[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 50
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL062018
547 PM EDT Tue Sep 11 2018

This product covers CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

**DANGEROUS HURRICANE FLORENCE APPROACHING THE SOUTHEAST U.S.
COASTLINE**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Bertie, Chowan, and Perquimans
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Chesapeake,
      Hampton/Poquoson, Norfolk/Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Camden, Eastern Currituck, Pasquotank, and Western Currituck

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 880 miles southeast of Ocean City MD or about 840 miles
      southeast of Norfolk VA
    - 27.5N 67.1W
    - Storm Intensity 140 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 17 mph

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

Hurricane Florence is forecast to make landfall along the southern
North Carolina coast as a dangerous Category 4 storm early Friday
morning. While the exact track of Florence remains uncertain,
significant impacts are expected across northeastern parts of North
Carolina.

A significant, potentially life-threatening storm surge is expected
with Hurricane Florence. Based on the current forecast, inundation of
3 to 6 feet above ground level is expected over areas along the coast
and near the Albemarle Sound. A small shift in the track could change
the locations which will experience the most significant inundation.

Very high surf and large breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet, or greater,
will likely result in significant beach erosion and ocean overwash
along the North Carolina coast Thursday through Friday night. A high
threat of rip currents and the large and dangerous breaking waves in
the surf zone will produce extremely hazardous beach conditions.

Hurricane force winds in excess of 74 mph will be possible across
northeastern North Carolina, especially from late Thursday night
through Friday afternoon. Tropical storm force winds greater than
40 mph could develop as early as Thursday morning. These strong winds
will have the ability to knock down trees, weak structures, and cause
widespread power outages.

Very heavy rainfall amounts between 5 and 10 inches, with locally
higher amounts, may be seen with Florence. These amounts may result in
life-threatening flooding of low-lying and urban areas. Flash Flooding
is likely to occur Thursday into Saturday, and river flooding from
heavy rainfall inland will persist for several days to weeks after the
storm. The axis of heaviest rainfall will vary with changes to the
forecast track and storm motion. Isolated tornadoes will be also be
possible Thursday and Friday.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
Northeast North Carolina. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding, along with damage to
      porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. Some buildings
      experience window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes
      damaged, some destroyed, especially if poorly anchored or
      exposed to wind. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous
      projectiles.
    - Large trees snapped or uprooted, especially in areas where
      soils are saturated. Some roadway signs will be blown over.
    - Some roads will be impassable from large debris including
      bridges, causeways, and access routes.
    - Scattered to widespread power and communications outages.


* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across eastern North Carolina. Potential impacts in
this area include:
    - Severe storm surge flooding will likely cause inundation of
      numerous roads and buildings, resulting in a threat to life and
      property. Flooding will likely extend inland from the
      waterfront and shoreline flooding homes, businesses and
      isolating some neighborhoods. Large breaking waves will result
      in additional damage near the shoreline.
    - Numerous roads flooded or washed out.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching some dunes.
    - Severe damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is
      expected. Small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected marinas and docks.


* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across Northeast North Carolina. Potential
impacts include:
    - Evacuations and rescues likely due to flooding from heavy
      rainfall
    - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
      multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become
      dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become
      overwhelmed.
    - Flood waters enter structures within multiple communities, with
      some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Some
      escape routes inundated by flood waters. Streets, parking lots
      and underpasses could be submerged, with driving conditions
      quickly becoming dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures
      are expected with some becoming weakened or washed out.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
eastern North Carolina. Potential impacts include:
    - A few tornadoes are expected. As a result, execution of
      emergency plans could be hindered in affected areas.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Roofs peeled off some buildings. A few chimneys toppled and
      mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned. Large tree
      tops and branches snapped off, with some trees knocked over. A
      few vehicles blown off roads.


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.

Let others know where you are going prior to departure. Secure loose
items and pets in the car, and avoid distracted driving.

If evacuating, follow designated evacuation routes. Seek traffic
information on roadway signs, the radio, and from official sources.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.

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.

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that
are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of
others.

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

Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for
weathering the storm and your whereabouts. 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 charged.

Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

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

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
www.readyvirginia.gov, readync.org or mema.maryland.gov
- For the latest weather and storm information go to
weather.gov/wakefield

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Wakefield VA around 9 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

DAB
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