[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KRAH 142116
HLSRAH
NCZ026>028-040>043-075>078-084>086-088-089-150530-

Tropical Storm Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 62
National Weather Service Raleigh NC  AL062018
516 PM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018

This product covers central North Carolina

**Now Tropical Storm Florence expected to bring catastrophic flooding
 to portions of central NC**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Hurricane Warning has been cancelled and a Tropical Storm
      Warning has been issued for Sampson

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Chatham, Cumberland,
      Edgecombe, Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Nash,
      Richmond, Sampson, Scotland, Wake, Wayne, and Wilson

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 120 miles south of Raleigh NC or about 70 miles
      south-southeast of Fayetteville NC
    - 34.0N 78.6W
    - Storm Intensity 70 mph
    - Movement West or 270 degrees at 3 mph

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

Now Tropical Storm Florence will continue to slowly push west over far
southern North Carolina this evening before moving west- southwestward
over northeastern South Carolina tonight. The storm will then continue
a slow inland drift over South Carolina through the weekend.

Catastrophic flooding remains the primary concern. A prolonged period
of extremely heavy rainfall, particularly across the Sandhills and
southern portions of the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, will last through
much of the weekend. Total rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 inches are
likely, with amounts over 20 inches possible over far southeastern
Coastal Plain. Life-threatening flash flooding is likely, to be
followed by prolonged river flooding, especially across the Cape Fear,
Neuse, and Black river basins.

In addition, potentially damaging winds will continue to spread across
the central and southern Coastal Plain, the Sandhills, and the
southern and eastern Piedmont through early Saturday morning. Impacts
may include damage to trees and power lines, resulting in numerous
power outages and sporadic damage to weak or poorly built structures.

Finally, there is a potential for isolated tornadoes today through
Saturday over the Coastal Plain, Sandhills, and the southern Piedmont.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential catastrophic impacts from the flooding rains are still
unfolding across much of central North Carolina, especially across the
southern and eastern Sandhills and Coastal Plain. Remain well guarded
against life- threatening flood waters having devastating impacts. If
realized, 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,
      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.

Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
northern and western Piedmont of North Carolina. Remain well guarded
against life- threatening flood waters having limited to extensive
impacts.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across the
southern and eastern Coastal Plain. Remain well sheltered from
dangerous wind having additional significant impacts. If realized,
these impacts 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.
    - A few 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.

Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding
across central North Carolina, remain well sheltered from hazardous
wind having additional impacts.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across central
North Carolina. Remain well braced against a tornado event having
possible limited impacts. If realized, these 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

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.

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 readync.org
- 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 Raleigh NC around 11 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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