This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina **TROPICAL STORM CHANTAL CONTINUES TO MOVE INLAND THROUGH NORTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Horry, Coastal Brunswick, Coastal Georgetown, Coastal Horry, Coastal New Hanover, Coastal Pender, and Inland Georgetown * STORM INFORMATION: - About 80 miles west-southwest of Wilmington NC or about 30 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach SC - 34.0N 79.2W - Storm Intensity 40 mph - Movement North-northwest or 345 degrees at 8 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Chantal is slowly moving northward through extreme northeastern SC into southeastern NC. Periods of heavy rain could produce localized flooding in areas of southeastern NC including Columbus, Bladen, and Robeson County. Due to the slow movement of Chantal, the potential for isolated flooding may continue through this afternoon. Strong rip currents and dangerous surf are also expected, even as the storm moves inland. Hazardous surf conditions are expected to continue through early next week. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across northern Horry County in South Carolina and portions of southeast North Carolina. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Moderate flooding from rainfall may prompt some evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and streams may rise and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in the typical prone locations. Small creeks and ditches may overflow. - Flood waters may enter some structures. Underpasses, low-lying spots along roadways, and poor drainage areas may become submerged by rising water. Some secondary streets and parking lots may flood as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. - Driving conditions will become hazardous, and some road closures can be expected. * OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS: Life-threatening rip currents and dangerous surf are ongoing at all area beaches today. High surf forecasted for the beaches of northeast SC and Brunswick county through this evening, with breaking wave heights of six feet likely and minor beach erosion possible. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. 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 is possible. Unsecured lightweight objects may be blown about. - Some large limbs may break from trees. A few shallow rooted or weak trees may snap or be knocked down. Some fences and roadway signs will be damaged. - A few roads may become impassable due to debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions are possible, especially for high profile vehicles on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages are possible. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. Remain well braced against a tornado event having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder preparedness actions during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Tornadoes can cause damage to trees, vehicles, boats, and buildings. Unsecured mobile homes and poorly constructed structures are particularly vulnerable. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to remain safely sheltered from the storm. Stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Locate your battery powered radio and flashlight from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Keep these items close. During the peak of the storm, keep your shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and tennis shoes offer the best foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the elements. Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as possible. If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications systems with idle chatter. * 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 Wilmington NC around 11 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
