[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KGSP 290316
HLSGSP
GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065-068>072-082-501>510-SCZ001>014-019-291200-

Hurricane Zeta Local Statement Advisory Number 18
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC  AL282020
1116 PM EDT Wed Oct 28 2020

This product covers the western Carolinas and NE Georgia

**TROPICAL CYCLONE ZETA TO BRING STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY RAINFALL TO
THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA THROUGH THURSDAY**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Alexander, Anderson,
      Avery, Buncombe, Burke Mountains, Cabarrus, Caldwell Mountains,
      Catawba, Cherokee, Cleveland, Davie, Eastern McDowell, Eastern
      Polk, Franklin, Gaston, Graham, Greater Burke, Greater
      Caldwell, Greater Greenville, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens,
      Greater Rutherford, Greenville Mountains, Habersham, Hart,
      Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell
      Mountains, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Northern Jackson, Oconee
      Mountains, Pickens Mountains, Polk Mountains, Rabun, Rowan,
      Rutherford Mountains, Southern Jackson, Spartanburg, Stephens,
      Swain, Transylvania, Yancey, and York

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 520 miles west-southwest of Charlotte NC or about 440
      miles west-southwest of Greenville/Spartanburg SC
    - 31.5N 88.7W
    - Storm Intensity 80 mph
    - Movement Northeast or 40 degrees at 31 mph

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

Tropical System Zeta continues to accelerate northeast across
inland portions of Alabama late this evening. The system will move
rapidly toward the base of the Southern Appalachians overnight and
then cross the western Carolinas Thursday morning before lifting away
across Virginia Thursday afternoon. Heavy rainfall and localized flash
flooding, very windy to damaging southerly wind gusts, and isolated
severe thunderstorms will all be possible with the passage of Zeta's
remnants through Thursday. The potential for excessive rainfall will
be greatest in and near the mountains, while the severe weather threat
will be highest across the foothills and Piedmont. Very gusty winds,
at or above tropical storm force, can be expected throughout the area.
These winds will likely combine with saturated soil conditions to
knock down numerous trees, limbs, and power lines Thursday morning.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
the western Carolinas and NE Georgia. Potential 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.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across the mountains and foothills of the western
Carolinas and northeast Georgia. Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
      currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
      in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals,
      arroyos, and ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
      inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
      storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
      become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across Piedmont sections of the western Carolinas and
northeast Georgia.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia, especially
foothill and piedmont areas. Potential 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local officials for recommended preparedness actions.
Evacuations are not expected at this time. However, if you need to
evacuate, assess the risk from wind, falling trees, and flooding at
your location.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
All preparations to protect life and property in accordance with
your emergency plan should be rushed to completion. Ensure you are
in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible
flooding.

Scattered to numerous trees may be blown down by the strong winds.
Take note of the location of trees around your home. Avoid rooms
that could be hit by falling trees during the peak of the winds
Thursday morning. Avoid driving when possible since trees may fall
on vehicles or block roadways.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.

* 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 Greenville-Spartanburg SC around 5 AM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$

HG
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