[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Dorian Local Statement Advisory Number 53
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL052019
1141 AM EDT Fri Sep 6 2019

This product covers CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

**Dangerous Tropical Storm Conditions ongoing across much of Southeast Virginia
and Northeast North Carolina. Significant Storm Surge Inundation expected
this afternoon, especailly in Hampton Roads and coastal northeast North Carolina.**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
      Camden, Chowan, Eastern Currituck, Pasquotank, Perquimans, and
      Western Currituck
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect
      for Bertie, Chesapeake, Gates, Hampton/Poquoson, Hertford, Isle
      of Wight, James City, Newport News, Norfolk/Portsmouth,
      Suffolk, Surry, and Virginia Beach
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Accomack, Charles
      City, Dorchester, Eastern Essex, Eastern King William, Eastern
      King and Queen, Gloucester, Greensville, Inland Worcester,
      Lancaster, Maryland Beaches, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent,
      Northampton, Northampton, Northumberland, Prince George,
      Richmond, Somerset, Southampton, Sussex, Westmoreland,
      Wicomico, and York

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 180 miles south of Ocean City MD or about 120 miles
      southeast of Norfolk VA
    - 35.7N 74.8W
    - Storm Intensity 90 mph
    - Movement Northeast or 45 degrees at 17 mph

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

Hurricane Dorian remains a dangerous hurricane. Dorian is now east of
Cape Hatteras and will race off to the northeast late today into
Saturday. Significant impacts from Dorian are ongoing across northeast
North Carolina and eastern Virginia.

The strongest wind is expected to persist into the early to mid
afternoon hours across Northeast North Carolina and Eastern Virginia,
with sustained winds of at least 40 mph and gusts of 60 to 70 mph.
Hurricane force wind is possible, especially over coastal communities
of Northeast North Carolina. In addition, a few hurricane force gusts
are possible along Virginia Atlantic coast south of Cape Charles. This
strong wind will knock down trees and weakened structures, and cause
power outages.

Storm surge impacts are unfolding with Hurricane Dorian. Inundation of
2 to 3 feet above ground is expected from Hampton Roads into coastal
Northeast North Carolina today. Inundation of 1 to 2 feet is possible
north of Hampton Roads and along the eastern shore. Large breaking
waves will likely result in moderate to significant beach erosion and
ocean overwash along the coasts of Southeast Virginia and Northeast
North Carolina. Vulnerable areas could experience erosion at multiple
high tide cycles.

Very dangerous marine conditions are expected with seas 12 to 20 feet
and potentially higher. A high threat of rip currents will continue for
all area beaches and it is advised to stay out of the water.

Heavy rainfall from Dorian will continue through this afternoon,
especially across far Southeast Virginia and far northeast North
Carolina. Many areas in this region are in Flood or Flash Flood
warnings at this time. An additional 2 to 4 inches of rain is possible
through this afternoon exacerbating the flood conditions. Some minor to
moderate river flooding is possible late today and into the weekend,
especially for smaller rivers and creeks.


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

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
northeast North Carolina, Hampton Roads and eastern Virginia.
Remain well sheltered from life-threatening wind having additional
extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - Considerable damage to sturdy buildings, including roof,
      window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes severely
      damaged, with some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne
      projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks.
    - Many large trees snapped or uprooted and roadway signs blown
      over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris including bridges,
      causeways, and access routes.
    - Widespread power and communications outages.

Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding
across the remainder of eastern Virginia and the lower Maryland Eastern Shore.
Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind having possible limited to
significant impacts.

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
Hampton Roads and northeast North Carolina. Remain well away from life-threatening
surge having possible significant impacts. If
realized, these impacts include:
    - Severe storm surge flooding will likely cause inundation of
      numerous roads and buildings, resulting in a threat to life and
      property. Flooding will likely extend inland from the
      waterfront and shoreline flooding homes, businesses and
      isolating some neighborhoods. Large breaking waves will result
      in additional damage near the shoreline.
    - Numerous roads flooded or washed out.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching some dunes.
    - Severe damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is
      expected. Small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected marinas and docks.

Potential impacts from the main surge event are also now unfolding
across the remainder of the communities near the Chesapeake Bay north of
Hampton Roads and the Atlantic coast north of Cape Charles.
Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina. Remain well guarded against
life-threatening flood waters having additional
extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - Evacuations and rescues likely due to flooding from heavy
      rainfall
    - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
      multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become
      dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become
      overwhelmed.
    - Flood waters enter structures within multiple communities, with
      some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Some
      escape routes inundated by flood waters. Streets, parking lots
      and underpasses could be submerged, with driving conditions
      quickly becoming dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures
      are expected with some becoming weakened or washed out.

Elsewhere across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE, little to no impact
is anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time
across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND
THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE.

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.

Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose
power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and
check-ins.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.

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.


* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see
www.readyvirginia.gov, readync.org or mema.maryland.gov
- For the latest weather and storm information go to
weather.gov/wakefield

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

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Wakefield VA around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

MRD
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