Hurricane Helene Local Statement Advisory Number 13

Full Alert Message

Hurricane Helene Local Statement Advisory Number 13 National Weather Service Wilmington NC AL092024 1123 AM EDT Thu Sep 26 2024 This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina **HURRICANE HELENE CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN IN THE GULF OF MEXICO** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Horry, Coastal Georgetown, Coastal Horry, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Inland Georgetown, Marion, Marlboro, Northern Horry, and Williamsburg * STORM INFORMATION: - About 760 miles southwest of Wilmington NC or about 690 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach SC - 25.5N 85.5W - Storm Intensity 105 mph - Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Helene will bring limited impacts to northeastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina Thursday Night into Friday. Winds gusting over 40 mph are possible along with locally heavy rainfall. Isolated tornadoes and 50 mph wind gusts could accompany bands of showers and thunderstorms late Thursday into Friday morning. Marine weather conditions will also become dangerous with large seas and increasing winds expected. Helene's more significant impacts should remain well to the south and west. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * TORNADOES: Prepare for a particularly dangerous tornado event having possible extensive impacts across Northeast South Carolina and Northeast South Carolina. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of numerous tornadoes can greatly affect preparedness actions during tropical events. - Tornadoes can significantly damage homes, destroy mobile homes, uproot and snap trees, destroy cars and boats. Large and deadly projectiles can add to the damage. - Many places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of immense destruction, power loss, and communications failures. * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across Northeast South Carolina. Potential impacts in this area 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. Elsewhere across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across Northeast South Carolina. Potential 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. Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across Southeast North Carolina. * OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS: Strong rip currents and large breaking waves will make ocean conditions hazardous Thursday night and Friday. * SURGE: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties which must be taken into account. When securing your property, outside preparations should be conducted as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds and heavy rain can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe. Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings. If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which you are located and where it is relative to current watches and warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to area visitors. Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * 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 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.