[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KCHS 150037
HLSCHS
SCZ040-042>045-047>052-150845-

Tropical Storm Florence Local Statement
Intermediate Advisory Number 62A
National Weather Service Charleston SC  AL062018
837 PM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018

This product covers southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia

**TROPICAL STORM FLORENCE SLOWLY TRACKS WEST INTO SOUTH
CAROLINA**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Charleston,
      Dorchester, Inland Berkeley, and Tidal Berkeley

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 100 miles northeast of Charleston SC or about 180 miles
      northeast of Savannah GA
    - 33.9N 78.8W
    - Storm Intensity 70 mph
    - Movement West or 270 degrees at 3 mph

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

Tropical Storm Florence will continue to slowly track westward
across the Pee Dee region of the Carolinas. Florence is expected to
drift west-southwest, then west into the Midlands of South Carolina
this weekend while weakening. The risk for tropical storm force winds
and excessive rainfall will increase this evening through Saturday
night across portions of the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 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.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for 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:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across portions of southeast South Carolina. 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.

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

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across portions
of Charleston and Berkeley County. 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.

* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across low-lying tidal areas of southeast South Carolina,
primarily north of Edisto Beach. Potential impacts in
this area include:
    - Localized inundation of saltwater mainly along immediate
      shorelines and in low-lying spots farther inland near rivers
      and creeks.
    - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
      with surge water. Driving conditions hazardous in places where
      surge water covers the road.
    - Minor to moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf possibly breaching
      dunes, mainly in normally vulnerable locations. Strong rip
      currents.
    - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

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 midnight, or sooner if conditions warrant.

$$
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