Weather Alert in North Carolina

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued August 20 at 4:53PM 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 **OUTER BANDS OF LARGE HURRICANE ERIN HAVE BEGUN TO IMPACT EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA** 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 300 miles south-southeast of Buxton NC or about 300 miles southeast of Morehead City NC - 31.2N 73.6W - Storm Intensity 110 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Erin has maintained strength since the previous update. Erin will continue to track northwards this evening before turning to the north and east Thursday 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 tonight through Thursday, then gradually improve Friday 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 day or so 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: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across the Outer Banks from Duck to Cape Lookout. Remain well away from life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts 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. Potential impacts from the main surge event are also now unfolding across the Crystal Coast. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts. Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across the Outer Banks southward to Cape Lookout, and adjacent coastal communities on Pamlico and Albemarle Sound. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having possible limited impacts. If realized, these 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, 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: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across Coastal Eastern North Carolina. Remain well guarded against locally hazardous flood waters having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Ponding of water on roadways may cause instances of localized flooding. - Up to 1 inch of rain is possible tonight 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. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy. 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. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. Quickly move to the safest place within your shelter if it begins to fail, preferably an interior room on the lowest floor as long as flooding is not a concern. 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 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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