[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Wed Sep 12 10:26:26 CDT 2018

WTUS82 KILM 121526
HLSILM
NCZ087-096-099-105>110-SCZ017-023-024-032-033-039-054>056-058-059-122330-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 53
National Weather Service Wilmington NC  AL062018
1126 AM EDT Wed Sep 12 2018

This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina

**Dangerous Category 4 Hurricane Florence moving closer to the Carolinas**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Bladen, Columbus, and Robeson
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Darlington, Dillon,
      Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
      Central Horry, Coastal Brunswick, Coastal Georgetown, Coastal
      Horry, Coastal New Hanover, Coastal Pender, Inland Brunswick,
      Inland Georgetown, and Inland New Hanover
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Inland Pender and Northern
      Horry

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 490 miles southeast of Wilmington NC
    - 29.8N 71.3W
    - Storm Intensity 130 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 15 mph

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

Major Hurricane Florence continues moving ever closer to Cape Fear.
Life-threatening storm surge inundation, catastrophic flooding
rainfall, included prolonged significant river flooding, and extreme
winds will accompany Florence as it moves into the area Thursday.
These devastating conditions are expected to continue Friday and
Saturday.Florence is expected to slow down late in the week,
increasing the threat for extended extreme rainfall and flooding
through the weekend.

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

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible devastating
impacts across southeastern North Carolina from Cape Fear north.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Dangerous widespread and deep storm surge inundation. The surge
      will affect homes close to tidal creeks and waterways farther
      inland than what people are accustomed to. The surge combined
      with battering waves will damage many homes along the barrier
      islands. Structural damage to buildings is likely in many areas
      as a result, with many on the barrier islands washing away. The
      damage will be greatly compounded from a considerable amount of
      floating debris. Locations may become uninhabitable for an
      extended period.
    - Delivery of drinking water and sewer services may be lost in
      coastal communities. Surge waters will contain hazardous
      materials.
    - Coastal roads will become severely flooded and may be washed
      out completely.
    - Extreme beach erosion with significant loss of dunes and the
      potential for new inlets carved into some of the barrier
      islands. A large amount of sand will be deposited onto the
      barrier islands blocking roadways.Massive damage to marinas,
      docks, boardwalks, and piers is expected. Small craft will
      break away from moorings with many lifted onshore and stranded
      inland.Navigation will be difficult, especially near inlets and
      waterways, as navigational aids may be off station or missing.
      Debris in waterways and other navigable channels will make
      navigation hazardous.

Also, protect against life-threatening surge having possible
significant to extensive impacts across northeastern South Carolina
and the coast of Brunswick County NC.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across southeastern North Carolina. Potential
impacts include:
    - Extreme flooding from rainfall may prompt numerous evacuations
      and rescues.
    - Rivers and streams may overwhelmingly overflow their banks with
      deep moving water. Creeks and ditches will become severely
      flooded and contain strong currents.
    - Flood waters may enter numerous structures, and some may become
      uninhabitable or washed away. Road scours or complete road
      failure is likely in many locations, along with the potential
      for sinkholes. Many streets and parking lots will flood, and
      may be impacted by swift, flowing water. Numerous road and
      low-lying bridge closures are likely with some weakened or
      washed away. Driving conditions will be very dangerous.
    - The delivery of drinking water and sewer services may be
      interrupted. Flood waters may be polluted and contain hazardous
      materials.

Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
significant to extensive impacts across northeastern South Carolina.

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across southeastern North Carolina. Potential impacts in this
area include:
    - Structural damage can be expected to sturdy buildings, with
      some suffering severe or total destruction. Complete
      destruction of mobile homes and other poorly constructed
      buildings is likely. Damage greatly enhanced by large
      projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for a significant
      period of time.
    - Numerous large trees may be snapped or uprooted, along with
      fences and roadway signs gone.
    - Many roads will become unsafe and impassable from large debris.
      Many bridges, causeways, and other elevated roadways will
      become impassable.
    - Extensive power and communications outages can be expected.
    - Many vessels will break free from their moorings.

Also, protect against life-threatening wind having possible
significant to extensive impacts across northeast South Carolina.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across southeastern North Carolina. 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.
    - Tornadoes can cause damage to trees, vehicles, boats, and
      buildings. Unsecured mobile homes and poorly constructed
      structures are particularly vulnerable.

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

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions. For
those under evacuation orders, leave as soon as practical with a
destination in mind. Gas up your vehicle well ahead of time. Be sure
that you take all essential materials from your emergency supplies kit.
Let others know where you are going and when you intend to arrive. Look
for additional traffic information on roadway smart signs and listen to
select radio channels for further travel instructions. Drivers should
not use cell phones while operating vehicles.

If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or water hazards from
tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, especially if being
officially recommended. Relocate to a predetermined shelter or safe
destination. If evacuating away from the area or relocating to a
nearby shelter, leave early before weather conditions become hazardous.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to bring to completion all preparations to protect
life and property in accordance with your emergency plan.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties
which must be taken into account.

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

Be sure to let friends and other family members know of your
intentions and whereabouts for surviving the storm. For emergency
purposes, 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 well charged.
* 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 Wilmington NC around 230 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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