[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Thu Jul 8 10:45:20 CDT 2021

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MDZ021>025-NCZ013>017-030>032-102-VAZ075-077-078-084>086-095>100-523>525-082345-

Tropical Storm Elsa Local Statement Advisory Number 34
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL052021
1145 AM EDT Thu Jul 8 2021

This product covers CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

CENTER OF ELSA MOVES INTO SOUTHERN NORTH CAROLINA

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Accomack, Bertie,
      Camden, Chesapeake, Chowan, Dorchester, Eastern Currituck,
      Gates, Gloucester, Hampton/Poquoson, Hertford, Inland
      Worcester, Lancaster, Maryland Beaches, Mathews, Middlesex,
      Newport News, Norfolk/Portsmouth, Northampton, Northumberland,
      Pasquotank, Perquimans, Somerset, Suffolk, Virginia Beach,
      Western Currituck, Westmoreland, Wicomico, and York

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 340 miles southwest of Ocean City MD or about 230 miles
      west-southwest of Norfolk VA
    - 35.0N 79.7W
    - Storm Intensity 45 mph
    - Movement Northeast or 40 degrees at 20 mph

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

Tropical Storm Elsa continues to track across the Carolinas midday
today, and is forecast to move across North Carolina and eastern
Virginia late this afternoon into tonight, before moving northeast of
the Delmarva coast early Friday morning.

Heavy rain bands and embedded thunderstorms are expected to overspread
the region later today into tonight. 2 to 4 inches of rainfall is
forecast across much of central and eastern Virginia, in addition to
the Lower Eastern Shore. Locally higher amounts up to 6 inches are
possible in these locations. Heavy rainfall will result in a threat of
localized flash flooding. A Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for the
above mentioned areas.

Tropical storm force wind gusts are expected to develop along/near
coastal portions of northeast North Carolina, eastern Virginia, and
southeast Maryland this evening into late tonight. This could lead to
some downed trees and scattered power outages. There is the potential
for minor tidal flooding in areas along the north side of the
Albemarle and Currituck Sound (including Back Bay in Virginia Beach)
from late this afternoon into tonight. In addition, minor tidal
flooding is possible on the bay side of the Lower Maryland Eastern
Shore and in portions of the Virginia Northern Neck adjacent to the
tidal Potomac.

Additionally, a few tornadoes will be possible late this afternoon
into tonight across northeast North Carolina, southeast/eastern
Virginia, and southeast Maryland, which could lead to locally enhanced
damage.

Dangerous marine conditions are expected to develop this evening into
Friday morning...with strong winds and seas building to 6 to 9 feet.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE
LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE. 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, 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.

* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE
LOWER EASTERN SHORE. 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 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 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.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA... AND THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE. 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.

Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...
AND THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND
THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE. Potential impacts include:
    - A few tornadoes are expected. As a result, execution of
      emergency plans could be hindered in affected areas.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Roofs peeled off some buildings. A few chimneys toppled and
      mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned. Large tree
      tops and branches snapped off, with some trees knocked over. A
      few vehicles blown off roads.

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

* 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.

If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges
will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather
forecast before departing and drive with caution.

If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.

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.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

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
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 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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