WTUS82 KMHX 080921 HLSMHX NCZ029-044>047-079>081-090>092-094-193>196-198-199-203>205-081730- Tropical Storm Debby Local Statement Advisory Number 24 National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC AL042024 521 AM EDT Thu Aug 8 2024 This product covers Eastern North Carolina **DEBBY HAS MADE LANDFALL IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND WILL CONTINUE TO IMPACT EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Coastal Onslow and West Carteret - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for East Carteret * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Onslow, East Carteret, and West Carteret * STORM INFORMATION: - About 280 miles west-southwest of Buxton NC or about 200 miles west-southwest of Morehead City NC - 33.2N 79.7W - Storm Intensity 50 mph - Movement Northwest or 325 degrees at 5 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ The center of Tropical Storm Debby made landfall in the Bulls Bay area of South Carolina earlier this morning. Debby will continue northwards and eventually track through central North Carolina tonight and push north into the Mid-Atlantic on Friday. The main threat for eastern North Carolina continues to be periods of heavy rain with additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 5 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. The highest rainfall totals are expected for areas south of Highway 70. This will bring the threat of localized flash flooding especially in low-lying, urban, and poor drainage areas. The threat of river flooding will also increase through this weekend and could linger into next week. Tropical storm force winds could impact portions of eastern North Carolina this afternoon with strong winds continuing through early Friday morning, potentially bringing scattered tree damage and power outages. A few tornadoes could produce locally significant damage through tonight. Along the coast, minor storm surge with inundation 1 to 3 feet above ground level is possible this evening into Friday morning. There also remains potential for minor ocean overwash along the coast through late week. Stronger and more frequent rip currents will also exist along area beaches into this weekend. Dangerous marine conditions are expected for the coastal waters, sounds and rivers, with strong winds and dangerous seas. This will create treacherous conditions for mariners. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across Eastern North Carolina south of HWY70. Potential impacts include: - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limited to significant impacts across Eastern North Carolina north of HWY70. * TORNADOES: Prepare for 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. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal North Carolina. 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. * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across coastal North Carolina from Ocracoke Inlet south. 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. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm. If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which you are located and where it is relative to current watches and warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to area visitors. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly. * 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 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$