####018009469#### WTUS81 KAKQ 220950 HLSAKQ MDZ021>025-NCZ013>017-030>032-102-VAZ075>078-084>086-089-090-093-095>100-523>525-221800- Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen Local Statement Advisory Number 4 National Weather Service Wakefield VA AL162023 550 AM EDT Fri Sep 22 2023 This product covers CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA... AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE LOW PRESSURE STRENGTHENING OFF THE SOUTHEAST U.S 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, Camden, Eastern Currituck, Gloucester, Hampton/Poquoson, Isle of Wight, James City, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Newport News, Norfolk/Portsmouth, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Suffolk, Surry, Virginia Beach, Western Currituck, and York - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for Bertie, Chowan, Northumberland, and Westmoreland - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Chesapeake, Dorchester, Gates, Hertford, Inland Worcester, Maryland Beaches, Richmond, Somerset, and Wicomico * STORM INFORMATION: - About 540 miles south of Ocean City MD or about 450 miles south of Norfolk VA - 30.5N 75.0W - Storm Intensity 50 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen continues to strengthen off the southeast coast this morning, and will move northward toward the mid-Atlantic region through Saturday, possibly briefly becoming a tropical storm before making landfall across the coastal Carolinas early Saturday. Regardless of the exact track, the storm is expected to bring a myriad of hazards to our area. 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 wind is expected to arrive this evening into early Saturday and could lead to downed trees and scattered power outages. * Coastal Flooding - Areas of moderate to major coastal flooding are possible during high tide late tonight into Saturday. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE. 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, 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. * SURGE: Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts across northeast North Carolina, eastern Virginia and coastal portions of the lower eastern shore. Potential impacts in this area 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. Elsewhere across CENTRAL VIRGINIA...INTERIOR NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE. Potential impacts include: - Flooding from heavy rainfall may prompt evacuations and rescues - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen, with swift currents, and overspill their banks. Small streams, creeks, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures and/or weaken foundations. Some areas may experience 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 are expected. * TORNADOES: Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across Northeast North Carolina and southeast Virginia. Potential impacts include: - Some tornadoes are expected, some of which could be intense. As a result, execution of emergency plans could be hindered in affected areas. - Several places may experience tornado damage, with a few areas of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across eastern Virginia. 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. If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind and allow extra time to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit. Gas up your vehicle ahead of time. * 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. It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter. 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 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. Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown! If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options. If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding. 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 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 NOON EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$