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 310 miles southeast of Ocean City MD or about 310 miles
east-southeast of Norfolk VA
- 35.4N 70.9W
- Storm Intensity 100 mph
- Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 18 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
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Hurricane Erin, currently about 260 miles east of Cape Hatteras, NC,
continues to move north-northeast away from the coast. Erin will
gradually turn northeastward as the center of the storm tracks well
offshore of the Mid-Atlantic coast. However, Erin is expected to grow
in size, and tropical storm force gusts are expected to continue
through this evening across Virginia Beach, Currituck County, as well
as the Maryland, Virginia and northeast North Carolina Coastal Waters.
Winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 45 to 50 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 later today which will allow for significant beach and
dune erosion for the coast especially around the times of high tide on
this evening. In addition, moderate to locally major coastal flooding
is expected during the high tide cycle this evening and tonight with
inundation of 1 to 3 feet above normally high ground. A Coastal Flood
Warning remains 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 today. 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 45 mph along the Atlantic
coast of Virginia Beach and the Currituck Outer Banks late 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
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* 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 6 PM, or sooner if conditions warrant.
