####018009235#### WTUS82 KMHX 220926 HLSMHX NCZ029-044>047-079>081-090>092-094-193>196-198-199-203>205-221730- Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen Local Statement Advisory Number 4 National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC AL162023 526 AM EDT Fri Sep 22 2023 This product covers Eastern North Carolina **POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE 16 CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN...EXPECTED TO BEGIN IMPACTING EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA TODAY** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Beaufort, East Carteret, Mainland Hyde, Pamlico, and Southern Craven - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for Coastal Onslow, Hatteras Island, Mainland Dare, Northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island, 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 330 miles south of Buxton NC or about 310 miles south-southeast of Morehead City NC - 30.5N 75.0W - Storm Intensity 50 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 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: Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts across all of eastern North Carolina north of Surf City. Potential impacts in this area 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: Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across areas east of Highway 17 and the Outer Banks. Potential impacts in this area 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. Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across areas along and west of Highway 17. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across areas along and east of Highway 17. Potential 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. Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across areas along and west of Highway 17. * TORNADOES: Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across areas along and east of Highway 17. Potential 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. Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across areas west of Highway 17. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. 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 complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area. If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities. Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed evacuation orders issued by the local authorities. 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 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. $$