[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KRAH 120316
HLSRAH
NCZ028-042-043-077-078-085-086-088-089-121130-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 51
National Weather Service Raleigh NC  AL062018
1116 PM EDT Tue Sep 11 2018

This product covers central North Carolina

**Powerful Hurricane Florence Continues to Approach the Carolinas**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Sampson and Wayne
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Cumberland, Edgecombe,
      Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Scotland, and Wilson

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 770 miles southeast of Raleigh NC or about 750 miles
      southeast of Fayetteville NC
    - 28.4N 68.7W
    - Storm Intensity 140 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 17 mph

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

Dangerous Hurricane Florence is expected to approach the Carolina
coast Thursday before drifting slowly west over the Carolinas through
the weekend. The primary concern is for a prolonged period of heavy
rainfall, particularly over the Coastal Plain and eastern Sandhills,
potentially producing life threatening flooding. In addition, strong
and potentially damaging winds are expected, spreading from
southeastern North Carolina toward the west from Thursday afternoon
through at least Friday night. Impacts may include damage to trees and
power lines, resulting in numerous power outages, along with damage to
weak or poorly built structures. Finally, there is a potential for
isolated to scattered tornadoes from Thursday afternoon into at least
Friday.

At this point, plans should already be in place, and preparations for
the numerous hazards should be underway. These preparations should be
completed NO LATER THAN Thursday morning, as deteoriorating weather
conditions will be arriving around this time.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across portions of Central North Carolina east of
Highway 1. Potential impacts include:
    - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in
      many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, and
      ditches may become raging rivers. Flood control systems and
      barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
      routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water
      with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very
      dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened
      or washed out.

Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
limited to extensive impacts across portions of Central North Carolina
near and just west of Highway 1.

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible devastating impacts
across far southeast portions of Central North Carolina. Potential
impacts in this area include:
    - Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof
      and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage
      greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations
      may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
    - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Widespread power and communications outages.

Also, prepare for life-threatening wind having possible significant
to extensive impacts across the remainder of Central North Carolina.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
extreme eastern portions of Central North Carolina east of Interstate
95. 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.
    - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
      toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
      large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
      knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats
      pulled from moorings.

Elsewhere across central North Carolina, little to no impact is
anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - Traffic is expected to increase as evacuees
from the coast travel inland. Allow additional time to safely reach
your destination.

* 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 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.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see readync.org
- 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 Raleigh NC around 5 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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