Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 15 at 11:11PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
HLSMHX This product covers Eastern North Carolina **POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE MOVING SLOWLY OFF THE COAST OF THE CAROLINAS** 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 south-southwest of Buxton NC or about 190 miles south-southwest of Morehead City NC - 32.2N 77.9W - Storm Intensity 45 mph - Movement Northwest or 320 degrees at 5 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ A non-tropical low area is located along a frontal boundary a couple of hundred miles off the southeastern U.S. coast. The low is forecast to move northwestward over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream toward the coasts of North Carolina and South Carolina, and it could become a subtropical or tropical storm during the next day or two.
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 could begin impacting coastal sections of eastern North Carolina late tonight through 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 Monday 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: Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across Eastern North Carolina. Potential 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: Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across vulnerable area of the coast and tidal rivers. Potential impacts in this area 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: Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across Eastern North Carolina. Potential 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: Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across Carteret and Coastal Onslow Counties. 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.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options.
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 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

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