[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KILM 130334
HLSILM
NCZ087-096-099-105>110-SCZ017-023-024-032-033-039-054>056-058-059-131145-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 55
National Weather Service Wilmington NC  AL062018
1134 PM EDT Wed Sep 12 2018

This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina

**Hurricane Florence continues to head toward the Carolina Coast**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are 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 280 miles east-southeast of Wilmington NC or about 320
      miles east-southeast of Myrtle Beach SC
    - 32.0N 73.7W
    - Storm Intensity 110 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 315 degrees at 17 mph

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

Hurricane Florence has weakened slightly, but will still bring life-
threatening storm surge inundation, catastrophic flooding rainfall,
and extreme winds to the region. Conditions will deteriorate Thursday
afternoon, with landfall expected near Cape Fear Friday morning.
Extremely hazardous conditions, including the potential for catastrophic
river flooding, are expected to continue Friday through Sunday as the
hurricane slowly crosses Cape Fear and moves into South Carolina.

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 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. 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, strongly consider evacuation. Relocate to a predetermined
shelter or safe destination. If evacuating away from the area or relocating
to a nearby shelter, leave early Thursday, 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 0230 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

MORGAN
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