[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Fri Sep 14 10:36:19 CDT 2018

WTUS81 KAKQ 141536
HLSAKQ
NCZ013>017-030>032-102-VAZ095-097-098-525-142345-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 61
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL062018
1136 AM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018

This product covers Central and eastern Virginia...
Northeast North Carolina...and the Lower Maryland Eastern
Shore

**CENTER OF HURRICANE FLORENCE IS INLAND NEAR THE CAPE
FEAR REGION OF NORTH CAROLINA**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Bertie,
      Camden, Chesapeake, Chowan, Eastern Currituck, Gates,
      Hampton/Poquoson, Hertford, Norfolk/Portsmouth, Pasquotank,
      Perquimans, Virginia Beach, and Western Currituck

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Bertie, Chowan, and
      Perquimans

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 220 miles south-southwest of Norfolk VA or about 200
      miles southwest of Duck NC
    - 34.0N 78.0W
    - Storm Intensity 80 mph
    - Movement West-southwest or 245 degrees at 3 mph

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

Hurricane Florence continues to slowly move onshore in the Cape
Fear region of North Carolina. Florence is expected to continue slowly
moving inland into the weekend. Even though Florence's center will
stay well south of the area, some impacts are still expected to be
felt through Saturday.

A significant storm surge is expected with Hurricane Florence across
the western Albemarle Sound. Inundation values around 2 feet above
ground level is expected over areas along the coast and near the
Albemarle Sound today.

Additionally, a prolonged period of onshore winds will result in
minor, and possibility moderate, coastal flooding during high tide
starting today, and continuing into the weekend. The most vulnerable
areas will likely be in the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers. 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 10 to 15 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.

Wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph, with locally higher gusts, are expected
across northeastern North Carolina and coastal southeastern Virginia
into tonight or Saturday. Isolated tornadoes are also possible across
far Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina.

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.

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

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
northeastern North Carolina, especially along the west side of the
Albermarle Sound. 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.

Elsewhere across Central and eastern Virginia and the Lower Maryland
Eastern Shore, little to no impact is anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
northeastern 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
northeastern North Carolina.  Remain well guarded against locally
hazardous flood waters having possible limited impacts.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
northeastern 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
northeastern 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:
Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all
clear to return.

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.

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 be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.

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 3 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

Butts
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