[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KCHS 141819
HLSCHS
SCZ040-042>045-047>052-150230-

Hurricane Florence Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 61A
National Weather Service Charleston SC  AL062018
219 PM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018

This product covers southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia

**FLORENCE JUST INLAND NEAR CAPE FEAR NORTH CAROLINA**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Coastal Colleton
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Dorchester
    - A Tropical Storm Warning, Storm Surge Watch, and Hurricane
      Watch are in effect for Charleston and Tidal Berkeley
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Inland Berkeley

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 120 miles northeast of Charleston SC or about 170 miles
      northeast of Beaufort SC
    - 34.0N 78.4W
    - Storm Intensity 75 mph
    - Movement West or 270 degrees at 5 mph

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

Hurricane Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach early this
morning. Florence is expected to drift west-southwest, then west into
the Pee Dee and Midlands of South Carolina this weekend while
weakening. As Florence moves into South Carolina, the risk for
tropical storm force winds and excessive rainfall will increase.
Dangerous coastal conditions will also continue into the weekend. It
is important not to focus on the exact forecast track of Florence as
impacts will extend well away from the center. The worst conditions
are most likely to occur late this afternoon through Saturday night.

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

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across southeast South Carolina. 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.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges and access routes
      impassable.
    - Travel by vehicle or on foot increasingly difficult. Danger of
      death or injury from falling objects such as trees or electric
      wires outside.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines, which could persist for hours
      or days.
    - Some poorly secured small craft could break loose from their
      moorings.

Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across southeast South Carolina.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties.
Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding could prompt some rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries could quickly become swollen with
      swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places,
      especially in normally vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks,
      canals, and ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places could experience expanded 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.

Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across southeast South Carolina.

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across low-lying tidal areas of southeast South Carolina,
primarily north of Edisto Beach. Potential impacts in
this area include:
    - Areas of inundation of saltwater along immediate shorelines and
      in low-lying spots farther inland near rivers and creeks, with
      storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several
      buildings, mainly near the coast.
    - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
      weakened or washed out, especially in normally vulnerable low
      spots.
    - Moderate to major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching
      dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents.
    - Minor to moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and
      piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings,
      especially in unprotected anchorages. Some navigation aids
      possibly displaced well off station, creating difficult
      navigation near inlets and waterways.

Also, protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across southeast South Carolina.

Elsewhere across southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia,
little to no impact is anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across Charleston and Berkeley Counties. Potential impacts include:
    - Isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans.
    - Isolated locations could experience tornado damage, along with
      power and communications disruptions.
    - In isolated locations, tornadoes could damage trees, vehicles,
      boats and buildings, especially mobile homes and other poorly
      constructed structures.

Elsewhere across southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia,
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.

If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges
will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather
forecast before departing and drive with caution.

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.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

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!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

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 on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

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

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Charleston SC around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

NED
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