[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KCHS 121454
HLSCHS
GAZ087-088-099>101-114>119-137>141-SCZ040-042>045-047>052-122300-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 53
National Weather Service Charleston SC  AL062018
1054 AM EDT Wed Sep 12 2018

This product covers southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia

**DANGEROUS HURRICANE FLORENCE INCREASINGLY LIKELY TO AFFECT
SOUTHEAST SC AND POTENTIALLY SOUTHEAST GA**

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 550 miles east-southeast of Charleston SC or about 600
      miles east-southeast of Savannah GA
    - 29.8N 71.3W
    - Storm Intensity 130 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 15 mph

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

Extremely dangerous Hurricane Florence continues to approach the
Southeast U.S. coast as a major hurricane. The latest forecast brings
the center of Florence close to the southeast North Carolina coast
Friday, then Florence could stall before drifting west or southwest
this weekend. Regardless of the exact path, impacts will extend well
away from the center and into southeast South Carolina and Georgia.
The track could continue to shift farther south and west. If this
occurs, the region within the Hurricane Watch and Storm Surge Watch
area could experience life-threatening storm surge inundation,
damaging winds and excessive rainfall. This includes areas between
Edisto Beach and South Santee River, including Berkeley County. The
watch could also be expanded farther south later today. Dangerous surf
zone conditions will also continue on the beaches of southeast South
Carolina and southeast Georgia at least through late week. The worst
conditions are expected late Thursday night into at least Saturday,
although potentially into Monday depending on the eventual evolution
of Florence.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible devastating impacts
across southern South 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.
    - Impossible to venture outside due to falling objects and
      airborne projectiles.
    - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted.
    - Many roads impassable due to large debris, especially within
      urban or heavily wooded locations. Most or all bridges and
      access routes impassable.
    - Widespread damage to power and communications infrastructure
      with resulting outages possibly lasting for weeks or longer.
      Gas leaks and fallen electric wires pose a threat to life.
    - Many marine vessels will likely break free from moorings.

Also, prepare for life-threatening wind having possible significant
to extensive impacts across eastern Georgia.

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across coastal South Carolina. 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.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across southern South Carolina. 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. If evacuating, follow designated evacuation
routes. Seek traffic information on roadway signs, the radio, and
from official sources.

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.


* 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 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.


* 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 3 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

JRL
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