[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 55
National Weather Service Columbia SC  AL062018
1101 PM EDT Wed Sep 12 2018

This product covers Midlands of central South Carolina and east central Georgia CSRA

**Hurricane Florence Continues to Approach the Carolina Coast**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Chesterfield,
      Clarendon, Lee, and Sumter

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 410 miles east-southeast of Sumter SC
    - 32.0N 73.7W
    - Storm Intensity 110 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 315 degrees at 17 mph

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

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 on
Friday, then Florence is expected to drift slowly southwest to west
over the weekend. Regardless of the exact path, impacts will extend
well away from the center and into central South Carolina and
eastern Georgia this weekend. The track could shift slightly farther
south and west. The worst conditions across central South Carolina
and Eastern Georgia are expected Friday night into at least Sunday,
although impacts could linger longer depending on the uncertain
evolution and track of Florence beyond this weekend. The main life-
threatening effect in the region may be a prolonged heavy rainfall
event with associated flooding through early next week. An extended
period of tropical storm force winds are also possible across
portions of the area.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across the eastern Midlands and Pee Dee region. Potential
impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
      currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
      in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals,
      arroyos, and ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places may experience expanded 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.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the remainder of the Midlands and central
Savannah River area.

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across most of the Pee Dee and Midlands. Potential impacts in this area
include:
    - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
      window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
      damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
      Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for weeks.
    - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
      access routes impassable.
    - Large areas with power and communications outages.

Also, prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across the central Savannah River area.

* TORNADOES:
While tornadoes may be possible, it is too early to determine possible
impacts at this time across the Midlands of central South Carolina and
east central Georgia CSRA.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Traffic is expected to increase as evacuees
from the coast travel inland. Allow additional time to safely reach
your destination.

* 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, 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.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information from the state of South Carolina see scemd.org
- For information from the state of Georgia see gema.ga.gov

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Columbia SC around 05:30 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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