[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KILM 221810
HLSILM
NCZ105>108-230215-

Tropical Storm Ophelia Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 5A
National Weather Service Wilmington NC  AL162023
210 PM EDT Fri Sep 22 2023

This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina

**TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS EXPECTED ACROSS PORTIONS OF SOUTHEAST
NORTH CAROLINA FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal New Hanover,
      Coastal Pender, Inland New Hanover, and Inland Pender

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 150 miles southeast of Wilmington NC or about 180 miles
      east-southeast of Myrtle Beach SC
    - 32.7N 76.0W
    - Storm Intensity 60 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 345 degrees at 12 mph

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

Tropical Storm Ophelia off the Southeast U.S. coast will move
northward through Saturday, possibly becoming a tropical storm before
likely making landfall near Cape Lookout, North Carolina.

The primary hazards across southeast North Carolina and northeast
South Carolina are expected to be:

- Marine/Surf - hazardous marine and surf conditions along the entire
coast of northeast South Carolina and southeast North Carolina

- Heavy Rain - heavy downpours could cause localized minor flooding of
roads and low-lying areas, mainly across eastern portions of southeast
North Carolina

- Winds - tropical storm force winds, especially in gusts, are likely,
especially along the coast north of Cape Fear

- Coastal Flooding - minor coastal flooding possible, especially north
of Cape Fear during the Friday afternoon high tide

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across southeast North Carolina, particularly
along and north of Cape Fear. Flooding rainfall also possible along
portions of coastal northeast South Carolina, including eastern Horry
County. Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate flooding from rainfall may prompt some evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and streams may rise and overspill their banks in a few
      places, especially in the typical prone locations. Small creeks
      and ditches may overflow.
    - Flood waters may enter some structures. Underpasses, low-lying
      spots along roadways, and poor drainage areas may become
      submerged by rising water. Some secondary streets and parking
      lots may flood as storm drains and retention ponds overflow.
    - Driving conditions will become hazardous, and some road
      closures can be expected.

Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts along and west of I-95, as well as Marion,
Williamsburg, and Georgetown Counties.

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Some damage to porches and awnings, carports, sheds, and mobile
      homes is possible. Unsecured lightweight objects may be blown
      about.
    - Some large limbs may break from trees. A few shallow rooted or
      weak trees may snap or be knocked down. Some fences and roadway
      signs damaged.
    - A few roads may become impassable due to debris, particularly
      within urban or heavily wooded locations. Hazardous driving
      conditions are possible, especially for high profile vehicles
      on bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages are possible.

* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across coastal southeast North Carolina, particularly north
of Cape Fear. 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.
    - Navigation may be difficult near inlets and waterways, as
      navigational aids may be off station or missing.
    - Minor beach erosion possible.

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

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Hazardous surf conditions, including life-threatening rip currents, are
expected through Saturday along the entire southeast North Carolina and
northeast South Carolina coasts.

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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to bring to completion all preparations to protect
life and property in accordance with your emergency plan.

Outside preparations should be wrapped up as soon as possible before
weather conditions completely deteriorate. Any remaining evacuations
and relocations should be expedited before the onset of tropical
storm force wind.

Keep cell phones well charged and handy. Also, cell phone chargers
for automobiles can be helpful after the storm. Locate your chargers
and keep them with your cell phone.

Closely monitor NOAA Weather radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Be ready to adapt to 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 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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