Weather Alert in North Carolina

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued August 19 at 4:56PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC

AREAS AFFECTED: Mainland Dare; East Carteret; Northern Outer Banks; Ocracoke Island; Hatteras Island

DESCRIPTION: HLSMHX This product covers Eastern North Carolina **MARINE AND COASTAL CONDITIONS WILL RAPIDLY DETERIORATE TONIGHT** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Mainland Dare * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Mainland Dare - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for East Carteret, Hatteras Island, Northern Outer Banks, and Ocracoke Island * STORM INFORMATION: - About 620 miles south-southeast of Buxton NC or about 610 miles south-southeast of Morehead City NC - 26.6N 72.7W - Storm Intensity 105 mph - Movement North-northwest or 330 degrees at 10 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Erin is a strong Category 2 hurricane this evening and is expected to regain major hurricane status as it moves northward through mid week. While the center of Erin is expected to remain a couple hundred miles off the North Carolina coast, it will bring significant coastal impacts to eastern North Carolina due to its large size into the end of the week. Moderate to significant storm surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet above ground level is expected along the oceanside, resulting in a significant threat to life and property. The worst impacts will likely be felt along the Outer Banks, from Duck to Cape Lookout, with more moderate impacts south of Cape Lookout. This is expected to be a prolonged duration event which is already ongoing and will, peak Wednesday into Thursday, then gradually improving late week, with water levels peaking during the high tides. Portions of NC-12 and secondary roads along the Outer Banks, in particular on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, will likely be impassable or inaccessible through much of this week due to significant ocean overwash. Minor storm surge inundation, 1 to 2 ft, will also be possible for soundside areas adjacent to the southern Pamlico Sound on Thursday and possibly into Friday. Erin is expected to increase in size over the next few days and tropical storm force winds will be felt Wednesday night into Thursday along the Outer Banks and Mainland Dare County. Stronger and more frequent rip currents are expected along area beaches through the week. Extensive beach erosion is also likely due to strong long period wave energy with 10 to 20 foot waves in the surf zone. Very dangerous marine conditions will continue for the coastal waters, sounds and rivers, with gusty winds and dangerous seas. This will create treacherous conditions for mariners. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts across the Outer Banks from Duck southward to Hatteras, Ocracoke, and Core Banks.. 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. Also, protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across the Crystal Coast. Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across Outer Banks from Duck southward to Hatteras, Ocracoke, Core Banks, portions of Down East Carteret and Mainland Dare County. Potential impacts in this area 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, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across Coastal Eastern North Carolina. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS: Life threatening rip currents and marine conditions will persist through the week. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * 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. If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather forecast before departing and drive with caution. If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making. 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. 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 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 11 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

INSTRUCTION: N/A

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