####018007792#### WTUS81 KAKQ 230340 HLSAKQ MDZ021>025-NCZ012>017-030>032-102-VAZ075>078-084>086-089-090-092-093-095>100-523>525-231145- 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. $$