WTUS82 KMHX 081501 HLSMHX NCZ029-044>047-079>081-090>092-094-193>196-198-199-203>205-082315- Tropical Storm Debby Local Statement Advisory Number 25 National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC AL042024 1101 AM EDT Thu Aug 8 2024 This product covers Eastern North Carolina **Debby Shifts Inland; Continues to Bring Flooding Rain and Tornado Threat to Eastern NC** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Onslow, East Carteret, and West Carteret * STORM INFORMATION: - About 250 miles west of Buxton NC or about 180 miles west of Morehead City NC - 34.5N 79.9W - Storm Intensity 40 mph - Movement North-northwest or 345 degrees at 10 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Debby continues to weaken as it shifts further inland over South Carolina. 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 through the afternoon with strong winds continuing through early tomorrow 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 tomorrow 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: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across areas west of Highway 17. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having additional extensive impacts. If realized, these 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. Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the rest of eastern NC. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having additional limited to significant impacts. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across Eastern North Carolina. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts. If realized, these 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: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across coastal North Carolina south of Ocracoke Inlet, as well as inland rivers. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts 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: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across coastal North Carolina from Ocracoke Inlet south. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having additional limited impacts. If realized, these impacts 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: Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy. Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. * 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 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$