[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Ophelia Local Statement Advisory Number 7
National Weather Service Wakefield VA  AL162023
1140 PM EDT Fri Sep 22 2023

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

OPHELIA'S CENTER FORECAST TO REACH THE COAST OF NORTH CAROLINA
EARLY SATURDAY


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 340 miles south-southwest of Ocean City MD or about 230
      miles south of Norfolk VA
    - 33.6N 76.8W
    - Storm Intensity 70 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 330 degrees at 12 mph

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

Tropical Storm Ophelia will approach the coast of North Carolina
overnight, and then lift north across eastern North Carolina and
eastern Virginia Saturday into early Sunday.

Regardless of the exact track, Ophelia is expected to bring a myriad
of hazards to our area through early Sunday. These impacts include:

* Dangerous marine and high surf - Dangerous marine conditions are
expected late tonight into Saturday due to the strong winds and high
seas. Seas build to 11 to 16 feet late tonight into Saturday and
remain elevated into Sunday. Large breaking waves of 3 to 5 ft will
result in dangerous surf conditions and a high risk for rip currents.

* Heavy Rain - heavy downpours could cause localized minor flooding of
roads and low-lying areas, especially across northeast north Carolina,
eastern and central Virginia, and the lower eastern shore of Maryland
and Virginia.

* Winds - Tropical Storm force winds will continue to impact
northeast North Carolina, east-central Virginia and the lower eastern
shore through Saturday. These strong winds will have the potential to
cause areas of downed trees and power outages.

* Coastal Flooding - Areas of moderate to major coastal flooding are
possible during high tide late tonight into Saturday.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
central and eastern Virginia, northeast North Carolina and the lower
eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia. Remain well guarded against
life-threatening flood waters having extensive impacts. If realized,
these impacts include:
    - Evacuations and rescues likely due to flooding from heavy
      rainfall
    - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
      multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become
      dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become
      overwhelmed.
    - Flood waters enter structures within multiple communities, with
      some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Some
      escape routes inundated by flood waters. Streets, parking lots
      and underpasses could be submerged, with driving conditions
      quickly becoming dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures
      are expected with some becoming weakened or washed out.

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
coastal northeast North Carolina and eastern Virginia. Remain well
away from life-threatening surge having significant impacts. If
realized, these impacts include:
    - Severe storm surge flooding will likely cause inundation of
      numerous roads and buildings, resulting in a threat to life and
      property. Flooding will likely extend inland from the
      waterfront and shoreline flooding homes, businesses and
      isolating some neighborhoods. Large breaking waves will result
      in additional damage near the shoreline.
    - Numerous roads flooded or washed out.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching some dunes.
    - Severe damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is
      expected. Small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected marinas and docks.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND
EASTERN SHORE. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having
limited impacts. If realized, these 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.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across northeast
North Carolina. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado
event having significant impacts. If realized, these 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all
clear to return.

OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a
battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.

Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose
power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and
check-ins.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.

If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge
warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic
rise in water levels.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the
safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body.

* 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 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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