This product covers Eastern North Carolina

**TROPICAL STORM WATCH CONTINUES FOR COASTAL SECTIONS OF EASTERN
NORTH CAROLINA**

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Beaufort, Coastal
Onslow, East Carteret, Hatteras Island, Inland Onslow, Mainland
Dare, Mainland Hyde, Northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island,
Pamlico, Southern Craven, Tyrrell, Washington, and West Carteret

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 680 miles west-southwest of Buxton NC or about 610 miles
west of Morehead City NC
- 32.6N 87.0W
- Storm Intensity 30 mph
- Movement Northeast or 50 degrees at 14 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Tropical Depression Claudette will move across the Southeast
through Sunday and is expected to track across eastern North Carolina
as a minimal Tropical Storm Sunday night into Monday morning.

Periods of locally heavy rain are likely bringing the potential for
localized minor flooding of low lying areas.

Tropical storm force winds are expected across coastal sections of
eastern North Carolina. This could lead to some downed trees and
scattered power outages. A few tornadoes are possible beginning Sunday
afternoon and continuing into Monday morning, which could lead to
locally enhanced damage.

Minor storm surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet above ground will be
possible along sound-side locations of the Outer Banks and mainland
counties adjacent to northern portions of the Pamlico Sound. Overwash
of dunes and flooding of properties and roadways possible for
locations where dune structures are weak.

The threat for stronger and more frequent rip currents will continue
for area beaches through the middle of next week.

Dangerous marine conditions are also expected, with strong winds and
seas building to 7 to 10 feet creating treacherous conditions for
mariners.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
Eastern North Carolina. Potential 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, 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.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across the Outer Banks and mainland counties adjacent to northern
portions of the Pamlico Sound. Potential impacts in this area include:
- 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.

Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across areas south and east of a Manteo to Kenansville line.
Potential impacts include:
- 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.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across far northern and western portions of eastern
North Carolina.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
Eastern North Carolina. Potential impacts include:
- 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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so
immediately.


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of
strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness
activities to become unsafe.

Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county 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 weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.


* 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
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The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Newport/Morehead City NC around 5 AM, or sooner if
conditions warrant.