[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 58
National Weather Service Charleston SC  AL062018
500 PM EDT Thu Sep 13 2018

This product covers southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia

**HURRICANE FLORENCE APPROACHING THE CAPE FEAR REGION OF NORTH
CAROLINA**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Charleston,
      Dorchester, Inland Berkeley, and Tidal Berkeley

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 220 miles east-northeast of Charleston SC or about 310
      miles east-northeast of Savannah GA
    - 33.7N 76.2W
    - Storm Intensity 100 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 295 degrees at 5 mph

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

Hurricane Florence continues to approach the North Carolina coast.
Confidence is increasing that Florence will move inland near the Cape
Fear region of southeastern North Carolina Friday morning, then drift
west into the Pee Dee and Midlands of South Carolina Friday into the
weekend while weakening. As Florence moves into South Carolina, the
risk for winds to tropical storm force and excessive rainfall will
increase. Dangerous coastal conditions will also continue into the
weekend. It is important not to focus on the exact forecast track as
impacts will extend well away from the center. The worst conditions
are most likely Friday through the weekend.

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

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across portions of Southeast South Carolina. 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.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges and access routes
      impassable.
    - Travel by vehicle or on foot increasingly difficult. Danger of
      death or injury from falling objects such as trees or electric
      wires outside.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines, which could persist for hours
      or days.
    - Some poorly secured small craft could break loose from their
      moorings.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across portions of Southeast South Carolina, including the
Charleston Metro Area. 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.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the Charleston Tri-county area. Potential impacts include:
    - Isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans.
    - Isolated locations could experience tornado damage, along with
      power and communications disruptions.
    - In isolated locations, tornadoes could damage trees, vehicles,
      boats and buildings, especially mobile homes and other poorly
      constructed structures.

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.

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.

Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all clear to return.


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges
will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather
forecast before departing and drive with caution.

If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

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, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.

* 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 9 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

ST
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