[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KMHX 180928
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NCZ045>047-080-081-094-194>196-199-203>205-181730-

Tropical Storm Arthur Local Statement Advisory Number 7
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC  AL012020
528 AM EDT Mon May 18 2020

This product covers Eastern North Carolina

**TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR IMPACTS CONTINUE THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Beaufort, Coastal
      Onslow, East Carteret, Hatteras Island, Mainland Dare, Mainland
      Hyde, Northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island, Pamlico, Southern
      Craven, Tyrrell, Washington, and West Carteret

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 140 miles south-southwest of Buxton NC or about 80 miles
      south of Morehead City NC
    - 33.5N 76.6W
    - Storm Intensity 45 mph
    - Movement North-northeast or 20 degrees at 14 mph

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

The shield of moderate to heavy rainfall associated with Tropical
Storm Arthur continues to overspread eastern North Carolina early this
morning as the center of the storm has moved within 100 miles of Cape
Lookout. The Tropical Storm is expected to pass over or just offshore
of the Outer Banks this morning before moving out to sea later this
afternoon.

Tropical storm force winds are expected along the Outer Banks, and are
possible across the Inner Banks and Crystal Coast. These winds could
lead to some downed trees and widely scattered power outages.
Dependent on the track, a few tornadoes are possible as well, which
could lead to locally enhanced damage.

Minor inundation from storm surge (up to 2 feet AGL) is possible for
locations along south and western periphery of the Pamlico Sound,
along the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers, and along the Albemarle Sound
through Midday. Then, later this morning and this afternoon, water
levels will rise along the soundside Outer Banks, especially south of
Rodanthe, with minor inundation possible for very low-lying areas.
Overwash of dunes and flooding of properties and roadways is also
possible for locations where dune structures are weak mainly north of
Cape Lookout.

Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall will continue mainly along the
coast, with the potential for localized minor flooding of low lying
areas. Storm total rainfall amounts generally 1 to 3 inches expected,
with localized amounts up to 5 inches possible. As much as 2 to 2.5
inches of rainfall have already been observed along portions of the
Crystal Coast.

Dangerous marine conditions are also expected, with seas building to
10 to 15 feet creating treacherous conditions for mariners. Swell from
the storm will continue to impact the area, keeping an elevated threat
for rip currents and large, powerful surf in place for the next
several days.

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

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
the Crystal Coast, and the Outer and Inner Banks. Remain well sheltered
from hazardous wind having possible limited impacts. If realized,
these impacts include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Several 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 Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event could begin shortly along
all tidal waterways in eastern North Carolina. Remain well away from
locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts. If realized,
these impacts include:
    - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
      immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
      farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
    - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
      with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
      surge water covers the road.
    - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
      in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
    - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
all of eastern North Carolina. Remain well guarded against locally
hazardous flood waters having possible limited impacts. If realized,
these impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen
      and overflow in spots.
    - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually
      vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water
      occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become
      near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge
      closures.

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

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are possible across mainly the
Outer Banks. Remain well braced against a tornado event having possible
limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
      toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
      large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
      knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats
      pulled from moorings.

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

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Strong winds and large seas of 10 to 15 ft will arrive early Monday
morning and Monday afternoon. Mariners are advised to avoid navigating
during this time. Additionally, stronger and more frequent rip currents
caused by swell from Tropical Storm Arthur will continue the next several
days.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions,
including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so
immediately.

* 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.

If you are prone to flooding, 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 ready.gov
- 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 Newport/Morehead City NC around 11 AM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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