[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Florence Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 48A
National Weather Service Wilmington NC  AL062018
825 AM EDT Tue Sep 11 2018

This product covers SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA AND NORTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA

** Major Hurricane Florence Approaching the Southeast Coast **

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch have been issued for
      Central Horry, Coastal Brunswick, Coastal Georgetown, Coastal
      Horry, Coastal New Hanover, Coastal Pender, Inland Brunswick,
      Inland Georgetown, and Inland New Hanover
    - A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Bladen, Columbus, Inland
      Pender, Northern Horry, and Robeson

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Central Horry, Coastal Brunswick, Coastal Georgetown, Coastal
      Horry, Coastal New Hanover, Coastal Pender, Inland Brunswick,
      Inland Georgetown, and Inland New Hanover
    - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Bladen, Columbus, Inland
      Pender, Northern Horry, and Robeson

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 950 miles east-southeast of Wilmington NC or about 990
      miles east-southeast of Myrtle Beach SC
    - 26.4N 64.6W
    - Storm Intensity 130 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 290 degrees at 15 mph

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

Hurricane Florence continues to approach the Southeast coast as a major
category 4 hurricane. While the exact track of Florence remains
uncertain, the likelihood of of life-threatening storm surge inundation,
damaging winds and excessive rainfall across southeast North Carolina and
northeast South Carolina continues to increase. Life-threatening conditions
will also continue in the surf zone on area beaches. The worst
conditions are expected Thursday into Friday.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible devastating impacts
across southeastern North Carolina.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Structural damage can be expected to sturdy buildings, with
      some suffering severe or total destruction. Complete
      destruction of mobile homes and other poorly constructed
      buildings is likely. Damage greatly enhanced by large
      projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for a significant
      period of time.
    - Numerous large trees may be snapped or uprooted, along with
      fences and roadway signs gone.
    - Many roads will become unsafe and impassable from large debris.
      Many bridges, causeways, and other elevated roadways will
      become impassable.
    - Extensive power and communications outages can be expected.
    - Many vessels will break free from their moorings.

Also, prepare for life-threatening wind having possible significant
to extensive impacts across northeastern South Carolina.

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible devastating
impacts across low lying areas of southeastern North Carolina.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Dangerous widespread and deep storm surge inundation. The surge
      will affect homes close to tidal creeks and waterways farther
      inland than what people are accustomed to. The surge combined
      with battering waves will damage many homes along the barrier
      islands. Structural damage to buildings is likely in many areas
      as a result, with many on the barrier islands washing away. The
      damage will be greatly compounded from a considerable amount of
      floating debris. Locations may become uninhabitable for an
      extended period.
    - Delivery of drinking water and sewer services may be lost in
      coastal communities. Surge waters will contain hazardous
      materials.
    - Coastal roads will become severely flooded and may be washed
      out completely.
    - Extreme beach erosion with significant loss of dunes and the
      potential for new inlets carved into some of the barrier
      islands. A large amount of sand will be deposited onto the
      barrier islands blocking roadways.Massive damage to marinas,
      docks, boardwalks, and piers is expected. Small craft will
      break away from moorings with many lifted onshore and stranded
      inland.Navigation will be difficult, especially near inlets and
      waterways, as navigational aids may be off station or missing.
      Debris in waterways and other navigable channels will make
      navigation hazardous.

Also, prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant
to extensive impacts across parts of southeastern North Carolina.

Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across northeastern South Carolina.


* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across southeastern North Carolina. Potential impacts
include:
    - Moderate flooding from rainfall may prompt some evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and streams may rise and overspill their banks in a few
      places, especially in the typical prone locations. Small creeks
      and ditches may overflow.
    - Flood waters may enter some structures. Underpasses, low-lying
      spots along roadways, and poor drainage areas may become
      submerged by rising water. Some secondary streets and parking
      lots may flood as storm drains and retention ponds overflow.
    - Driving conditions will become hazardous, and some road
      closures can be expected.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across northeastern South Carolina.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
southeastern North Carolina. 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.
    - Tornadoes can cause damage to trees, vehicles, boats, and
      buildings. Unsecured mobile homes and poorly constructed
      structures are particularly vulnerable.

Elsewhere across NORTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
There is a high risk of rip currents. Life threatening rip currents
are likely in the surf zone.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
WATCH/WARNING PHASE - For those under evacuation orders, leave as
soon as practical with a destination in mind. Gas up your vehicle
well ahead of time. Be sure that you take all essential materials
from your emergency supplies kit. Let others know where you are going
and when you intend to arrive.

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - For those not under evacuation orders,
understand that there are inherent risks to evacuation (such as
traffic congestion, accidents, and driving in bad weather), so
evacuate only if necessary. Help keep roadways open for those that
are under evacuation orders.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary
actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be
underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency
Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties
which must be taken into account.

If you live in a place that is particularly vulnerable to high wind,
such as a mobile home, an upper floor of a high rise building, or on
a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. Take enough supplies for you
and your family for several days.

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

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 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 Wilmington NC around Noon EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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