HLSILM This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina **HELENE BECOMES A HURRICANE** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Coastal Georgetown and Coastal Horry * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Georgetown and Coastal Horry * STORM INFORMATION: - About 1010 miles south-southwest of Wilmington NC or about 950 miles south-southwest of Myrtle Beach SC - 21.6N 86.3W - Storm Intensity 80 mph - Movement North-northwest or 330 degrees at 10 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Due to its large physical size Helene will bring some peripheral effects to the area. Very outer tropical bands will be capable of producing moderate rainfall and breezy conditions. There will also be a small but non-zero tornado threat. Hazardous marine conditions will develop with large waves and tropical storm forced wind gusts. The main timing window of these impacts will be late Thursday into early Friday. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across Southeast North Carolina and Northeast South Carolina. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder preparedness actions during tropical events. - Tornadoes can rip roofs from homes, destroy mobile homes, cause trees to become snapped or uprooted, flip cars and boats. Dangerous projectiles can add to the damage. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across Southeast North Carolina and Northeast South Carolina. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across Southeast North Carolina and Northeast South Carolina. Potential impacts include: - Moderate flooding from rainfall may prompt some evacuations and rescues especially in Northeast South Carolina. - Driving conditions will become hazardous, and some road closures can be expected. Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across Northeast South Carolina and Southeast North Carolina. * WIND: 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. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. 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 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
