[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KCHS 120019
HLSCHS
GAZ087-088-099>101-114>119-137>141-SCZ040-042>045-047>052-120830-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 50A
National Weather Service Charleston SC  AL062018
819 PM EDT Tue Sep 11 2018

This product covers southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia

**EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HURRICANE FLORENCE CONTINUES TO MOVE TOWARDS
THE SOUTHEAST COAST**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Coastal Colleton
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Charleston and Tidal Berkeley
    - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Inland Berkeley

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 790 miles east-southeast of Charleston SC or about 830
      miles east-southeast of Savannah GA
    - 28.0N 67.9W
    - Storm Intensity 140 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 17 mph

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

Extremely dangerous Hurricane Florence is approaching the Southeast
U.S. coast as a Major hurricane. While the exact track of Florence
remains uncertain, within the Hurricane and Storm Surge Watch area
between Edisto Beach and the South Santee River, including Berkeley
County, there exists the possibility of life-threatening storm surge
inundation, damaging winds and excessive rainfall. Life-threatening
conditions will also continue in the surf zone southward through the
northern Georgia coast. The worst conditions are likely Thursday into
at least Friday, although impacts could linger longer depending on the
evolution of Florence.

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

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across in low-lying tidal locations from Edisto Beach northward to
the South Santee River. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Areas of inundation of saltwater along immediate shorelines and
      in low-lying spots farther inland near rivers and creeks, with
      storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several
      buildings, mainly near the coast.
    - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
      weakened or washed out, especially in normally vulnerable low
      spots.
    - Moderate to major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching
      dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents.
    - Minor to moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and
      piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings,
      especially in unprotected anchorages. Some navigation aids
      possibly displaced well off station, creating difficult
      navigation near inlets and waterways.

Elsewhere across southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia,
little to no impact is anticipated.

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
parts of Charleston and Berkeley Counties, mainly north of Charleston.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
      experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
      homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges and access routes
      impassable.
    - Travel by vehicle or on foot increasingly difficult. Danger of
      death or injury from falling objects such as trees or electric
      wires outside.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines, which could persist for hours
      or days.
    - Some poorly secured small craft could break loose from their
      moorings.

Also, prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across the rest of southeast South Carolina and northern portions of
southeast Georgia.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Dangerous surf conditions, including rip currents, are expected along the
southern South Carolina and northern Georgia coasts. Minor coastal flooding
is also expected, along the South Carolina coast south of Edisto Beach around
the times of high tide through at least Wednesday before more significant
flooding will be possible. Some beach erosion is also expected along the
entire coast, especially in South Carolina.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across portions of Berkeley and Charleston counties,
mainly north of Charleston. Potential impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding could prompt a few rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries could quickly rise with swifter
      currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches could
      become swollen and overflow in spots.
    - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in normally
      vulnerable spots. Rapid ponding of water could occur at
      underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several
      storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to
      overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures.

Elsewhere across southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia,
little to no impact is anticipated.

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:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

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 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, 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.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for 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 Charleston SC around 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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