Weather Alert in North Carolina

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued August 21 at 5:15AM 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 **HURRICANE ERIN MAKING IT'S CLOSEST APPROACH TO NC EARLY THIS MORNING** 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 210 miles east-southeast of Buxton NC or about 270 miles east of Morehead City NC - 34.2N 72.1W - Storm Intensity 105 mph - Movement North-northeast or 20 degrees at 17 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Erin remains a Category 2 hurricane early this morning. Erin is currently at its closest approach to Eastern NC, even though it remains about 210 miles east southeast of Cape Hatteras, NC. Because of this, significant coastal impacts are expected to peak today, particularly on the Outer Banks, as Erin pulls away to the northeast. 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. Portions of NC-12 and secondary roads along the Outer Banks, in particular on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, are already closed and will likely remain impassable or inaccessible through much of this week due to significant ocean overwash. Minor to locally moderate inundation of 1 to 3 ft can also be expected for soundside areas adjacent to the southern Pamlico Sound today and possibly into Friday as well. Highest water levels are expected around the high tide cycles this morning and this evening. Strong rip currents are expected along area beaches through the weekend. Extensive beach erosion is also likely due to strong long period waves as high as 10 to 18 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 additional 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. Also, minor to locally moderate soundside inundation with water level rises of 1 to 3 feet across the southern Pamlico Sound and adjacent tributaries due to the north winds. Highest water levels expected across Downeast Carteret County today. 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. * OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS: Life threatening rip currents and dangerous marine conditions will persist through the week. 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. During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather. 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 AM, or sooner if conditions warrant.

INSTRUCTION: N/A

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