[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS81 KAKQ 140951
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NCZ013>017-030>032-102-VAZ095-097-098-525-141800-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 60
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL062018
551 AM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018

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

** HURRICANE FLORENCE APPROACHING 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 20 miles
      east-southeast of Wilmington NC
    - 34.2N 77.4W
    - Storm Intensity 90 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 6 mph

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

Hurricane Florence, currently about 20 miles east-southeast of
Wilmington, NC as of 5 am EDT, is expected to move onshore this morning across
southeast North Carolina and slowly drift inland through the weekend.
Even though Florence's center will stay well south of the area, some
impacts are still expected 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 today.

In addition, moderate to locally major coastal flooding is possible
during each high tide later today through Saturday 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 12 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, especially today and tonight. These strong
winds will have the ability to knock down trees, weak structures, and
cause widespread power outages.

Additional heavy rainfall amounts between 2 and 4 inches, with locally
higher amounts, may be seen with Florence in the local area through
Saturday. The highest amounts are expected across 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 today across Northeast North Carolina.


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

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
northeast North Carolina, primarily over locations along the western
side of the Albemarle sound, including 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.

Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
southern 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 far
southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina. Remain well sheltered
from hazardous wind having |possible limited impacts. If realized,
these impacts 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.

* 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 will be possible. 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:
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.

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


* 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 830 am EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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