[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS81 KAKQ 121224
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NCZ015>017-030>032-102-VAZ095-097-098-525-122030-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 52A
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL062018
824 AM EDT Wed Sep 12 2018

This product covers portions of SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA and
NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA.

** DANGEROUS HURRICANE FLORENCE HEADED FOR THE U.S. EAST COAST **


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect
      for Bertie, Chowan, and Perquimans
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Chesapeake,
      Hampton/Poquoson, Norfolk/Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect
      for Camden, Eastern Currituck, Pasquotank, and Western Currituck

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 670 miles south-southeast of Ocean City MD or about 610
      miles south-southeast of Norfolk VA
    - 29.4N 70.7W
    - Storm Intensity 130 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 17 mph

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

Hurricane Florence is forecast to approach the southern North
Carolina coast as a major hurricane 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.

Tropical Storm force winds in excess of 40 mph are expected across
northeastern North Carolina, especially from late Thursday night
through Friday afternoon. 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:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across . 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.

Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across northeast North Carolina and southeast Virginia.

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across northeast North Carolina and southeast Virginia. 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.

Also, protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across northeast North Carolina and southeast Virginia.

Elsewhere across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE, little to no impact
is anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across northeast North Carolina and southeast Virginia. Potential
impacts include:
    - Flooding from heavy rainfall may prompt evacuations and rescues
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen, with swift
      currents, and overspill their banks. Small streams, creeks, and
      ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures and/or weaken
      foundations. Some areas may experience areas of rapid
      inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
      storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
      become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures are expected.

Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across northeast North Carolina and southeast Virginia.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across portions of northeast 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.

Elsewhere across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE, little to no impact
is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
WATCH/WARNING PHASE - Listen to local official for recommended
preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to
evacuate, do so immediately.

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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.

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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.

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

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


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges
will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather
forecast before departing and drive with caution.

If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and
hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge
zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find
yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed
evacuation orders issued by the local authorities.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

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, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.


* 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 11 am EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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