[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

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HLSCAE
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Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 61
National Weather Service Columbia SC  AL062018
1109 AM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018

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

**Tropical Storm Winds will expand into the Eastern Midlands as
Florence moves inland**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
      Warning for Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lexington, and
      Richland

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Calhoun,
      Chesterfield, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee,
      Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland, and Sumter

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 140 miles east of Sumter SC
    - 34.0N 78.0W
    - Storm Intensity 80 mph
    - Movement West-southwest or 245 degrees at 3 mph

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

Hurricane Florence will be moving along the southern North Carolina
coast today, then it is expected to move slowly westward into South
Carolina this evening. The storm will traverse South Carolina over the
weekend. The latest information indicates the greatest impacts in the
forecast area associated with Florence will be Saturday and Sunday.
The main life-threatening risk is heavy rain and associated flooding.
Flash Flood Watches are in effect for northern and central portions of
the area. Storm rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches may occur across the
central and northern Midlands. Totals of 8 to 18 inches may occur
across the Pee Dee and Catawba regions. Localized higher amounts are
possible resulting in particularly dangerous flash flooding. A period
of tropical storm force wind gusts is also expected in the tropical
storm warning area possibly beginning as early as this afternoon in
the eastern Midlands and Pee Dee Region, and then tonight in the
central Midlands. Strong Tropical storm force winds will continue
through the remainder of Saturday with a slow downward trend Sunday.
Major river flooding may develop and linger well into next week.
Isolated tornadoes may occur Saturday and Sunday.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across the Midlands and Pee Dee region. Potential
impacts include:
    - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
      multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and
      ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas,
      destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while
      increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
      control systems and barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
      Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with
      underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
      Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limited
to significant impacts across the Central Savannah River Area.

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across the Midlands and Pee Dee region. 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, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across the Central Savannah River Area.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the Northern Midlands and Pee Dee region. Potential impacts include:
    - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
      toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
      large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
      knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats
      pulled from moorings.

Elsewhere across the Central Midlands of central South Carolina and
the CSRA region central Georgia CSRA, little to no impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
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.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

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.

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!

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 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 515 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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