Weather Alert in North Carolina

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued August 20 at 11:09AM 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 370 miles south-southeast of Buxton NC or about 360 miles south-southeast of Morehead City NC - 30.1N 73.7W - Storm Intensity 110 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 13 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Erin has strengthened back to a category 3 hurricane once again, making it a major hurricane this morning. Erin will continue to track northwards today before turning to the north and east on Friday with the system making its closest point of approach to the Outer Banks and North Carolina coast Thursday morning. 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 this evening 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: Protect against 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 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. 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 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 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

INSTRUCTION: N/A

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