Skip Navigation Links
NOAA NOAA United States Department of Commerce

Example WFO-Issued HLS with Storm Surge Watch/Warning



WTUS82 KMHX 111443
HLSMHX
NCZ029-044>047-079>081-090>095-098-103-104-112245-


Hurricane Irene Local Statement Advisory Number 22
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC  AL092017
943 AM EST Wed Jan 11 2017


This product covers Eastern North Carolina


**DANGEROUS HURRICANE IRENE FORECAST TO APPROACH EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA
COAST ON THURSDAY**


NEW INFORMATION
---------------


* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
   - A Hurricane Watch has been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning for
     Pitt, Duplin, Lenoir, Jones, and Martin
   - A Hurricane Watch has been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning and
     A Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge Warning
     for Washington, Tyrrell, Mainland Dare, Beaufort, Mainland
     Hyde, Craven, Pamlico, Carteret, Onslow, Outer Banks Dare, and
     Outer Banks Hyde
   - A Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
     Warning for Greene


* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
   - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Pitt, Duplin, Lenoir,
     Jones, and Martin
   - A Hurricane Warning and Storm Surge Warning are in effect for
     Washington, Tyrrell, Mainland Dare, Beaufort, Mainland Hyde,
     Craven, Pamlico, Carteret, Onslow, Outer Banks Dare, and Outer
     Banks Hyde
   - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Greene


* STORM INFORMATION:
   - About 580 miles south of Buxton NC or About 530 miles south of
     Morehead City NC
   - 27.0N 77.3W
   - Storm Intensity 115 mph
   - Movement North-northwest or 335 degrees at 14 mph


SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------


When making decisions...do not focus on the exact forecast track.
Due to the size and the strength of the storm...there is a potential
for major to devastating impacts from wind across eastern North
Carolina as well as significant to extensive impacts from storm
surge along portions of the coast Thursday into Friday. Residents of
eastern North Carolina need to heed the advice of their local
emergency officials and complete their preparedness actions today.


POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------


* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across portions of eastern North Carolina. Potential impacts in
this area include:
   - Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof
     and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage
     greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations
     may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
   - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
     roadway signs blown over.
   - Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
     or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access
     routes impassable.
   - Widespread power and communications outages.


* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible extensive
impacts across areas along the Neuse and Pamlico rivers as well as
coastal sections of Onslow county. Potential impacts in these areas
include:
   - Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding
     accentuated by battering waves. Structural damage to buildings,
     with several washing away. Damage compounded by floating
     debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period.
   - Large sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads
     washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and
     barriers may become stressed.
   - Severe beach erosion with significant dune loss.
   - Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Many
     small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
     unprotected anchorages with some lifted onshore and stranded.


Also, protect against life-threatening surge having possible
significant impacts across portions of the Outer Banks and Pamlico Sound
facing areas.


* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across portions of eastern North Carolina. Potential
impacts include:
   - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
     rescues.
   - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks
     in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,
     canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In
     mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while
     increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
     control systems and barriers may become stressed.
   - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
     communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away.  
     Flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots 
     become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving 
     conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures 
     with some weakened or washed out.


* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across eastern North Carolina. Potential impacts include:
   - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
     of emergency plans during tropical events.
   - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
     of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
   - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
     homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
     uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
     Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------


* EVACUATIONS:
For those under evacuation orders, leave as soon as practical with
a destination in mind. Gas up your vehicle well ahead of time. Be sure
that you take all essential materials from your emergency supplies kit.
Let others know where you are going and when you intend to arrive.


For those not under evacuation orders, understand that there are
inherent risks to evacuation (such as traffic congestion, accidents,
and driving in bad weather), so evacuate only if necessary. Help keep
roadways open for those that are under evacuation orders.


If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or water hazards from
tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, especially if being
officially recommended. Relocate to a predetermined shelter or safe
destination.


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to bring to completion all preparations to protect
life and property in accordance with your emergency plan.


If you are a visitor and still in the area, listen for the name of
the city or town in which you are staying within local news updates.
Be sure you know the name of the county or parish in which it
resides. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities.


Closely monitor NOAA Weather radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to
the forecast.


* 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 NOON, or sooner if
conditions warrant.


$$