This product covers CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH
CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
**ERIN JUST BEGINNING TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA COAST**
NEW INFORMATION
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* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Accomack, Eastern
Currituck, Northampton, Virginia Beach, and Western Currituck
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 330 miles south-southeast of Ocean City MD or about 300
miles southeast of Norfolk VA
- 34.2N 72.1W
- Storm Intensity 105 mph
- Movement North-northeast or 20 degrees at 17 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
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Hurricane Erin, currently about 205 miles east-southeast of Cape
Hatteras, NC and moving to the north-northeast, will gradually turn
northeastward as the center of the storm tracks well offshore of the
Middle Atlantic coast. However, Erin is expected to grow in size which
may allow for tropical storm conditions to impact areas close to the
coast from the Virginia Eastern Shore, Virginia Beach, Currituck
County, 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 Chincoteague.
Regardless of the exact track, Erin is expected to bring high surf,
significant dune and beach erosion and moderate to locally major tidal
flooding to the area. Seas will increase to 12 to 18 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. A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for the
Atlantic coast from Corolla, NC to Ocean City, MD, areas adjacent to
the Chesapeake Bay from Windmill Point south, tidal portions of the
James, York, and Rappahannock Rivers as well as adjacent estuaries.
A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect for areas adjacent to the
Chesapeake Bay north of Windmill Point through the Bay-side of the
lower Maryland Eastern Shore, and the southern shore of the Potomac
River, as well as adjacent estuaries.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
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* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event will begin to unfold this
afternoon across across all of the shoreline from Maryland through
Virginia to NE North Carolina, including the lower and middle
Chesapeake Bay. If realized, these impacts 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 12 to 18 ft by later this morning.
These large waves combined with increased water levels will likely
allow for significant beach and dune erosion. There is a high risk of
rip currents along the shoreline through Friday, and a high risk of rip
currents will likely continue into the weekend.
* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are beginning to unfold
across the area close to the shoreline from Chincoteague VA to Duck NC.
A north-northeast wind is gusting to 35 to 40 mph along the Atlantic
coast of Virginia Beach and the Currituck Outer Banks early this
morning. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having 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, 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.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
A mandatory evacuation for the off-road area of Corolla has been
effective as of 9 AM EDT Wednesday August 20th.
* 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 coastal flooding or ocean overwash be prepared for
the possibility of a quick rise in water levels.
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 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.
