HLSMHXThis product covers Eastern North Carolina**POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE EIGHT GRADUALLY NEARS THE SOUTHEASTERNCOAST TODAY**NEW INFORMATION---------------* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:- None* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Onslow, EastCarteret, and West Carteret* STORM INFORMATION:- About 230 miles southwest of Buxton NC or about 150 milessouthwest of Morehead City NC- 32.9N 78.3W- Storm Intensity 50 mph- Movement North-northwest or 330 degrees at 5 mphSITUATION OVERVIEW------------------Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight is currently located about onehundred miles off the Southeastern US Coast late this morning and willcontinue to slowly track to the northwest over the warm waters of theGulf Stream as it nears the South and North Carolina Coast. PotentialTropical Cyclone Eight could become a sub-tropical or tropical stormlater today just before it makes landfall this afternoon or thisevening. Regardless of tropical development, eastern North Carolinawill experience some impacts from this system.The main threat will be periods of heavy rain with storm totalrainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with locally higher amountspossible. The highest rainfall totals are expected for areas south ofHighway 70. This will bring the threat of localized flash floodingespecially in low-lying, urban, and poor drainage areas.Tropical storm force winds will continue to impact coastal sections ofeastern North Carolina through this evening, mainly south of OcracokeInlet, potentially bringing scattered tree damage and power outages.A few tornadoes could produce locally significant damage acrosseastern North Carolina with the greatest threat occurring thisafternoon and tonight.Along the coast and tidal rivers, minor storm surge with inundation1 to 3 feet above ground level remains possible through Tuesday night.There also remains potential for minor ocean overwash along the coastthrough mid week. Stronger and more frequent rip currents will alsoexist 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 willcreate treacherous conditions for mariners.POTENTIAL IMPACTS-----------------* FLOODING RAIN:Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding acrossEastern North Carolina. Remain well guarded against dangerous floodwaters having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impactsinclude:- Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations andrescues.- Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swiftercurrents and overspill their banks in a few places, especiallyin usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, andditches overflow.- Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.Several places may experience expanded areas of rapidinundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainageareas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water asstorm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditionsbecome hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.* SURGE:Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding acrossvulnerable areas of the coast and tidal rivers. Remain well away fromlocally hazardous surge having additional limited impacts. Ifrealized, these impacts include:- Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly alongimmediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areasfarther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.- Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspreadwith surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places wheresurge water covers the road.- Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainlyin 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 isanticipated.* TORNADOES:Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across eastern NorthCarolina. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event havingpossible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include:- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the executionof emergency plans during tropical events.- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spotsof considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobilehomes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped oruprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.* WIND:Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding acrosscoastal Onslow and Carteret Counties. Remain well sheltered from hazardouswind having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include:- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchoredmobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped oruprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees areshallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urbanor heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions onbridges and other elevated roadways.- Scattered power and communications outages.Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact isanticipated.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS----------------------------------* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen forupdates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep abattery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you losepower, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies andcheck-ins.If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watchor warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramaticrise in water levels.If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to thesafest 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.orgNEXT UPDATE-----------The next local statement will be issued by the National WeatherService in Newport/Morehead City NC by 6 PM, or sooner ifconditions warrant.
