[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Wed Jul 7 04:09:34 CDT 2021

WTUS82 KMHX 070909
HLSMHX
NCZ029-044>047-079>081-090>092-094-193>196-198-199-203>205-071715-

Tropical Storm Elsa Local Statement Advisory Number 29
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC  AL052021
509 AM EDT Wed Jul 7 2021

This product covers Eastern North Carolina

**ELSA WILL IMPACT EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA THURSDAY INTO THURSDAY
NIGHT**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Duplin, Greene,
      Lenoir, Martin, and Pitt

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 660 miles southwest of Buxton NC or about 580 miles
      southwest of Morehead City NC
    - 28.5N 83.5W
    - Storm Intensity 65 mph
    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 mph

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

Hurricane Elsa will make landfall in Florida this morning then
weaken to a Tropical Storm and lift northeast passing just to the west
of eastern North Carolina Thursday into Thursday evening.

Heavy rain bands and embedded thunderstorms from this system will
overspread the area Thursday and continue through Thursday evening
with a threat of localized flooding.

Additionally, a few tornadoes will be possible Thursday into Thursday
night, which could lead to locally enhanced damage.

Tropical storm force winds are expected to develop Thursday across
coastal sections of eastern North Carolina. This could lead to some
downed trees and scattered power outages.

Minor storm surge flooding up to 2 feet above ground will be possible
late Thursday into Thursday night along sound-side locations of the
Outer Banks, mainly north of Cape Hatteras.

The threat for stronger and more frequent rip currents will develop
along area beaches Thursday.

Dangerous marine conditions are also expected, with strong winds and
seas building to 7 to 10 feet creating treacherous conditions for
mariners.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across Eastern North Carolina. 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.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
Eastern North Carolina. 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.

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
Eastern North Carolina. Potential impacts 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.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across sound-side locations of the Outer Banks north of Cape
Hatteras. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
      immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
      farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
    - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
      with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
      surge water covers the road.
    - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
      in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
    - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

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

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Dangerous surf conditions and the high risk for rip currents will
continue for area beaches through Friday.

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

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

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 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, plan to move to safe shelter.

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.

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that
are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of
others.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.

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

$$
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