016 
WTUS82 KILM 160908
HLSILM
NCZ087-096-099-105>110-SCZ017-023-024-032-033-039-054>056-058-059-161715-

Tropical Depression Florence Local Statement Advisory Number 68
National Weather Service Wilmington NC  AL062018
508 AM EDT Sun Sep 16 2018

This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina

**FLORENCE NOW A TROPICAL DEPRESSION...CONTINUES TO BRING TORRENTIAL RAIN TO THE AREA** 

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - All watches and warnings have been canceled

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 210 miles west of Wilmington NC or about 140 miles west 
      of Myrtle Beach SC
    - 33.8N 81.4W
    - Storm Intensity 35 mph
    - Movement West or 280 degrees at 8 mph

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

Tropical Depression Florence will continue to drift westward across
South Carolina through Sunday, bringing torrential rainfall and life-
threatening flash flooding across portions of the Carolinas. Prolonged 
river flooding is expected as the heavy rains from Florence continue 
to deposit across the forecast area.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Additional impacts from flooding rain are still a concern across 
southeastern North Carolina. Remain well guarded against life-
threatening flood waters having further impacts of catastrophic 
potential.

Additional impacts from flooding rain are still a concern across 
northeastern South Carolina. Remain well guarded against life-
threatening flood waters having further impacts of extensive to 
devastating potential.

* TORNADOES:
Additional impacts from tornadoes are still a concern across southeastern
North Carolina. Remain well braced against dangerous tornado event having 
further significant impact potential.

Elsewhere across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, 
little to no impact is anticipated.

* WIND:
Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time across southeastern
North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina.

* SURGE:
Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time across southeastern
North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Do not return to evacuated areas until it is safe. Listen for the all-clear 
signal from local authorities.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

If your home or shelter was damaged, be alert to the smell of natural 
gas leaks and cautious around exposed electrical wiring, broken 
glass, jagged metal and wood, and protruding nails and screws.

Check to see if everyone in your group is OK. Administer first aid to 
those who are injured. Call 9 1 1 for any serious injuries. Remember, 
it may be more difficult for emergency responders to arrive quickly 
in the time period immediately following the storm.

Check-in with your emergency points of contact. Let them know of your 
status and well-being. Keep conversations short and to the point. Do 
not tie up communications systems.

Be a good neighbor and check on those living next to you. Be 
neighborly and lend a helping hand.

Those who rode out the storm away from their home or business are 
likely anxious to return. However, allow some time for work crews to 
make a clear path for emergency vehicles. Downed power lines and 
trees may be blocking roads and flood waters may have washed out or 
overspread sections of key travel routes. Traffic lights may also be 
out of service.

Do not go sightseeing within impacted communities simply to observe 
storm damage. Sightseers can interfere with the timeliness of 
rescuers and first responders to needlessly jeopardize lives.

When inspecting damage, use flashlights rather than candles or flamed 
lighting. Be aware of sparks that can ignite leaking gas or other 
flammables.

Do not go up on your roof until the rain and strong winds have 
subsided. Ladders can be slippery in the rain and unexpected wind 
gusts can blow you off of the roof. Do not risk bodily harm in an 
attempt to reduce property damage.

When clearing out fallen trees, be careful with chain saws and axes. 
Always wear protective gear and keep others at a safe distance. Use 
these tools according to operating manuals and safety instruction. 
Leaning trees and those which have fallen on roof tops can be 
especially challenging. If you are not in good health or unsure about 
what you are doing, have someone else with tree cutting experience do 
the job. Never cut trees without a partner.

If using a generator, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by following 
instructions by the manufacturer. Make sure that the generator is run 
in a well ventilated space.

Problems with sewer backups can further contaminate standing flood 
waters. Keep children away. Also, listen for boil water alerts 
relative to communities whose tap water may have become non-potable.

* 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
-----------

As it pertains to this event...this will be the last local statement 
issued by the National Weather Service in Wilmington NC regarding the 
effects of tropical cyclone hazards upon the area.

$$

MORGAN