[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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NCZ044-079-080-090>095-098-152330-

Tropical Storm Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 66
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC  AL062018
525 PM EDT Sat Sep 15 2018

This product covers Eastern North Carolina

**LIFE THREATENING FLOODING WILL CONTINUE ACROSS SOUTHEASTERN SOUTH
CAROLINA AS TROPICAL STORM FLORENCE SLOWLY MOVES AWAY FROM THE AREA**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - All watches and warnings have been canceled

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 190 miles west-southwest of New Bern NC or about 160
      miles west-southwest of Jacksonville NC
    - 33.6N 79.9W
    - Storm Intensity 45 mph
    - Movement West or 270 degrees at 2 mph

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

Significant flooding is occurring across large sections of the
forecast area, which is expected to continue well into next week.
Hardest hit areas received 1 to 2 feet of rainfall resulting in
widespread flash flooding. Rainbands from Florence will continue to
impact far western counties this evening, bringing upwards of 2 to
4 inches. The rain will gradually diminishing in coverage and
intensity by early Sunday. Even once the rain ends, flood waters will
continue to rise. Travel in and out of these flooded locations will be
limited. Residents should follow local official's guidance on road
closures and never drive into flooded areas. Do not return to
evacuated areas until authorities advise that it is safe to do so.
Rivers are projected to cause major flood damage over the next several
days.

The zone of tropical storm force winds has shifted south of the area,
and the Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled. However, gusty
winds remain possible in showers, and, given the extremely saturated
soils, additional downed trees remains possible.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Additional impacts from flooding rain are still a concern across
much of southeastern South Carolina. Remain well guarded against
life-threatening flood waters having further impacts of devastating
potential.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all clear
to return.

Be alert for flooded roads which could be compromised or littered
with debris. Avoid travel until water levels subside and roads have
been cleared. Do not drive through places where flood waters cover
the road. Turn around, don't drown!

Problems with sewer backups can further contaminate standing flood
waters. Keep children away from flood waters. Also, listen for boil
water alerts as tap water may have become non-potable.

Be alert for potential flooding from rising rivers and streams which
may have yet to crest. Remain informed of the latest river forecasts
and heed any flood watches and warnings.

Be alert for any lingering wind gusts which could take down weakened
trees and/or power lines, collapse damaged structures, or cause
flying debris.

If your home or shelter was damaged, be alert to the smell of gas
leaks and be cautious around electrical wiring, broken glass, jagged
metal and wood, and protruding nails and screws.

Do not go sightseeing within impacted communities. Sightseers
interfere with the emergency work of first responders.

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

As it pertains to this event...this will be the last local statement
issued by the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City NC
regarding the effects of tropical cyclone hazards upon the area.

$$
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