[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 50
National Weather Service Wilmington NC  AL062018
525 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:
    - The Hurricane Watch has been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning
      and the Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge
      Warning for Central Horry, Coastal Brunswick, Coastal
      Georgetown, Coastal Horry, Coastal New Hanover, Coastal Pender,
      Inland Brunswick, Inland Georgetown, and Inland New Hanover
    - The Hurricane Watch has been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning
      for Inland Pender and Northern Horry

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Bladen, Columbus, and Robeson
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning 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 Warning is in effect for Inland Pender and Northern
      Horry

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 790 miles east-southeast of Wilmington NC or about 820
      miles east-southeast of Myrtle Beach SC
    - 27.5N 67.1W
    - Storm Intensity 140 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 17 mph

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

Hurricane Florence continues to approach the Carolina coast as a
major category four 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 Wednesday. The worst conditions are expected to occur later
Thursday into Friday.

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

* WIND:
Protect against 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, protect against life-threatening wind having possible
significant to extensive impacts across interior southeastern North Carolina
and coastal northeastern South Carolina.

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible devastating
impacts across southeastern North Carolina north of Cape Fear. 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, protect against life-threatening surge having possible
significant to extensive impacts across northeastern South Carolina
and the coast of Brunswick County NC.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across southeastern North Carolina. Potential
impacts include:
    - Extreme flooding from rainfall may prompt numerous evacuations
      and rescues.
    - Rivers and streams may overwhelmingly overflow their banks with
      deep moving water. Creeks and ditches will become severely
      flooded and contain strong currents.
    - Flood waters may enter numerous structures, and some may become
      uninhabitable or washed away. Road scours or complete road
      failure is likely in many locations, along with the potential
      for sinkholes. Many streets and parking lots will flood, and
      may be impacted by swift, flowing water. Numerous road and
      low-lying bridge closures are likely with some weakened or
      washed away. Driving conditions will be very dangerous.
    - The delivery of drinking water and sewer services may be
      interrupted. Flood waters may be polluted and contain hazardous
      materials.

Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
limited to extensive impacts across northeastern South Carolina.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against 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 northeastern South Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions.
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.
Look for additional traffic information on roadway smart signs and
listen to select radio channels for further travel instructions.
Drivers should not use cell phones while operating vehicles.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to bring to completion all preparations to protect
life and property in accordance with your emergency plan.

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.

Closely monitor NOAA Weather radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to
the forecast.

* 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 830 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

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