####018008357#### WTUS81 KAKQ 220323 HLSAKQ MDZ021>025-NCZ013>017-030>032-102-VAZ075>078-084>086-089-090-093-095>100-523>525-221130- Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen Local Statement Advisory Number 3 National Weather Service Wakefield VA AL162023 1123 PM EDT Thu Sep 21 2023 This product covers CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA... AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE LOW PRESSURE OFF THE SOUTHEAST U.S. COAST STRENGTHENING AND NOW PRODUCING TROPICAL-STORM-FORCE WINDS 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, Camden, Eastern Currituck, Gloucester, Hampton/Poquoson, Isle of Wight, James City, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Newport News, Norfolk/Portsmouth, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Suffolk, Surry, Virginia Beach, Western Currituck, and York - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for Bertie, Chowan, Northumberland, and Westmoreland - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Chesapeake, Dorchester, Gates, Hertford, Inland Worcester, Maryland Beaches, Richmond, Somerset, and Wicomico * STORM INFORMATION: - About 610 miles south of Ocean City MD or about 510 miles south of Norfolk VA - 29.5N 75.3W - Storm Intensity 40 mph - Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 3 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Potential Tropical Cyclone 16 remains offshore of the southeast US coast, and will continue to strengthen as it moves toward eastern North Carolina and the lower mid-Atlantic over the next couple of days. The center of the cyclone is expected to approach the coast of North Carolina Friday night and early Saturday, before lifting across eastern North Carolina, southeastern Virginia, and the Delmarva Peninsula Saturday into Sunday. Regardless of exact track, impacts are expected from this system over northeast North Carolina, central and eastern Virginia, and the lower eastern shore, with the greatest impacts along the coast. Tropical Storm force wind is expected to arrive Friday night into early Saturday and could lead to downed trees and scattered power outages. Areas of moderate to major coastal flooding are possible during high tide Friday night into Saturday. Heavy rain could produce areas of flash flooding of low lying areas. 3 to 5 inches of rain is possible along the coast, with 2-3 inches possible inland. There is also a limited threat of tornadoes along the coast of northeast NC. Dangerous marine conditions are expected Friday night into Saturday due to the strong winds and high seas. Seas build to 10 to 15 feet Friday night into Saturday and remain elevated into Sunday. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for 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. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND 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. * SURGE: Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts across northeast North Carolina and eastern Virginia. Potential impacts in this area 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. Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across the lower Maryland eastern shore. Elsewhere across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across northeast North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. Potential impacts include: - Some tornadoes are expected, some of which could be intense. As a result, execution of emergency plans could be hindered in affected areas. - Several places may experience tornado damage, with a few areas of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across eastern Virginia and the lower eastern shore. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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 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. 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. 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! 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 5 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$