####018004348#### WTUS82 KRAH 231510 HLSRAH NCZ011-027-028-043-078-232315- Tropical Storm Ophelia Local Statement Advisory Number 9 National Weather Service Raleigh NC AL162023 1110 AM EDT Sat Sep 23 2023 This product covers central North Carolina **Tropical Storm Ophelia will move north across central and northern portions of eastern NC through the early evening** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Sampson * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Wayne, and Wilson * STORM INFORMATION: - About 80 miles east of Raleigh NC or about 40 miles east-southeast of Rocky Mount NC - 35.6N 77.2W - Storm Intensity 50 mph - Movement North or 355 degrees at 13 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Ophelia will northward across eastern NC today before lifting northward across Virginia and the southern middle Atlantic coast on Sunday. Moderate to minor impacts are expected across central and eastern portions of central NC through this evening, with the greatest impacts expected along and east of Interstate 95. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across eastern NC. 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, 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. Elsewhere across central North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across eastern NC. 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. - A few 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. Elsewhere across central North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: 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. 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. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see readync.org - 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 Raleigh NC around 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$