[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KGSP 100927
HLSGSP
GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065-068>072-082-501>510-SCZ001>014-019-101730-

Hurricane Michael Local Statement Advisory Number 15
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC  AL142018
527 AM EDT Wed Oct 10 2018

This product covers the western Carolinas and NE Georgia

**Michael will bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the western
Carolinas and Northeast Georgia**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Chester, Laurens,
      Union, Union, and York
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Abbeville, Elbert,
      and Greenwood

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Chester, Laurens,
      Union, Union, and York
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Abbeville, Elbert,
      and Greenwood

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 580 miles southwest of Charlotte NC or about 520 miles
      south-southwest of Greenville/Spartanburg SC
    - 28.3N 86.5W
    - Storm Intensity 140 mph
    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 13 mph


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

Hurricane Michael is forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane
near Panama City, Florida this afternoon. Michael is forecast to track
northeastward across Georgia as a Tropical Storm, with the center of
the circulation likely passing near Augusta, Georgia and Columbia,
South Carolina tomorrow, then on to near Fayetteville, North Carolina
by Thursday evening. Although the western Carolinas and northeast
Georgia currently look to remain on the western side of the storm as
it passes, windy conditions and very heavy rainfall will impact parts
of the area.

The greatest threat that Michael will pose for our area currently
appears to be flash flooding. Based on the most likely track of the
storm, the heaviest rainfall totals are expected to be along and south
of Interstate 85. The Charlotte metropolitan area is at particular
risk of flash flooding, due to very high rainfall rates developing
tomorrow along with excessive urban runoff. Areas that flooded during
heavy rainfall last month with Florence may flood again during
Michael.

Winds will pick up in speed overnight tonight and peak during the day
tomorrow. A few tropical-storm force gusts are possible. There is also
a risk of isolated tornadoes in the lower Piedmont during this time.


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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts in the eastern Upstate and southwest North Carolina
Piedmont, including Charlotte. Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - 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.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the western Upstate, northeast Georgia, and
the mountains and foothills of western North Carolina.

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts along and
south of Interstate 85. 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, 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.

Elsewhere across the western Carolinas and NE Georgia, little to no
impact is anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
the Lakelands of Georgia and South Carolina, as well as other parts
of the southern Upstate. Potential 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, and small boats
      pulled from moorings.

Elsewhere across the western Carolinas and NE Georgia, little to no
impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind and allow extra time
to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit. Gas up your vehicle
ahead of time. Let others know where you are going prior to departure.
Secure loose items and pets in the car, and avoid distracted driving.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.

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, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.

* 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 Greenville-Spartanburg SC around 11 AM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
Wimberley
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