[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 64
National Weather Service Columbia SC  AL062018
508 AM EDT Sat Sep 15 2018

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

**Tropical Storm Winds and Heavy Rain Expected through this Evening
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 90 miles east-southeast of Columbia SC
    - 33.6N 79.5W
    - Storm Intensity 50 mph
    - Movement West-southwest or 255 degrees at 5 mph

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

Tropical Storm Florence will continue to slowly move west, into the
northern Midlands today. The latest information indicates the greatest
impacts across the forecast area will be today and Sunday. The main
life-threatening risk is heavy rain and associated flooding. Flash
Flood Watches remain 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 7 to 13 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 tonight, with a slow downward trend Sunday.
Major river flooding may develop and linger well into next week. There
is a very low chance of isolated tornadoes today and tonight.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across the northern and central Midlands and Pee Dee
regions. Potential 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.

Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
limited to extensive impacts across the southern Midlands.

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across the eastern, 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 1130 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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