[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KCHS 130604
HLSCHS
GAZ087-088-099>101-114>119-137>141-SCZ040-042>045-047>052-131415-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 55A
National Weather Service Charleston SC  AL062018
204 AM EDT Thu Sep 13 2018

This product covers southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia

**DANGEROUS HURRICANE FLORENCE LIKELY TO IMPACT SOUTHEAST SOUTH
CAROLINA AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA LATE THIS WEEK INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Coastal Colleton
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Charleston and Tidal Berkeley
    - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Inland Berkeley

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 330 miles east of Charleston SC or about 400 miles east
      of Savannah GA
    - 32.5N 74.3W
    - 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. Much uncertainty remains regarding the progress of
Florence so exact impacts across southeast South Carolina and
southeast Georgia are uncertain. Significant impacts including
excessive rainfall and strong winds are possible. It is important not
to focus on the exact forecast track as impacts will extend well away
from the center. Dangerous surf zone conditions will also continue
southward into the northern Georgia coast through at least late week.
The worst conditions are most likely Friday through the weekend.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts north of the Edisto River. Potential impacts
include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding could prompt some rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries could quickly become swollen with
      swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places,
      especially in normally vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks,
      canals, and ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places could 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 further south to the Savannah River.

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

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across low-lying tidal areas of South Carolina, mainly north
of Edisto Beach. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Areas of inundation of saltwater along immediate shorelines and
      in low-lying spots farther inland near rivers and creeks, with
      storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several
      buildings, mainly near the coast.
    - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
      weakened or washed out, especially in normally vulnerable low
      spots.
    - Moderate to major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching
      dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents.
    - Minor to moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and
      piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings,
      especially in unprotected anchorages. Some navigation aids
      possibly displaced well off station, creating difficult
      navigation near inlets and waterways.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across southeast South Carolina. Potential impacts in this area
include:
    - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some window,
      door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage.
      Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed. Damage
      accentuated by airborne projectiles. Some locations may be
      uninhabitable for weeks.
    - Danger of death or injury from falling objects and airborne
      projectiles outside.
    - Large trees snapped or uprooted.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded locations. Several bridges and access routes
      impassable.
    - Large areas with power and communications outages, which could
      persist for days.
    - Several secured small craft could break free from moorings.

Also, prepare for dangerous wind having possible limited to
significant impacts across southeast Georgia.

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.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
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.

* 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 Charleston SC around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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