[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KILM 130933
HLSILM
NCZ087-096-099-105>110-SCZ017-023-024-032-033-039-054>056-058-059-131745-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 56
National Weather Service Wilmington NC  AL062018
533 AM EDT Thu Sep 13 2018

This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina

**OUTER RAIN BANDS OF FLORENCE ARE APPROACHING THE COAST OF NORTH
CAROLINA**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Hurricane Watch has been cancelled for Robeson
    - The Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning have been
      upgraded to a Hurricane Warning for Bladen and Columbus
    - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
      Warning for Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and
      Williamsburg

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - 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 Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Darlington, Dillon,
      Florence, Marion, Marlboro, Robeson, and Williamsburg
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bladen, Columbus, Inland
      Pender, and Northern Horry

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 210 miles east-southeast of Wilmington NC or about 250
      miles east-southeast of Myrtle Beach SC
    - 32.8N 74.7W
    - Storm Intensity 110 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 315 degrees at 15 mph

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

Hurricane Florence is expected to make landfall just north of Cape Fear
early Friday morning. Florence is a very large storm, and dangerous
impacts will begin to spread across the area as early as this
afternoon. Life-threatening storm surge inundation, extreme winds,
historic flooding rainfall, and prolonged significant river flooding
are expected as the hurricane tracks across southeastern North Carolina
Friday and into northeastern South Carolina by Saturday.

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

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible extensive
impacts across southeastern North Carolina from Cape Fear north.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding
      enhanced by battering waves. Structural damage to buildings is
      likely, with several potentially washing away. Damage will be
      compounded by floating debris. Some locations may become
      uninhabitable for an extended period.
    - Inundation is likely to impact vulnerable homes along tidal
      creeks and waterways farther inland.
    - Drinking water and sewer services will likely become impacted
      by the storm surge. Surge waters will contain hazardous
      materials.
    - Large sections of coastal roads will become flooded, or
      wash-out altogether.
    - Severe beach erosion is expected with significant dune loss.
      Sands from displaced dunes will likely deposit onto the barrier
      island roads.
    - Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is
      possible. Many small craft broken away from moorings,
      especially in unprotected anchorages with some lifted onshore
      and stranded inland.
    - Navigation may be difficult, especially near inlets and
      waterways, as some navigational aids may be off station or
      missing. Debris is possible in the waterways and other
      navigable channels.

Also, protect against life-threatening surge having possible
significant 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 and coastal northeastern
South 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 inland areas of northeast South Carolina, including the
Pee Dee region.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across southeast North Carolina and northeast South 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
If evacuating, leave as early this morning as possible 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.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to bring to completion all preparations to protect
life and property in accordance with your emergency plan.

Outside preparations should be wrapped up as soon as possible before
weather conditions completely deteriorate. Any remaining evacuations
and relocations should be expedited before the onset of tropical
storm force wind.

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.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

Check-in with your emergency points of contact among family, friends,
and workmates. Inform them of your status and well-being. Let them
know how you intend to ride out the storm and when you plan to
check-in again.

Keep cell phones well charged and handy. Also, cell phone chargers
for automobiles can be helpful after the storm. Locate your chargers
and keep them with your cell phone.

In emergencies it is best to remain calm. Stay informed and focused
on the situation at hand. Exercise patience with those you encounter.
Be a Good Samaritan and helpful to others.

If you are a visitor and still in the area, listen for the name of
the city or town in which you are staying within local news updates.
Be sure you know the name of the county in which it resides. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

Closely monitor NOAA Weather radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to
the forecast.

* 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 0830 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

MORGAN
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