[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KCAE 131516
HLSCAE
SCZ016-029-031-038-132330-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 57
National Weather Service Columbia SC  AL062018
1116 AM EDT Thu Sep 13 2018

This product covers the Midlands of central South Carolina and
east central Georgia CSRA

**Hurricane Florence Continues to Approach the Carolina Coast**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Chesterfield,
      Clarendon, Lee, and Sumter

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 280 miles east of Sumter SC
    - 33.4N 75.5W
    - Storm Intensity 105 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 315 degrees at 10 mph

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

The latest forecast continues to bring the center of Hurricane
Florence close to the southeast North Carolina coast Friday morning,
then Florence slowly drifts west southwest into South Carolina over
the weekend. Regardless of the exact path, impacts will extend well
away from the center and into central South Carolina and eastern
Georgia this weekend. The track could still shift slightly into the
weekend. The worst conditions across central South Carolina and
Eastern Georgia are expected Friday night into at least Sunday,
although impacts could linger longer depending on the uncertain
evolution and track of Florence beyond this weekend. The main life
threatening effect in the region may be a prolonged heavy rainfall
event with associated flooding through early next week. An extended
period of tropical storm force winds are also possible across parts of
the area.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across the eastern Midlands and Pee Dee region. Potential impacts
include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
      currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
      in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals,
      arroyos, and ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places may 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 across the remainder of the Midlands and central
Savannah River area.

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
most of the Pee Dee and Midlands. Potential impacts in this area
include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
      experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
      homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines.

Also, prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across the central Savannah River area.

* TORNADOES:
While tornadoes may be possible, it is too early to determine possible
impacts at this time across the Midlands of central South Carolina and
east central Georgia CSRA.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
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 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, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the
storm.

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.

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

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information from the state of South Carolina see scemd.org
- For information from the state of Georgia see gema.ga.gov

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

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Columbia SC around 530 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
This weather bulletin was brought to you by:
www.nashvilleweather.net