
HLSRAH
NCZ028-042-043-077-078-085-086-088-089-111900-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 48
National Weather Service Raleigh NC  AL062018
657 AM EDT Tue Sep 11 2018

This product covers central North Carolina

**Hurricane Florence Continues to Approach the Carolinas**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Sampson and Wayne
    - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Cumberland,
      Edgecombe, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Scotland, and Wilson

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Sampson and Wayne
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Cumberland, Edgecombe,
      Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Scotland, and Wilson

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 1070 miles east-southeast of Raleigh NC or about 1060
      miles east-southeast of Fayetteville NC
    - 26.4N 64.1W
    - Storm Intensity 140 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 290 degrees at 15 mph

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

OVERVIEW...Dangerous Hurricane Florence is expected to approach the
Carolina coast on Thursday and then slowly drift west and north,
impacting central North Carolina into the weekend. The main concern is
for a prolonged, life threatening flooding event.

Florence may produce rainfall accumulations of 10 to 15 inches across
central North Carolina, especially across the Sandhills and southern
Coastal Plain. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flash
flooding and prolonged river flooding.

In addition, strong sustained winds of 30 to 50 mph are expected,
spreading from southeastern North Carolina toward the northwest from
Thursday afternoon through at least Friday night. Gusts in excess of
60 mph are possible. Impacts may include damage to trees and power
lines, resulting in power outages, along with damage to weak or poorly
built structures.

Finally, there is a potential for isolated to scattered tornadoes from
Thursday afternoon into at least Friday.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across the Coastal Plain, Sandhills and the eastern Piedmont.

Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
      currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in
      usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and
      ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places may experience expanded 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.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding with more limited
impacts across the western Piedmont.

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across the Coastal Plain and Sandhills.

Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.

    - Large areas with power and communications outages.

Also, prepare for dangerous wind having limited to significant impacts
across the Piedmont.


* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event with impacts across the Coastal Plain and
Sandhills.

Potential impacts include:
    - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
      toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
      large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
      knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats
      pulled from moorings.

Elsewhere across central North Carolina, more limited impacts are
anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

Traffic is expected to increase on area roadways as evacuations are
ordered for the coast, creating longer travel times. Be sure to plan
accordingly.

* 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.

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.

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

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see readync.org
- 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 Raleigh NC around 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.


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