[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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NCZ013>017-030>032-102-VAZ095-097-098-525-140515-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 58
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL062018
508 PM EDT Thu Sep 13 2018

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

**HURRICANE FLORENCE TO MAKE LANDFALL IN SOUTHERN NORTH CAROLINA LATE TONIGHT***

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 Warning is in effect for Chesapeake, Gates,
      Hampton/Poquoson, Hertford, Norfolk/Portsmouth, and Virginia
      Beach
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect
      for Camden, Eastern Currituck, Pasquotank, and Western Currituck

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 220 miles south of Norfolk VA or about 180 miles south of
      Duck NC
    - 33.7N 76.2W
    - Storm Intensity 100 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 295 degrees at 5 mph

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

Hurricane Florence, currently about 160 miles east-southeast of
Wilmington, NC as of 5 pm EDT, is expected to move onshore late
tonight across far southern North Carolina and slowly drift inland
through the weekend. Even though Florence's center will stay well
south of the area, some some impacts are still expected through
Saturday.

A significant, potentially life-threatening storm surge is expected
with Hurricane Florence across North Carolina. Inundation of 2 to
4 feet above ground level is expected over areas along the coast and
near the Albemarle Sound later tonight into Friday.

In addition, moderate to locally major coastal flooding is possible
during high tide Friday and into the weekend in the Chesapeake Bay and
tidal rivers starting Friday due to the prolonged onshore winds.
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 13 to 18 feet, or greater,
will likely result in significant beach erosion and ocean overwash
along the North Carolina coast today through much of the weekend. 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, especially in gusts,
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.

Heavy rainfall amounts between 2 and 5 inches, with locally higher
amounts, may be seen with Florence in the local area through Saturday.
The highest amounts are expected across far southern Virginia into
northeastern North Carolina. If the rain falls over a short period of
time, these amounts may result in life-threatening flash flooding of
low-lying and urban areas. Isolated tornadoes are also possible
tonight and Friday across far Southeast Virginia into Northeast North
Carolina.

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

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
Northeast North Carolina. Remain well away from locally hazardous
surge having possible limited impacts. If
realized, these impacts include:
    - Widespread storm surge flooding of vulnerable areas will result
      in an elevated threat of property damage to homes and
      businesses near the waterfront and shoreline.
    - Sections of low-lying vulnerable roads, parking lots and
      property will likely become flooded. Driving conditions could
      become dangerous in places where flooding covers the road.
    - Moderate to severe beach erosion is likely, including heavy
      surf possibly breaching dunes, especially in vulnerable
      locations. Strong and dangerous rip currents are likely.
    - Minor to moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and
      piers is likely. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

Elsewhere across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE, little to no impact
is anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
Northeast North Carolina. Remain well guarded against dangerous
flood waters having possible significant impacts.
If realized, these 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.

Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
southeast Virginia. Remain well guarded against locally
hazardous flood waters having possible limited
impacts.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Northeast North Carolina. Remain well sheltered from dangerous
wind having possible significant impacts. If
realized, these impacts 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.

Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding
across southeast Virginia. Remain well sheltered from
hazardous wind having possible limited impacts.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across Northeast North Carolina.
Remain well braced against a tornado event having possible limited impacts. If realized,
these 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.

Elsewhere across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE, little to no impact
is anticipated.

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

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

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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.

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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.

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

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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 stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a
battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.

During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your
shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best
foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather.

Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose
power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and
check-ins.

Do not venture outside while in the eye of a hurricane as any
improvement in weather will only be temporary. Once the eye passes,
conditions will become life threatening as winds immediately return
to dangerous speeds, so remain safely sheltered from the storm.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.

Quickly move to the safest place within your shelter if it begins to
fail, preferably an interior room on the lowest floor as long as
flooding is not a concern.

If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch
or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic
rise in water levels.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the
safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body.

If an Extreme Wind Warning is issued for your area, move to the
safest place within your shelter. Take the same life-saving actions
as if it were a violent tornado.

* 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 , or sooner if conditions warrant.

$$
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