[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Isaias Local Statement Advisory Number 26
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC  AL092020
1135 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

This product covers Eastern North Carolina

**TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS EXPECTED TO IMPACT EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA
TONIGHT THROUGH TOMORROW MORNING**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge
      Warning for Beaufort, East Carteret, Mainland Hyde, Northern
      Outer Banks, Pamlico, and Southern Craven

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect
      for Beaufort, East Carteret, Mainland Hyde, Northern Outer
      Banks, Pamlico, and Southern Craven
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect
      for Coastal Onslow, Hatteras Island, Mainland Dare, Ocracoke
      Island, and West Carteret
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Duplin, Greene,
      Inland Onslow, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Northern Craven, Pitt,
      Tyrrell, and Washington

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 340 miles southwest of Morehead City NC
    - 30.7N 80.1W
    - Storm Intensity 70 mph
    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 13 mph

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

Tropical Storm Isaias, currently located 220 miles south southwest of
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is forecast to slowly intensify to
hurricane strength and lift northeastward toward the Carolina coast
today and this evening, then gradually weaken as it passes through the
interior coastal plain of eastern North Carolina late tonight.

Tropical storm force winds are expected across to begin across the
area this evening. Downed trees and scattered power outages will be
possible tonight and into tomorrow morning. Also, several tornadoes are
possible tonight through tomorrow morning, which could lead to locally
enhanced damage.

Due to strong winds, the danger of life-threatening storm surge exists
along area beaches, as well as for low lying areas adjacent to the
sounds and tidal rivers. Flooding of properties, flooded or damaged
roadways will be possible, as well as the overtopping of dunes.

Periods of locally heavy rain are likely especially along and west of
Highway 17, with the potential for localized flooding of low lying and
poor drainage areas. River levels are likely to reach and exceed flood
stage in the next few days, though widespread flooding is not
expected.

The threat for stronger and more frequent rip currents will continue
for area beaches over the next couple days, leading to extremely
dangerous conditions for swimming.

Dangerous marine conditions are also expected, with strong winds and
seas building to 15 to 20 feet creating treacherous conditions for
mariners.

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

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across Eastern North Carolina. Potential impacts include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
      experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
      homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines.

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across north of Oregon Inlet, the Pamlico Sound,
Neuse River, Pamlico River, Pungo River, and associated tributaries.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
      waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
    - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
      weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low
      spots.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
      numerous rip currents.
    - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected anchorages.

Also, protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across area beaches.

Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across Eastern North Carolina. Potential impacts include:
    - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
      of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
    - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
      homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
      uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
      Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts mainly along and west of US Highway 17. 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, 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.

Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts east of US Highway 17.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including
possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.

For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind,
falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move,
relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not relocate, help keep
roadways open for those under evacuation orders.

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.


* 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.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

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.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and
hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge
zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find
yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed
evacuation orders issued by the local authorities.

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!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

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 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 Newport/Morehead City NC around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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