[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KRAH 130311
HLSRAH
NCZ028-042-043-075>078-084>086-088-089-131115-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 55
National Weather Service Raleigh NC  AL062018
1111 PM EDT Wed Sep 12 2018

This product covers central North Carolina

**Powerful Hurricane Florence continues to move toward the Carolina
Coast**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 380 miles southeast of Raleigh NC or about 360 miles
      southeast of Fayetteville NC
    - 32.0N 73.7W
    - Storm Intensity 110 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 315 degrees at 17 mph

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

Dangerous Hurricane Florence will approach the Carolina coast late
Thursday through Thursday night, drift slowly inland over far southeast
North Carolina on Friday, and then continue a westward drift over
South Carolina through the weekend.

The primary concern is for a prolonged period of heavy rainfall,
particularly over the central and southern Coastal Plain, the
Sandhills, and the far southern Piedmont, likely leading to
devastating and life threatening flooding.

In addition, strong and potentially damaging winds are expected to
arrive in the southern Coastal Plain Thursday, before spreading into
the Sandhills, the southeast Piedmont, and the central Coastal Plain
Thursday night through at least Friday night. Impacts may include
damage to trees and power lines, resulting in power outages and
sporadic damage to weak or poorly built structures.

Finally, there is a potential for isolated weak tornadoes from
Thursday afternoon into Saturday over the extreme eastern part of the
Coastal Plain.

At this point, plans should already be in place, and preparations
should be rushed to completion by Thursday morning, as weather
conditions will deteriorate from the east starting Thursday.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across southeast portions of Central North
Carolina. 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,
      canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In
      mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while
      increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. 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.

Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
limited to extensive impacts across the Northwest Piedmont of Central
North Carolina.

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across southern and eastern 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, protect against life-threatening wind having possible limited
to extensive impacts across the Northwest Piedmont of Central North
Carolina.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
the extreme eastern portion of the Coastal Plain. 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:
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.

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.

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 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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