[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Thu Jul 8 22:56:47 CDT 2021

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MDZ021>025-NCZ013>017-030>032-102-VAZ075-077-078-084>086-095>100-523>525-091200-

Tropical Storm Elsa Local Statement Advisory Number 36
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL052021
1156 PM EDT Thu Jul 8 2021

This product covers CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

**ELSA APPROACHING CHESAPEAKE BAY**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Accomack, Bertie,
      Camden, Chesapeake, Chowan, Dorchester, Eastern Currituck,
      Gates, Gloucester, Hampton/Poquoson, Hertford, Inland
      Worcester, Lancaster, Maryland Beaches, Mathews, Middlesex,
      Newport News, Norfolk/Portsmouth, Northampton, Northumberland,
      Pasquotank, Perquimans, Somerset, Suffolk, Virginia Beach,
      Western Currituck, Westmoreland, Wicomico, and York

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 90 miles west-southwest of Ocean City MD or about 50
      miles north-northwest of Norfolk VA
    - 37.6N 76.5W
    - Storm Intensity 50 mph
    - Movement Northeast or 45 degrees at 25 mph

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

Tropical Storm Elsa will lift across eastern Virginia overnight, before
moving northeast of the Delmarva coast early Friday morning.

Heavy rain bands will pivot across the northern neck and lower eastern
shore over the next few hours. 2 to 4 inches of additional rainfall is
forecast across this area over the Lower Eastern Shore. Locally higher
amounts up to 6 inches are possible. Heavy rainfall will result in a
threat of localized flash flooding. A Flash Flood Watch is now in
effect for the above mentioned areas.

Minor tidal flooding is possible on the Bay side of the Lower Maryland
Eastern Shore and in portions of the Virginia Northern Neck adjacent
to the tidal Potomac.

Additionally, a few tornadoes will be possible overnight across
southeast Maryland, which could lead to locally enhanced
damage.

Dangerous marine conditions are expected to develop this evening into
Friday morning...with strong winds and seas building to 6 to 9 feet.

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

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
coastal Virginia, coastal NE North Carolina and the lower eastern
shore. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having limited
impacts. 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, especially if soils are saturated. Some roadway signs
      will sustain damage.
    - A few roads will be impassable from debris. Hazardous driving
      conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

Elsewhere across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE, little to no impact
is anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across EASTERN VIRGINIA...AND THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE.
Potential impacts include:
    - Flooding from heavy rainfall may prompt evacuations and rescues
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen, with swift
      currents, and overspill their banks. Small streams, creeks, and
      ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures and/or weaken
      foundations. Some areas may experience 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 are expected.

Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...
AND THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across the eastern
shore. Remain well braced against a tornado event having additional
limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - A few tornadoes are expected. As a result, execution of
      emergency plans could be hindered in affected areas.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Roofs peeled off some buildings. A few chimneys toppled and
      mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned. Large tree
      tops and branches snapped off, with some trees knocked over. A
      few vehicles blown off roads.

Elsewhere across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE, little to no impact
is anticipated.

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

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.

During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your
shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best
foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather.

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.

Do not venture outside while in the eye of a hurricane as any
improvement in weather will only be temporary. Once the eye passes,
conditions will become life threatening as winds immediately return
to dangerous speeds, so remain safely sheltered from the storm.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.

Quickly move to the safest place within your shelter if it begins to
fail, preferably an interior room on the lowest floor as long as
flooding is not a concern.

If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch
or warning, 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
www.readyvirginia.gov, readync.org or mema.maryland.gov
- For the latest weather and storm information go to
weather.gov/wakefield

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

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Wakefield VA around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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