[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KILM 300920
HLSILM
NCZ087-096-099-105>110-SCZ017-023-024-032-033-039-054>056-058-059-301730-

Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 15
National Weather Service Wilmington NC  AL102023
520 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023

This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina

**IDALIA WILL IMPACT THE AREA LATE WEDNESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
      Warning for Inland Pender

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Horry,
      Coastal Brunswick, Coastal Georgetown, Coastal Horry, Coastal
      New Hanover, Coastal Pender, Columbus, Florence, Inland
      Brunswick, Inland Georgetown, Inland New Hanover, Inland
      Pender, Marion, Northern Horry, and Williamsburg
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Bladen, Darlington,
      Dillon, Marlboro, and Robeson

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 510 miles southwest of Wilmington NC or about 440 miles
      southwest of Myrtle Beach SC
    - 29.1N 84.1W
    - Storm Intensity 130 mph
    - Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 18 mph

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

Hurricane Idalia continues to strengthen as it tracks northward
across the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Idalia is still forecast to make
landfall as a major hurricane in the Big Bend region of Florida on
Wednesday morning.

Idalia will move up the Carolina coast late Wednesday night into
Thursday. The main impact will be heavy rain and localized flooding.
Isolated tornadoes will also be possible, mainly along the coast.
Tropical storm force winds may cause downed trees and power outages.
The highest chance of wind-related impacts will be along the coast.
Minor storm surge is also possible primarily around the Wednesday
evening and Thursday morning high tide. Gusty winds will continue as
Idalia exits the area. Downed trees and power lines are possible due
to a combination of the winds and saturated soils on Thursday.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across southeast North Carolina and northeast South
Carolina. Potential impacts include:
    - Major flooding from rainfall may prompt evacuations and
      numerous rescues.
    - Rivers and streams may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple
      places. Creeks and ditches will flood and may contain strong
      currents.
    - Flood waters may enter many structures, and some may become
      uninhabitable. Some road scours or complete road failures will
      be possible, along with the potential for sinkholes. Many
      streets and parking lots may flood, and may be impacted by
      flowing water. Many road and low-lying bridge closures are
      possible with some weakened or washed away. Driving conditions
      will be dangerous.
    - The delivery of drinking water and sewer services may be
      interrupted. Flood waters may be polluted and contain hazardous
      materials.

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts.

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across coastal southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding, along with damage to porches
      and awnings. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and
      garage door failures. Damage to vulnerable structures such as
      carports, sheds and mobile homes is possible.
    - Large limbs will be down with several trees snapped or
      uprooted. Several fences and roadway signs may become blown
      over. Some roads may become impassable due to large debris
      blocking the roadway, especially within urban or heavily wooded
      locations. Some bridges, causeways, and elevated roads may be
      impacted by high winds making driving on them hazardous.
    - Scattered power and communications outages are possible, but
      more prevalent in areas with above ground lines.
    - Small craft that are not properly moored may break loose.

Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across inland areas of southeast North Carolina and northeast South
Carolina.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across coastal southeast North Carolina and northeast South
Carolina. Potential impacts include:
    - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder preparedness
      actions during tropical events.
    - Tornadoes can rip roofs from homes, destroy mobile homes, cause
      trees to become snapped or uprooted, flip cars and boats.
      Dangerous projectiles can add to the damage.
    - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
      of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.

Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
far inland areas of southeast North Carolina and northeast South
Carolina.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
along the coast. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Localized inundation and minor over-wash is possible, mainly
      along immediate shorelines and other vulnerable low-lying areas
      along the coast. Low spots along waterways and tidal creeks may
      also be impacted.
    - Some portions of near-shore roads and parking lots may become
      covered by surge water. Driving conditions may become hazardous
      in places where the surge covers the road.
    - Moderate beach erosion is possible, mainly in the vulnerable
      locations along the ocean front.
    - Minor damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is
      possible. A few small craft may break away from moorings if not
      properly secured.
    - Navigation may be difficult near inlets and waterways, as
      navigational aids may be off station or missing.

Elsewhere across southeast North Carolina and northeast South
Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated.

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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary
actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be
underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency
Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties
which must be taken into account.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low lying or poor
drainage area, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground

Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the
forecast.

* 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 Wilmington NC around 11 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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