####018008746#### WTUS82 KMHX 221527 HLSMHX NCZ029-044>047-079>081-090>092-094-193>196-198-199-203>205-222330- Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen Local Statement Advisory Number 5 National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC AL162023 1127 AM EDT Fri Sep 22 2023 This product covers Eastern North Carolina **STORM SURGE WARNINGS ISSUED FOR THE OUTER BANKS** **TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS SPREADING OVER COASTAL NORTH CAROLINA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge Warning for Hatteras Island, Northern Outer Banks, and Ocracoke Island * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Beaufort, East Carteret, Hatteras Island, Mainland Hyde, Northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island, Pamlico, and Southern Craven - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for Coastal Onslow, Mainland Dare, Tyrrell, Washington, and West Carteret - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Duplin, Greene, Inland Onslow, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Northern Craven, and Pitt * STORM INFORMATION: - About 200 miles south of Buxton NC or about 180 miles south-southeast of Morehead City NC - 32.3N 75.6W - Storm Intensity 50 mph - Movement North or 350 degrees at 12 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Potential Tropical Cyclone 16, currently east of the Georgia-South Carolina coast, will continue to strengthen as it moves toward eastern North Carolina today and tonight. Regardless of development, moderate to locally significant impacts will occur across eastern North Carolina, with the greatest impacts along the coast. Life threatening storm surge, inundation 2 to 5 ft above ground level, is possible across all coastal areas today into the weekend. The most extensive impacts are expected to be along the lower Pamlico and Neuse Rivers, with at least minor overwash also possible along the Outer Banks. There is also the potential for rapid water level rises for soundside Outer Banks late Saturday and Saturday night when the winds shift. Tropical storm force winds could start impacting portions of eastern North Carolina this morning with strong winds continuing through Saturday, potentially bringing scattered tree damage and power outages mainly along and east of Hwy 17. Heavy rain will bring widespread rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches, with isolated amounts up to 7 inches possible, bringing the threat of localized flash flooding especially in low-lying, urban, and poor drainage areas. A few tornadoes could produce locally significant damage, mainly east of Highway 17 late today into early Saturday. Dangerous marine conditions are expected for all coastal waters, the sounds and rivers, with strong winds and dangerous seas building to create treacherous conditions for mariners. Localized ocean overwash is expected along the coast due to high surf. Stronger and more frequent rip currents will also exist along area beaches through the weekend. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across all of eastern North Carolina north of Surf City. Highest potential for significant impacts will be up and along the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers as well as soundside across the Outer Banks. Remain well away from life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts 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. Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across Eastern North Carolina. Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind having possible significant impacts. If realized, these 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. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are unfolding across eastern North Carolina. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having possible extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are unfolding across eastern North Carolina. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event having possible 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: WATCH/WARNING PHASE - Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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. * 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. 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 watch or 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 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 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$