[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Zeta Local Statement Advisory Number 19
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA  AL282020
522 AM EDT Thu Oct 29 2020

This product covers Virginia and Northwest North Carolina

**Tropical Storm Zeta to Bring High Winds, Localized Flooding
Rainfall, and Isolated Tornadoes Today**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Alleghany NC, Ashe,
      Bedford, Campbell, Carroll, Caswell, Charlotte, Floyd,
      Franklin, Grayson, Halifax, Henry, Patrick, Pittsylvania,
      Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 420 miles west-southwest of Lynchburg VA or about 390
      miles west-southwest of Danville VA
    - 34.0N 85.5W
    - Storm Intensity 60 mph
    - Movement Northeast or 40 degrees at 39 mph

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

Tropical Storm Zeta is currently quickly skirting through central
Alabama, into northern Georgia and eastern Tennessee. The rapid speed
is expected to persist as it continues to travel northeast toward the
Mid-Atlantic this morning. Further weakening is expected as the system
approaches the region.

As Zeta moves toward the region, tropical storm force winds will begin
to impact southwestern areas, especially along and east of the Blue
Ridge, across northwest North Carolina early today, with these winds
spreading northeast across sections along and east of the Blue Ridge
in Virginia through this morning into the afternoon across the
Piedmont. Wind gusts in the 30 to 40 mph range with isolated higher
gusts in rain bands to the northeast of the center can be expected
along and east of the Blue Ridge. These winds could be strong enough
to topple trees and result in power outages. In addition, brief,
isolated tornadoes can not be ruled out for mainly areas around
Southside near Danville and down into the North Carolina piedmont late
this morning into the afternoon.

Heavy rainfall will accompany Zeta with amounts of 1 to 2 inches
widespread along and west of the Blue Ridge with locally 2 to 3 inches
across the mountains of western North Carolina into far southwest
Virginia. Because of this rainfall, flash flooding and flooding could
occur this morning, and into the afternoon.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
Virginia and Northwest North Carolina. 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 northwest and north central North Carolina,
as well as much of southwest, west central, and south central
Virginia. Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt a few 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,
      low water crossings 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.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across Virginia and Northwest North Carolina. 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.

Elsewhere across Virginia and Northwest North Carolina, little to no
impact is anticipated.

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

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.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

Even if you are not in a flood prone area, you could find yourself
cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed evacuation
orders issued by the local authorities.

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.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, or on a boat, consider moving to a safer
shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding.

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 readync.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see vaemergency.gov

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

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Blacksburg VA as conditions warrant.

$$
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