Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 16 at 5:06AM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
HLSMHX This product covers Eastern North Carolina **POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE EIGHT GRADUALLY NEARS THE SOUTHEASTERN COAST TODAY** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Onslow, East Carteret, and West Carteret * STORM INFORMATION: - About 250 miles southwest of Buxton NC or about 180 miles south-southwest of Morehead City NC - 32.4N 78.3W - Storm Intensity 50 mph - Movement Northwest or 325 degrees at 3 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight is currently located a couple of hundred miles off the Southeastern US Coast this morning and has continued to slowly track to the northwest over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream as it nears the South Carolina and North Carolina Coast. Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight could become a sub-tropical or tropical storm later today just before it makes landfall this afternoon or evening.
Regardless of tropical development, eastern North Carolina will experience some impacts from this system.
The main threat will be periods of heavy rain with storm total rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. The highest rainfall totals are expected for areas south of Highway 70. This will bring the threat of localized flash flooding especially in low-lying, urban, and poor drainage areas.
Tropical storm force winds have begun to impact coastal sections of eastern North Carolina this morning and are forecast to continue into Monday evening, mainly south of Ocracoke Inlet, potentially bringing scattered tree damage and power outages.
A few tornadoes could produce locally significant damage across eastern North Carolina with the greatest threat occurring today into Tuesday.
Along the coast and tidal rivers, minor storm surge with inundation 1 to 3 feet above ground level remains possible through Tuesday night.
There also remains potential for minor ocean overwash along the coast through mid week. Stronger and more frequent rip currents will also exist along area beaches through much of the week.
Dangerous marine conditions will continue for the coastal waters, sounds and rivers, with strong winds and dangerous seas. This will create treacherous conditions for mariners.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across Eastern North Carolina. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow.
- Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

* SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across vulnerable area of the coast and tidal rivers. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having additional limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
- Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road.
- Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
- Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.
Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated.

* TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across Eastern North Carolina. Remain well braced against a tornado event having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions.
- Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.

* WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across Carteret and Coastal Onslow Counties. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having additional 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.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * 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.
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.
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body.

* 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 EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

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