[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 65
National Weather Service Raleigh NC  AL062018
1112 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:
    - None

* 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 79.6W
    - Storm Intensity 45 mph
    - Movement West or 270 degrees at 2 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 southeastern and southern portions of central North
Carolina.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the
southern Piedmont and eastern Coastal Plain. 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,
      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 Central Piedmont and Sandhills. Remain well guarded against life-
threatening flood waters having possible limited to extensive impacts.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event continue to unfold across
the southern Piedmont of North Carolina. Remain well sheltered from
hazardous wind having additional limited impacts. If realized, these
impacts include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
      uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
      shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
      bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

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

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across southern
Piedmont and eastern Sandhills. Remain well braced against a dangerous
tornado event having 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.

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:

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.

* 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 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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