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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.

$$