[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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NCZ001>006-018>020-VAZ015>017-032>034-043>045-058-059-292330-

Tropical Storm Zeta Local Statement Advisory Number 20
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA  AL282020
1122 AM EDT Thu Oct 29 2020

This product covers Virginia and Northwest North Carolina

**Tropical Storm Zeta Bringing 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 140 miles west-southwest of Lynchburg VA or about 120
      miles west of Danville VA
    - 36.5N 81.5W
    - Storm Intensity 50 mph
    - Movement Northeast or 55 degrees at 48 mph

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

Tropical Storm Zeta is currently located over northwest North
Carolina. The rapid speed is expected to persist as it continues to
travel northeast through the Mid-Atlantic this afternoon.
Further weakening is expected as the system moves northeast.

As Zeta continues to move through the region, tropical storm force
winds will 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 late this morning into the afternoon across the
Piedmont. Wind gusts in the 45 to 55 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 and the Piedmont. 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:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Virginia and Northwest North Carolina. Remain well sheltered from
hazardous wind.
If realized, these 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:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
North Carolina, southwest Virginia, and the Virginia Piedmont. Remain
well guarded against dangerous flood waters.
If realized, these impacts include:
    - 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.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still possible for Southside
Virginia.
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.

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

* 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.

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.

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.

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 around 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

BMG
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