[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 61
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC  AL062018
1136 AM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018

This product covers Eastern North Carolina

**DANGEROUS HURRICANE FLORENCE CONTINUES TO BRING LIFE-THREATENING
STORM SURGE AND POTENTIALLY HISTORIC RAINFALL WITH CATASTROPHIC
FLOODING TO PORTIONS OF EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued and the Hurricane
      Warning has been cancelled for Beaufort, Greene, Lenoir,
      Mainland Dare, Mainland Hyde, Martin, Outer Banks Dare, Outer
      Banks Hyde, Pitt, Tyrrell, and Washington

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect
      for Beaufort, Mainland Dare, Mainland Hyde, Martin, Outer Banks
      Dare, Outer Banks Hyde, Pitt, Tyrrell, and Washington
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Greene and Lenoir
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Duplin
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
      Carteret, Craven, Jones, Onslow, and Pamlico

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 90 miles southwest of Morehead City NC or about 60 miles
      south-southwest of Jacksonville NC
    - 34.0N 78.0W
    - Storm Intensity 80 mph
    - Movement West-southwest or 245 degrees at 3 mph

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

Hurricane Florence remains near Wilmington, NC, moving very slowly
west-southwestward. Eastern North Carolina will continue to see significant to
potentially life-threatening impacts from Florence, including extreme
storm surge, catastrophic and possibly historic flooding rains, and
damaging winds. The very slow westward motion of Florence will prolong
these dangerous conditions across Eastern North Carolina into
Saturday.

Hurricane force winds in excess of 74 mph will continue today along
the southern coastal areas. Elsewhere, tropical storm force wind gusts
are expected. The saturated ground and long duration of high winds
will continue to bring down trees and lead to widespread power
outages.

The potential for historic flooding continues across portions of
Eastern North Carolina due to the prolonged period of heavy rainfall
as Florence slowly moves into the Carolinas. The area has received as
much as 10 to 15 inches over the last 24 hours, and additional
rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 FEET will still be possible through the
weekend. Highest rainfall totals are expected across the southern half
to the area. These rainfall amounts will likely cause catastrophic
flash flooding, followed by significant and prolonged river flooding
lasting well into next week.

Major to potentially record river flooding is expected for rivers and
streams primarily over Duplin, Onslow, Carteret, and Craven Counties
where the heaviest rain is likely to fall. Elsewhere all other rivers
and streams are vulnerable to moderate or major flooding with this
storm. Many will reach flood stage as early as tonight, and will
continue to rise well into next week. Given the generally slow rise of
area rivers, most won't crest until mid to late next week extending
the impacts from this long duration flood event.

Extreme storm surge impacts will continue with Hurricane Florence.
Inundation of up to 7 to 11 feet above ground with locally higher
amounts will continue near and to the north and east of the center of
the storm across the southern North Carolina coast, including the
Pamlico Sound, Neuse and Pamlico Rivers, as well as adjacent streams
and bays. Catastrophic storm surge has occurred for areas along the
Neuse River, including New Bern where hundreds of water rescues have
occurred and are still underway. Moderate to significant storm surge
flooding will continue over the northern coast with inundation of 3 to
6 feet above ground.

High surf and large breaking waves will likely result in extreme beach
erosion and ocean overwash along the North Carolina coast around the
time of todays midday high tide, and then around the times of
additional high tides into Saturday

The threat for tornadoes will continue today.

Very dangerous marine conditions, with extreme seas of 15 to 25 feet,
will continue into the weekend. A high threat of rip currents and
large and dangerous breaking waves in the surf zone will produce
extremely hazardous beach conditions.

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

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
areas adjacent to the Pamlico Sound, Neuse, Bay, and Pamlico Rivers.
Remain well away from life-threatening surge having additional
devastating impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly
      accentuated by powerful battering waves. Structural damage to
      buildings, with many washing away. Damage greatly compounded
      from considerable floating debris. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for an extended period.
    - Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or
      severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become
      stressed.
    - Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible.
    - Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted
      onshore and stranded.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
much of eastern North Carolina. Remain well guarded against
life-threatening flood waters having additional devastating impacts.
These impacts include:
    - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks
      in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,
      canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. Flood control
      systems and barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
      routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water
      with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very
      dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened
      or washed out.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
much of southeastern North Carolina. Remain well sheltered from
life-threatening wind having additional extensive impacts.
These impacts include:
    - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
      window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
      damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
      Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for weeks.
    - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
      access routes impassable.
    - Large areas with power and communications outages.

Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding
across northeast North Carolina. Remain well sheltered from
dangerous wind having additional limited to significant impacts.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across coastal
eastern North Carolina. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado
event having additional significant impacts. If
realized, these impacts include:
    - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
      of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
    - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
      homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
      uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
      Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across the coastal
plain of eastern North Carolina. Remain well braced against a tornado event
having possible limited impacts.

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 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.

If you lose power, use your cell phone 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.

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Newport/Morehead City NC around 2 PM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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