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Tropical Storm Ophelia Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 5A

National Weather Service Raleigh NC  AL162023

229 PM EDT Fri Sep 22 2023



This product covers central North Carolina

 **Tropical Storm Ophelia will approach the coast of North Carolina

  tonight** 



NEW INFORMATION

---------------



* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

    - None



* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Edgecombe, Halifax, 

      Nash, Sampson, Wayne, and Wilson



* STORM INFORMATION:

    - About 240 miles south-southeast of Rocky Mount NC or about 270 

      miles south-southeast of Roanoke Rapids NC

    - 32.7N 76.0W

    - Storm Intensity 60 mph

    - Movement North-northwest or 345 degrees at 12 mph



SITUATION OVERVIEW

------------------



 Tropical Storm Ophelia will approach the coast of North Carolina 

tonight, and then move across eastern North Carolina, southeastern 

Virginia, and the Delmarva Peninsula Saturday and Sunday. Some 

strengthening is forecast during the next day or so before it reaches 

the coast of North Carolina.



POTENTIAL IMPACTS

-----------------



* FLOODING RAIN:

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant

impacts across eastern Central NC. 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, 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.



Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible 

limited impacts across eastern Central NC.



* WIND:

Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across 

central 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.



* TORNADOES:

Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across

Coastal Plains. 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.



Elsewhere across central North Carolina, little to no impact is 

anticipated.



PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

----------------------------------



* EVACUATIONS:

 WATCH/WARNING PHASE - Traffic is expected to increase on area 

roadways if evacuations are ordered for the coast, creating longer 

travel times. Be sure to plan accordingly.



* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:



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.



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 readync.org

- 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 Raleigh NC around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions 

warrant.



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