####018007112#### WTUS82 KILM 222121 HLSILM NCZ105>110-230530- Tropical Storm Ophelia Local Statement Advisory Number 6 National Weather Service Wilmington NC AL162023 521 PM EDT Fri Sep 22 2023 This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina **TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS EXPECTED ACROSS PORTIONS OF SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA THROUGH EARLY SATURDAY** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal New Hanover, Coastal Pender, Inland New Hanover, and Inland Pender * STORM INFORMATION: - About 130 miles southeast of Wilmington NC or about 160 miles east-southeast of Myrtle Beach SC - 32.9N 76.3W - Storm Intensity 70 mph - Movement North-northwest or 345 degrees at 13 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Ophelia off the Southeast U.S. coast will move northward through Saturday, forecasted to make landfall west of Cape Lookout North Carolina late tonight into early Saturday. The primary hazards across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina are expected to be: - Marine/Surf - hazardous marine and surf conditions along the entire coast of northeast South Carolina and southeast North Carolina - Heavy Rain - heavy downpours could cause localized minor flooding of roads and low-lying areas, mainly across eastern portions of southeast North Carolina - Winds - tropical storm force winds, especially in gusts, are likely, especially along the coast north of Cape Fear - Coastal Flooding - minor coastal flooding possible, especially north of Cape Fear through the overnight high tide POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across eastern parts of Pender and New Hanover counties. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having possible extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Major flooding from rainfall may prompt evacuations and numerous rescues. - Rivers and streams may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Creeks and ditches will flood and may contain strong currents. - Flood waters may enter many structures, and some may become uninhabitable. Some road scours or complete road failures will be possible, along with the potential for sinkholes. Many streets and parking lots may flood, and may be impacted by flowing water. Many road and low-lying bridge closures are possible with some weakened or washed away. Driving conditions will be dangerous. - The delivery of drinking water and sewer services may be interrupted. Flood waters may be polluted and contain hazardous materials. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having possible limited to significant impacts across portions of southeast North Carolina, around Elizabethtown, Lake Waccamaw, Shallotte and Wilmington. Elsewhere across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to porches and awnings, carports, sheds, and mobile homes is possible. Unsecured lightweight objects may be blown about. - Some large limbs may break from trees. A few shallow rooted or weak trees may snap or be knocked down. Some fences and roadway signs damaged. - A few roads may become impassable due to debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded locations. Hazardous driving conditions are possible, especially for high profile vehicles on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages are possible. * SURGE: Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal southeast North Carolina, particularly north of Cape Fear. Potential impacts in this area include: - Localized inundation and minor over-wash is possible, mainly along immediate shorelines and other vulnerable low-lying areas along the coast. Low spots along waterways and tidal creeks may also be impacted. - Navigation may be difficult near inlets and waterways, as navigational aids may be off station or missing. - Minor beach erosion possible. Elsewhere across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across northeastern Pender County. Remain well braced against a tornado event having possible limited impacts. If realized, these 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. - Tornadoes can cause damage to trees, vehicles, boats, and buildings. Unsecured mobile homes and poorly constructed structures are particularly vulnerable. Elsewhere across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS: Hazardous surf conditions, including life-threatening rip currents, are expected through Saturday along the entire southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina coasts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to remain safely sheltered from the storm. Stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Locate your battery powered radio and flashlight from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Keep these items close. During the peak of the storm, keep your shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and tennis shoes offer the best foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the elements. Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as possible. If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications systems with idle chatter. * 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 Wilmington NC around 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$