Weather Alert in North Carolina

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued August 20 at 5:20AM 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 **COASTAL IMPACTS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN AND CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO WORSEN, PEAKING LATE TODAY THROUGH THURSDAY** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for East Carteret, Hatteras Island, Northern Outer Banks, and Ocracoke Island - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Mainland Dare * STORM INFORMATION: - About 460 miles south-southeast of Buxton NC or about 450 miles south-southeast of Morehead City NC - 28.9N 73.3W - Storm Intensity 100 mph - Movement North-northwest or 345 degrees at 13 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Erin is a Category 2 hurricane this morning and may regain major hurricane status as it moves northward today. While the center of Erin is expected to remain a couple hundred miles off the North Carolina coast, significant coastal impacts are expected across 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 north of Cape Lookout, resulting in a significant threat to life and property. The worst impacts will likely be felt along the Outer Banks on Ocracoke and Hatteras Island. This is expected to be a prolonged duration event which is already ongoing and will peak late today through Thursday, then gradually improving late week into the weekend. 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 to locally moderate inundation of 1 to 3 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 tonight into Thursday for eastern coastal areas, particularly on the Outer Banks. Strong rip currents are expected along area beaches through the week. Extensive beach erosion is also likely due to strong long period waves as high as 10 to 20 feet in the surf zone, highest on the Outer Banks. 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 to Cape Lookout. 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. Some minor to locally moderate inundation is also possible for soundside locations on the the southern end of the Pamlico Sound tonight into Thursday, and perhaps into early Friday. Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the Outer Banks southward to Cape Lookout, and adjacent coastal communities on Pamlico and Albemarle Sound. 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: Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across Coastal Eastern North Carolina. Potential impacts include: - Ponding of water on roadways may cause instances of localized flooding. - 1 to 2 inches of rain is possible today into Thursday, especially where heavier rain bands develop near the coast. Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. Portions of Dare and Hyde counties are under mandatory evacuation orders. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm. 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, plan to move to safe shelter. If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe. Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which you are located and where it is relative to current watches and warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to area visitors. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * 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 AM, or sooner if conditions warrant.

INSTRUCTION: N/A

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