[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS81 KAKQ 140642
HLSAKQ
NCZ013>017-030>032-102-VAZ095-097-098-525-141445-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 59A
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL062018
242 AM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018

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

** HURRICANE FLORENCE TO MAKE LANDFALL IN SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA EARLY
THIS MORNING **

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 Camden, Chesapeake,
      Eastern Currituck, Gates, Hampton/Poquoson, Hertford,
      Norfolk/Portsmouth, Pasquotank, Virginia Beach, and Western
      Currituck

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 200 miles south-southwest of Norfolk VA or about 50 miles
      south-southwest of Morehead City NC
    - 34.1N 77.2W
    - Storm Intensity 90 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 6 mph

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

Hurricane Florence, currently about 50 miles south of Morehead
City, NC as of early this morning, is expected to move onshore in
southeast North carolina early this morning. The storm will slowly drift
inland through the weekend. Even though Florence's center will stay well
south of the local area, some impacts will continue through Saturday.

A significant, potentially life-threatening storm surge is expected
with Hurricane Florence across the western Albemarle Sound. 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 later today and into the weekend in the Chesapeake Bay
and tidal rivers due to the prolonged onshore winds. Moderate Coastal
Flooding is also possible along the Atlantic Coast south of Cape Henry.
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 and Virginia coasts 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, mainly today and tonight. These strong winds
will have the ability to knock down trees, weak structures, and cause
scattered to 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
through today across northeast North Carolina.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
far southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina. Potential impacts in
this area include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
      uprooted, especially if soils are saturated. Some roadway signs
      will sustain damage.
    - A few roads will be impassable from debris. Hazardous driving
      conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

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

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
northeast North Carolina, primarily over Bertie, Chowan, and Perquimans. Remain
well away from life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts. If
realized, these impacts include:
    - Severe storm surge flooding will likely cause inundation of
      numerous roads and buildings, resulting in a threat to life and
      property. Flooding will likely extend inland from the
      waterfront and shoreline flooding homes, businesses and
      isolating some neighborhoods. Large breaking waves will result
      in additional damage near the shoreline.
    - Numerous roads flooded or washed out.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching some dunes.
    - Severe damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is
      expected. Small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected marinas and docks.

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

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.

Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across far southern Virginia.

* 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...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN
SHORE, 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.


* 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.

* 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 530 am EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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