####018008570#### WTUS82 KMHX 231210 HLSMHX NCZ029-044>047-079>081-090>092-094-193>196-198-199-203>205-231930- Tropical Storm Ophelia Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 8A National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC AL162023 810 AM EDT Sat Sep 23 2023 This product covers Eastern North Carolina **OPHELIA MOVING INLAND OVER FAR EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Hurricane Watch has been cancelled for Coastal Onslow, East Carteret, Pamlico, Southern Craven, and West Carteret * 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, Southern Craven, and West Carteret - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for Coastal Onslow, Mainland Dare, Tyrrell, and Washington - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Duplin, Greene, Inland Onslow, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Northern Craven, and Pitt * STORM INFORMATION: - About 80 miles west of Buxton NC or about 30 miles north-northwest of Morehead City NC - 35.1N 77.0W - Storm Intensity 65 mph - Movement North or 355 degrees at 13 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Ophelia made landfall near Emerald Isle, NC earlier this morning. Moderate to locally significant impacts will continue across eastern North Carolina, with the greatest impacts along the coast. Along the coast, life threatening storm surge with inundation 2 to 4 feet above ground level is expected today. Additionally, up to 3 to 5 feet of storm surge is possible across the lower Pamlico and Neuse Rivers through late morning. There remains potential for at least minor overwash also along the Outer Banks through the weekend. Finally, we continue to monitor the potential for rapid water level rises across the soundside Outer Banks today and into tonight when the winds shift. Tropical storm force winds will continue this morning, slowly improving late this afternoon and evening. These strong winds will have the potential to cause areas of tree damage and power outages. Heavy rain will bring additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts up to 6 inches, with the axis of heavier rain shifting more inland after sunrise this morning. This will bring the threat of localized flash flooding especially in low-lying, urban, and poor drainage areas. An isolated tornado could produce locally significant damage, mainly east of Highway 17 through late this morning. Dangerous marine conditions will continue for all coastal waters, sounds and rivers, with strong winds and dangerous seas. This will 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 coastal North Carolina north of Surf City. Remain well away from life-threatening surge having additional 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 still 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 still unfolding across areas east of Highway 17. 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. - 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 Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. 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. During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather. 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 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 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$