[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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NCZ087-096-099-105>110-SCZ054>056-058-059-120200-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 49A
National Weather Service Wilmington NC  AL062018
158 PM EDT Tue Sep 11 2018

This product covers SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA AND NORTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA

**Dangerous Category Four Hurricane Florence Will Approach the
Carolina 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 850 miles east-southeast of Wilmington NC or about 880
      miles east-southeast of Myrtle Beach SC
    - 27.1N 66.2W
    - Storm Intensity 130 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 295 degrees at 17 mph

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

Hurricane Florence continues to approach the Carolina 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 flooding rainfall across southeastern
North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina continues to increase.
Life-threatening conditions will also continue in the surf zone at
area beaches. The worst conditions are expected to occur later
Thursday into Friday.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible devastating impacts
across coastal 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 portions of northeastern South Carolina
and inland southeastern North Carolina.

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible extensive impacts
across coastal sections 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 coastal northeastern South Carolina.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across portions of southeastern
North Carolina. Potential impacts include:
    - Major flooding from rainfall may prompt evacuations and
      numerous rescues.
    - Rivers and streams may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple
      places. Creeks and ditches will flood and may contain strong
      currents.
    - Flood waters may enter many structures, and some may become
      uninhabitable. Some road scours or complete road failures will
      be possible, along with the potential for sinkholes. Many
      streets and parking lots may flood, and may be impacted by
      flowing water. Many road and low-lying bridge closures are
      possible with some weakened or washed away. Driving conditions
      will be dangerous.The delivery of drinking water and sewer
      services may be interrupted. Flood waters may be polluted and
      contain hazardous materials.

Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limited to
significant impacts across northeastern South Carolina.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
portions of 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 northeastern 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. 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 530 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

TRA
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