[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS81 KAKQ 130540
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NCZ015>017-030>032-102-VAZ095-097-098-525-131345-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 55
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL062018
140 AM EDT Thu Sep 13 2018

This product covers CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

**FLORENCE MOVING STEADILY TOWARD THE CAROLINA COASTAL AREAS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect
      for Bertie, Chowan, and Perquimans
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Chesapeake,
      Hampton/Poquoson, Norfolk/Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Gates and Hertford
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect
      for Camden, Eastern Currituck, Pasquotank, and Western Currituck

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 440 miles south of Ocean City MD or about 370 miles
      south-southeast of Norfolk VA
    - 32.0N 73.7W
    - Storm Intensity 110 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 315 degrees at 17 mph

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

Hurricane Florence is forecast to approach the southern North Carolina
coast as a hurricane early Friday morning, and slow down as it
approaches land. Despite the center of the storm likely staying well
south of the area, some significant impacts are still expected on
Friday and into the weekend.

A significant, potentially life-threatening storm surge is expected
with Hurricane Florence across North Carolina. Based on the current
forecast, inundation of 2 to 4 feet above ground level is expected
over areas along the coast and near the Albemarle Sound. A small shift
in the track could change the locations which will experience the most
significant inundation.

In addition, moderate to locally major coastal flooding is possible
during high tide Friday and into the weekend in the Chesapeake Bay and
up the James, York and Rappahannock Rivers starting Friday and due to
the prolonged onshore flow. Widespread flooding of vulnerable areas
could result in an elevated threat of property damage to homes and
businesses near the waterfront and shoreline.

Very high surf and large breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet, or greater,
will likely result in significant beach erosion and ocean overwash
along the North Carolina coast today through Friday night. A high
threat of rip currents and large and dangerous breaking waves in the
surf zone will produce extremely hazardous beach conditions.

Tropical Storm force winds in excess of 40 mph are expected across
northeastern North Carolina and coastal southeastern Virginia,
especially from late tonight through Saturday. These strong winds will
have the ability to knock down trees, weak structures, and cause
widespread power outages.

Very heavy rainfall amounts between 3 and 8 inches, with locally
higher amounts, may be seen with Florence in the local area. The
highest amounts are expected across far southern Virginia into
northeast North Carolina These amounts may result in life- threatening
flooding of low-lying and urban areas. Flash flooding is possible late
Thursday into Saturday, and river flooding from heavy rainfall inland
could persist for several days to weeks after the storm. Isolated
tornadoes will be also be possible Thursday and Friday across far
Southeast Virginia into Northeast North Carolina.

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

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across Northeast North Carolina. Potential impacts in this area
include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding, along with damage to
      porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. Some buildings
      experience window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes
      damaged, some destroyed, especially if poorly anchored or
      exposed to wind. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous
      projectiles.
    - Large trees snapped or uprooted, especially in areas where
      soils are saturated. Some roadway signs will be blown over.
    - Some roads will be impassable from large debris including
      bridges, causeways, and access routes.
    - Scattered to widespread power and communications outages.

Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across Southeast Virginia.

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across Northeast North Carolina. Potential impacts in
this area include:
    - Severe storm surge flooding will likely cause inundation of
      numerous roads and buildings, resulting in a threat to life and
      property. Flooding will likely extend inland from the
      waterfront and shoreline flooding homes, businesses and
      isolating some neighborhoods. Large breaking waves will result
      in additional damage near the shoreline.
    - Numerous roads flooded or washed out.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching some dunes.
    - Severe damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is
      expected. Small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected marinas and docks.

Also, protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across Southeast Virginia. A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect for this area.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across Northeast North Carolina. Potential
impacts include:
    - Flooding from heavy rainfall may prompt evacuations and rescues
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen, with swift
      currents, and overspill their banks. Small streams, creeks, and
      ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures and/or weaken
      foundations. Some areas may experience 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 are expected.

Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across Southeast Virginia.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the entire region. Potential impacts include:
    - A few tornadoes are expected. As a result, execution of
      emergency plans could be hindered in affected areas.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Roofs peeled off some buildings. A few chimneys toppled and
      mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned. Large tree
      tops and branches snapped off, with some trees knocked over. A
      few vehicles blown off roads.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions,
including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so
immediately.

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.

If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind and allow extra time
to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit. Gas up your vehicle
ahead of time.

Let others know where you are going prior to departure. Secure loose
items and pets in the car, and avoid distracted driving.

If evacuating, follow designated evacuation routes. Seek traffic
information on roadway signs, the radio, and from official sources.

* 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.

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

Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for
weathering the storm and your whereabouts. 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 charged.

Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see
www.readyvirginia.gov, readync.org or mema.maryland.gov
- For the latest weather and storm information go to
  weather.gov/wakefield

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

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Wakefield VA around 5 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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