[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 64
National Weather Service Raleigh NC  AL062018
525 AM EDT Sat Sep 15 2018

This product covers central North Carolina

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


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Anson, Montgomery,
      and Stanly
    - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Edgecombe,
      Franklin, and Nash

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 160 miles south-southwest of Raleigh NC or about 110
      miles south-southwest of Fayetteville NC
    - 33.6N 79.5W
    - Storm Intensity 50 mph
    - Movement West-southwest or 255 degrees at 5 mph

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

Tropical Storm Florence will drift westward across South Carolina
through tonight and slowly weaken. The remnants will then turn to the
northwest, crossing southwestern North Carolina into northeast
Tennessee on Sunday and Sunday night. The storm will then move more
quickly north and northeast, away from our area through the middle of
next week.

Catastrophic flooding remains the primary concern. A prolonged period
of extremely heavy rainfall, particularly across the Sandhills, the
southern Coastal Plain and eastern Piedmont, will last through much of
the weekend. Storm total rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 inches are
likely, with isolated amounts over 20 inches possible over the
southern Coastal Plain. Life-threatening flash flooding is likely, to
be followed by prolonged catastrophic river flooding, especially
across the Lumber, Cape Fear, Neuse, and Black River basins. The
flooding risk is likely to spread into the western Piedmont later in
the weekend.

In addition, potentially damaging winds will continue across the
central and southern Coastal Plain, the Sandhills, and the southern
and eastern Piedmont today. Impacts will 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 through tonight
across much of the eastern and southern portions of central North
Carolina.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are stillunfolding across the
southern half of central North Carolina. 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 the
northern and western Piedmont of North Carolina. Remain well guarded
against life-threatening flood waters having possible 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 possible 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 the remainder of central North Carolina. Remain well sheltered
from hazardous wind having additional limited impacts.

Elsewhere across central North Carolina, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across the Coastal
Plain and eastern Sandhills. 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.

Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across the Coastal
Plain and eastern Sandhills. Remain well braced against a tornado
event having possible limited impacts.

Elsewhere across central North Carolina, 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 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.

During the peak of the storm, be ready to move quickly. Keep your
shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best
foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather.

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 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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