Updated 8/28/17 11:30am
Tropical Storm Watches are now posted for the North and South Carolina coasts, and Virginia beaches.
An area of low pressure is becoming better organized off the Southeast coast.
Development of this system into a tropical depression or storm is possible as early as Monday afternoon.
Should it strengthen enough, it would become Tropical Storm 'Irma'
Regardless of development, heavy rain, gusty winds and minor coastal flooding are expected from the Southeast coast to the mid-Atlantic.
More details at Weather.Com
Ten Local Watch/Warning Statement/Intermediate Advisory Number 3ANational Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC AL102017759 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2017
NCZ095-282000-/O.CON.KMHX.TR.A.1010.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/Carteret-759 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2017
...TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT...
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Morehead City - Beaufort - Emerald Isle
* WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 55 mph - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Tuesday morning until Tuesday afternoon
- CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Elevated - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - Emergency plans should include a reasonable threat for tropical storm force wind of 39 to 57 mph. - To be safe, prepare for the potential of limited wind impacts. Remaining efforts to secure properties should now be brought to completion. - Hazardous wind is possible. Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury. Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - 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.
* STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Localized storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for up to 2 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: Begins early Tuesday morning
- CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Elevated - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - Emergency plans should include a reasonable threat for peak storm surge flooding of greater than 1 foot above ground. - To be safe, prepare for the potential of limited storm surge flooding impacts. Efforts should now be brought to completion before conditions deteriorate. - Localized inundation is possible. Follow the instructions of local officials. Consider voluntary evacuation if recommended. Leave immediately if evacuation orders are issued.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - 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.
* FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flash Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally higher amounts
- CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Moderate - The flooding rain threat has increased from the previous assessment. - Emergency plans should include a reasonable threat for moderate flooding where peak rainfall totals notably exceed amounts conducive for flash flooding and rapid inundation. Rescues and emergency evacuations are possible. - To be safe, earnestly prepare for the potential of significant flooding rain impacts. - Dangerous flooding is possible. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. If flood related watches and warnings are issued, heed recommended actions.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.
* TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes
- CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Elevated - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - When implementing emergency plans, include a reasonable threat for isolated tornadoes. - To be safe, prepare for the potential of limited tornado impacts. - Listen for tornado watches and warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly if a tornado approaches.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.
* FOR MORE INFORMATION: - http://ready.gov/hurricanes - http://www.weather.gov/mhx/Tropical