This product covers CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
**TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED FROM DUCK NORTH TO CAPE CHARLES**
NEW INFORMATION
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* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Eastern Currituck,
Virginia Beach, and Western Currituck
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Eastern Currituck,
Virginia Beach, and Western Currituck
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 890 miles south of Ocean City MD or about 810 miles
south-southeast of Norfolk VA
- 25.6N 72.4W
- Storm Intensity 105 mph
- Movement Northwest or 325 degrees at 9 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
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Hurricane Erin, currently northeast of the Bahamas, will gradually
turn northward with the center of the storm remaining well offshore of
the Middle Atlantic. However, Erin is expected to grow in size which
may allow for tropical storm conditions to impact areas close to the
coast south of Cape Charles, Virginia as well as the Maryland, Virginia
and northeast North Carolina Coastal Waters. Winds of 30 to 40 mph
with gusts to 45 mph are possible close to the coast south of Cape
Charles.
Regardless of the exact track, Erin is expected to bring high surf,
significant dune and beach erosion and moderate to locally major
coastal flooding to the area. Seas will increase to 10 to 15 feet over
the coastal waters by Thursday which will allow for significant beach
and dune erosion for the coast especially around the times of high tide
on Thursday morning and Thursday evening. In addition, moderate to
locally major coastal flooding is expected during the Thursday
afternoon and evening high tide with inundation of 1 to 3 feet above
normally high ground.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
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* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across all of the shoreline from Maryland through Virginia to NE North
Carolina, including the lower and middle Chesapeake Bay. Potential
impacts in this area include:
- Widespread storm surge flooding of vulnerable areas will result
in an elevated threat of property damage to homes and
businesses near the waterfront and shoreline.
- Sections of low-lying vulnerable roads, parking lots and
property will likely become flooded. Driving conditions could
become dangerous in places where flooding covers the road.
- Moderate to severe beach erosion is likely, including heavy
surf possibly breaching dunes, especially in vulnerable
locations. Strong and dangerous rip currents are likely.
- Minor to moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and
piers is likely. A few small craft broken away from moorings.
Elsewhere across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE, little to no impact
is anticipated.
* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Along the Atlantic coast from Fenwick Island Delaware to Duck North
Carolina, expect waves to build to 10 to 15 ft by Thursday morning.
These large waves combined with increased water levels will likely
allow for significant beach and dune erosion. In addition, there iThere
is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways to
receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.s a high risk of
rip currents along the shoreline through Friday.
* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts for area
close to the shoreline south of Cape Charles to Duck. 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, especially if soils are saturated. Some roadway signs
will sustain damage.
- A few roads will be impassable from debris. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.
Elsewhere across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE, little to no impact
is anticipated.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited
impacts across extreme NE North Carolina. Potential impacts include:
- Localized flooding from heavy rainfall may prompt a few
evacuations
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swift currents.
Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become swollen and
overflow.
- Flood waters may enter a few structures, especially in usually
vulnerable spots. Rapid ponding of water is possible at
underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some
storm drains and retention ponds could become near-full and
begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures can be
expected.
Elsewhere across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE, little to no impact
is anticipated.
* TORNADOES:
No impacts are anticipated at this time across CENTRAL AND EASTERN
VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN
SHORE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
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* 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 damaging wind gusts, coastal
flooding, and beach erosion extend well away from the center of the
storm.
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.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see
www.readyvirginia.gov, readync.org or mema.maryland.gov
- For the latest weather and storm information go to
weather.gov/wakefield
NEXT UPDATE
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The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Wakefield VA around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.
