[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KGSP 290908
HLSGSP
GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065-068>072-082-501>510-SCZ001>014-019-291715-

Tropical Storm Zeta Local Statement Advisory Number 19
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC  AL282020
508 AM EDT Thu Oct 29 2020

This product covers the western Carolinas and NE Georgia

**TROPICAL CYCLONE ZETA BRINGING STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY RAINFALL TO
THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA**

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 280 miles west-southwest of Charlotte NC or about 200
      miles west-southwest of Greenville/Spartanburg SC
    - 34.0N 85.5W
    - Storm Intensity 60 mph
    - Movement Northeast or 40 degrees at 39 mph

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

The center of Tropical Storm Zeta will continue to move rapidly
northeast from northern Alabama, passing near the Tennessee/North
Carolina border later this morning before lifting away across Virginia
during the afternoon. The threat for heavy rainfall and localized
flash flooding, very windy to damaging southerly wind gusts, and
isolated severe thunderstorms will develop quickly across much of the
western Carolinas and northeast Georgia around daybreak, continuing
through the morning before winding down during the early afternoon.
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 later this morning.

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

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia. Potential impacts
in this area include:
    - Minor damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. Unsecured lightweight
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines.

Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across portions of the lower Piedmont of South Carolina and Georgia
and the southern Piedmont of North Carolina.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across the mountains of the western Carolinas and
northeast Georgia and the northern foothills of North Carolina.
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 the Piedmont and much of the foothills of the
western Carolinas and northeast Georgia.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across mainly the Piedmont of the western Carolinas. 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.

Elsewhere across the western Carolinas and NE Georgia, little to no
impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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 complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. 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
this 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 11 AM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
Lane
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