[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 49
National Weather Service Wilmington NC  AL062018
1134 AM EDT Tue Sep 11 2018

This product covers SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA AND NORTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA

**Dangerous Category 4 Hurricane Florence Approaching the Southeast Coast**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* 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 910 miles east-southeast of Wilmington NC or about 940
      miles east-southeast of Myrtle Beach SC
    - 26.7N 65.3W
    - Storm Intensity 130 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 295 degrees at 16 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 at area beaches. The worst
conditions are expected later 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 extensive impacts
across low lying areas of southeastern North Carolina. Potential
impacts in this area include:
    - Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding
      enhanced by battering waves. Structural damage to buildings is
      likely, with several potentially washing away. Damage will be
      compounded by floating debris. Some locations may become
      uninhabitable for an extended period.
    - Inundation is likely to impact vulnerable homes along tidal
      creeks and waterways farther inland.
    - Drinking water and sewer services will likely become impacted
      by the storm surge. Surge waters will contain hazardous
      materials.
    - Large sections of coastal roads will become flooded, or
      wash-out altogether.
    - Severe beach erosion is expected with significant dune loss.
      Sands from displaced dunes will likely deposit onto the barrier
      island roads.
    - Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is
      possible. Many small craft broken away from moorings,
      especially in unprotected anchorages with some lifted onshore
      and stranded inland.
    - Navigation may be difficult, especially near inlets and
      waterways, as some navigational aids may be off station or
      missing. Debris is possible in the waterways and other
      navigable channels.

Also, prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across 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 SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA AND 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:
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.


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
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.

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

Be sure to let friends and other family members know of your
intentions and whereabouts for surviving the storm. For emergency
purposes, 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 well charged.

* 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 3 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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