[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 63
National Weather Service Columbia SC  AL062018
1112 PM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018

This product covers the Midlands of central South Carolina and east central Georgia CSRA

**Tropical Storm Winds and Heavy Rain Expected through Saturday as
Florence Crosses the Midlands**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Calhoun,
      Chesterfield, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee,
      Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland, and Sumter

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 110 miles east of Columbia SC
    - 33.8N 79.1W
    - Storm Intensity 65 mph
    - Movement West-southwest or 255 degrees at 5 mph

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

Tropical Storm Florence will continue to slowly move
west-southwest, tracking across northeastern SC tonight, and moving
slowly into the Midlands through Saturday. The latest information
indicates the greatest impacts across the forecast area will be
Saturday and Sunday. The main life-threatening risk is heavy rain and
associated flooding. Flash Flood Watches are in effect for northern
and central portions of the area. Storm rainfall totals of 3 to
6 inches may occur across the central Midlands. Totals of 8 to
14 inches may occur across the northern Midlands, Pee Dee and Catawba
regions. Localized higher amounts are possible resulting in
particularly dangerous flash flooding. Tropical Storm force wind gusts
are expected in the tropical storm warning area through Saturday into
Saturday night, with a slow downward trend Sunday. Major river
flooding may develop and linger well into next week. Isolated
tornadoes may occur Saturday and Saturday night.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across the northern and central Midlands and Pee Dee
regions. Potential impacts include:
    - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
      multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and
      ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood
      control systems and barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
      Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with
      underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
      Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limited
to significant impacts across the southern Midlands.

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across the northern and central Midlands and Pee Dee regions. 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. 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.

Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across the southern Midlands.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time
across the Midlands of central South Carolina and east central
Georgia CSRA.

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.

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 in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

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 from the state of South Carolina see scemd.org
- For information from the state of Georgia see gema.ga.gov

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

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Columbia SC around 530 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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