[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS81 KAKQ 300927
HLSAKQ
NCZ017-102-301730-

Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 15
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL102023
527 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023

This product covers Northeast North Carolina

**TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR CURRITUCK COUNTY**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
      Warning for Eastern Currituck and Western Currituck

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Eastern Currituck and
      Western Currituck

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 690 miles southwest of Duck NC
    - 29.1N 84.1W
    - Storm Intensity 130 mph
    - Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 18 mph

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

Hurricane Idalia is just west of the Big Bend coast of Florida this
morning...and is forecast to turn northeast and make landfall along
the Big Bend of Florida later this morning before moving into
southeast Georgia and South Carolina this afternoon into early
Thursday morning.

Tropical storm force wind gusts are expected to develop by Thursday
morning for coastal and inland Currituck County as well as the
Currituck Sound. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for these
areas. Additionally, the pressure gradient between Idalia's circulation
and high pressure to the north will result in strong winds along the
coast, even outside of the Tropical Storm Warning area. Strong winds
could lead to downed trees and scattered power outages. Strong onshore
winds could also lead to areas of minor to locally moderate coastal
flooding.

Heavy rain bands will begin to move northward toward the local area
late this afternoon but especially on Thursday as deep tropical
moisture increases across the Southeast United States. There will
likely be a sharp rainfall gradient across the local area as high
pressure over the Great Lakes builds south and east on Thursday. 2 to 4
inches of rainfall is forecast near and south of the Virginia North
Carolina border with 0.5 to 1.5 inches for Hampton Roads and areas
along and south of the Highway 58 corridor. Locally higher amounts are
possible, especially along and south of the Virginia North Carolina
border where a Flood Watch has been issued.

Dangerous marine conditions are expected to develop by early Thursday
with strong winds lasting into early Friday. Seas build to 7 to
12 feet on Thursday and remain elevated into Saturday.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
coastal and inland Currituck County. Potential impacts in this area
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 northeast North Carolina. 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.

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

* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across coastal northeast North Carolina, extending northward to coastal
Virginia and the southern Chesapeake Bay. Potential impacts in this
area include:
    - Widespread storm surge flooding of vulnerable areas will result
      in an elevated threat of property damage to homes and
      businesses near the waterfront and shoreline.
    - Sections of low-lying vulnerable roads, parking lots and
      property will likely become flooded. Driving conditions could
      become dangerous in places where flooding covers the road.
    - Moderate to severe beach erosion is likely, including heavy
      surf possibly breaching dunes, especially in vulnerable
      locations. Strong and dangerous rip currents are likely.
    - Minor to moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and
      piers is likely. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

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

* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across CENTRAL AND
EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND
EASTERN SHORE.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
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.

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.

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!

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
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 11 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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