This product covers CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE **OPHELIA CLOSE TO LANDFALL IN NORTH CAROLINA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Accomack, Bertie, Camden, Chesapeake, Chowan, Eastern Currituck, Gloucester, Hampton/Poquoson, Isle of Wight, James City, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Newport News, Norfolk/Portsmouth, Northampton, Northumberland, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Suffolk, Surry, Virginia Beach, Western Currituck, Westmoreland, and York - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Dorchester, Gates, Hertford, Inland Worcester, Maryland Beaches, Northampton, Richmond, Somerset, Southampton, and Wicomico * STORM INFORMATION: - About 300 miles south-southwest of Ocean City MD or about 180 miles south-southwest of Norfolk VA - 34.3N 76.9W - Storm Intensity 70 mph - Movement North-northwest or 345 degrees at 9 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Ophelia will make landfall shortly along the coast of North Carolina early this morning, and then lift north across eastern North Carolina and eastern Virginia later this morning into early Sunday. Regardless of the exact track, Ophelia is expected to bring a myriad of hazards to our area through early Sunday. These impacts include: * Dangerous marine and high surf - Dangerous marine conditions are expected late tonight into Saturday due to the strong winds and high seas. Seas of 12 to 16 feet are expected today and remain elevated into Sunday. Large breaking waves of 6 to 10 ft will result in dangerous surf conditions and a high risk for rip currents. * Heavy Rain - heavy downpours could cause localized minor flooding of roads and low-lying areas, especially across northeast north Carolina, eastern and central Virginia, and the lower eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia. * Winds - Tropical Storm force winds will continue to impact northeast North Carolina, east-central Virginia and the lower eastern shore through this evening. These strong winds will have the potential to cause areas of downed trees and power outages. * Coastal Flooding - Areas of moderate to major coastal flooding are possible during high tide cycles through this evening. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE. 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. * SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across coastal northeast North Carolina and eastern Virginia. Remain well away from life-threatening surge having significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Severe storm surge flooding will likely cause inundation of numerous roads and buildings, resulting in a threat to life and property. Flooding will likely extend inland from the waterfront and shoreline flooding homes, businesses and isolating some neighborhoods. Large breaking waves will result in additional damage near the shoreline. - Numerous roads flooded or washed out. - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching some dunes. - Severe damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is expected. Small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected marinas and docks. Potential impacts from the main surge event are also now unfolding across EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge. Elsewhere across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across central and eastern Virginia, northeast North Carolina and the lower eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Evacuations and rescues likely due to flooding from heavy rainfall - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become overwhelmed. - Flood waters enter structures within multiple communities, with some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Some escape routes inundated by flood waters. Streets, parking lots and underpasses could be submerged, with driving conditions quickly becoming dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures are expected with some becoming weakened or washed out. Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having possible significant impacts. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA...NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA...AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE. Remain well braced against a tornado event having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - A few tornadoes are expected. As a result, execution of emergency plans could be hindered in affected areas. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Roofs peeled off some buildings. A few chimneys toppled and mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned. Large tree tops and branches snapped off, with some trees knocked over. A few vehicles blown off roads. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all clear to return. * 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. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels. * 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 ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Wakefield VA around 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
