[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 62
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC  AL062018
535 PM 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:
    - The Hurricane Warning has been cancelled and a Tropical Storm
      Warning has been issued for Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Jones,
      Onslow, and Pamlico
    - The Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning have been
      cancelled for Martin
    - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Mainland
      Dare, Tyrrell, and Washington

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 200 miles west-southwest of Buxton NC or about 120 miles
      west-southwest of Morehead City NC
    - 34.0N 78.6W
    - Storm Intensity 70 mph
    - Movement West or 270 degrees at 3 mph

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

Tropical Storm Florence continues to creep generally westward
across far southern North Carolina. Life threatening impacts from
Florence, including extreme storm surge, catastrophic and possibly
historic flooding rains, and damaging winds continue. The very slow
westward motion of Florence will prolong these dangerous conditions
into Saturday.

Extreme storm surge impacts will continue with Tropical Storm
Florence. Inundation of up to 7 to 11 feet above ground with locally
higher amounts will continue for waterways along the western side of
the Pamlico Sound and in the upper tidal reaches of the Neuse,
Pamlico, Pungo, and Bay Rivers. Hundreds of water rescues have already
occurred. Significant storm surge will also continue for areas south
of Cape Lookout, southern portions of the Albemarle sound and along
the Outer Banks south of Rodanthe.

The potential for historic flooding continues across southeastern
North Carolina due to the prolonged period of heavy rainfall. The area
has received as much as 10 to 20 inches over the last 24 hours, and
additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 FEET are possible through the
weekend. Highest rainfall totals are expected across the southern half
of 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. Flooding of rivers and creeks 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.

Tropical storm force winds will continue across the southern portion
of the area, with the strongest winds occurring in rainbands. The
saturated ground and long duration of high winds will continue to
bring down trees and lead to widespread power outages.

The threat for tornadoes will continue today across the area, with the
greatest threat along coastal areas of eastern North Carolina.

Very dangerous marine conditions, with extreme seas of 15 to 25 feet,
will continue into the weekend, especially south of Cape Hatteras.
Large surf will lead to continued large and dangerous breaking waves,
coastal erosion, and an elevated threat for rip currents.

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

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event continue across areas
adjacent to the Pamlico Sound, Neuse, Bay, and Pamlico Rivers.
Remain well away from life-threatening surge having additional extensive
impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding
      accentuated by battering waves. Structural damage to buildings,
      with several washing away. Damage compounded by floating
      debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period.
    - Large sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads
      washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and
      barriers may become stressed.
    - Severe beach erosion with significant dune loss.
    - Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Many
      small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected anchorages with some lifted onshore and stranded.

Potential impacts from the main surge event are also now unfolding
across the southern Albemarle Sound, and waterways south of Cape
Lookout. Remain well away from life-threatening surge having additional
significant impacts.

* 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.
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,
      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 South Carolina. 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.
    - 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.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across much of eastern
North Carolina, especially areas near Cape Lookout. Remain well braced
against a dangerous tornado event having possible 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.

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.

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.

Quickly move to the safest place within your shelter if it begins to
fail, preferably an interior room on the lowest floor as long as
flooding is not a concern.

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 8 PM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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