360 WTUS82 KMHX 172055 HLSMHX NCZ045>047-080-081-094-194>196-199-203>205-180500- Tropical Storm Arthur Local Statement Advisory Number 5 National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC AL012020 455 PM EDT Sun May 17 2020 This product covers Eastern North Carolina **TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR TO IMPACT EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA LATE TONIGHT THROUGH MONDAY** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Beaufort, Coastal Onslow, East Carteret, Hatteras Island, Mainland Dare, Mainland Hyde, Northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island, Pamlico, Southern Craven, Tyrrell, Washington, and West Carteret * STORM INFORMATION: - About 280 miles south-southwest of Buxton NC or about 220 miles south of Morehead City NC - 31.5N 77.2W - Storm Intensity 45 mph - Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 9 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Arthur, currently located well offshore of the Georgia/South Carolina coast, is forecast to lift north-northeast and approach the North Carolina coast tonight. The Tropical Storm will then pass over or just offshore of coastal eastern North Carolina Monday morning through afternoon. The threat for stronger and more frequent rip currents will continue at area beaches for the next several days, making swimming dangerous. Tropical storm force winds are expected along the coast. These winds could lead to some downed trees and widely scattered power outages. Dependent on the track, a few tornadoes are possible as well, which could lead to locally enhanced damage. Minor inundation from storm surge (up to 2 feet AGL) is possible for low-lying areas adjacent to the ocean, sounds, and rivers, with overwash of dunes and flooding of properties and roadways possible for locations where dune structures are weak mainly north of Cape Lookout. Dangerous marine conditions are also expected, with seas building to 10 to 15 feet creating treacherous conditions for mariners. Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall are possible mainly along the coast, with the potential for localized minor flooding of low lying areas. Storm total rainfall amounts generally 1 to 3 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS: Stronger and more frequent rip currents caused by swell from Tropical Storm Arthur will continue the next several days. No one should enter the water. Additionally, strong winds and large seas of 10 to 15 ft will arrive early Monday morning and Monday afternoon. Mariners are advised to avoid navigating during this time. * WIND: Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across much of coastal Eastern North Carolina. 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. * SURGE: Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across low lying areas adjacent to tidal waterways. 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. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across portions of coastal Eastern North Carolina. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across portions of coastal 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. Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. * 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. 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 1130 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$