* WHAT. Southwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 6 to 11 ft. * WHERE. Northeast South Carolina coastal waters. * WHEN. Tropical Storm force winds possible Thursday night into Friday morning. * IMPACTS. Tropical storm force winds and hazardous seas could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

* WHAT. Southeast to South winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 to 40 kt and seas 7 to 11 ft expected. * WHERE. Southeast North Carolina and Northeast South Carolina coastal waters. * WHEN. From noon Thursday to noon EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

HLSILM This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina **HURRICANE HELENE STRENGTHENING RAPIDLY IN THE CARIBBEAN** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Coastal Georgetown and Coastal Horry - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Central Horry, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Inland Georgetown, Marion, Marlboro, Northern Horry, and Williamsburg * 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 970 miles southwest of Wilmington NC or about 900 miles south-southwest of Myrtle Beach SC - 22.5N 86.6W - Storm Intensity 85 mph - Movement North or 355 degrees at 12 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 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. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against 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. Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across Southeast North Carolina. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Outside preparations should be wrapped up as soon as possible before weather conditions completely deteriorate. Any remaining evacuations and relocations should be expedited before the onset of tropical storm force wind. If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or own a pet. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Check the latest weather forecast before departing. Keep cell phones well charged and handy. Also, cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful after the storm. Locate your chargers and keep them with your cell phone Closely monitor NOAA Weather radio or other local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to 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 11 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

* WHAT. Southwest winds 30 to 40 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas 6 to 11 ft. * WHERE. Northeast South Carolina coastal waters. * WHEN. Tropical Storm force winds possible from Thursday evening until Friday morning. * IMPACTS. Tropical storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

* WHAT. South winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 7 to 10 ft expected. * WHERE. Southeast North Carolina coastal waters. * WHEN. From noon Thursday to noon EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

* WHAT. South winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 7 to 10 ft expected. * WHERE. The coastal waters from Ocracoke Inlet to Surf City. * WHEN. From 10 AM Thursday to 2 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in North Carolina. South Carolina. Lumber River Near Lumberton affecting Robeson County. Waccamaw River near Longs affecting Columbus, Horry and Brunswick Counties. Waccamaw River near Freeland affecting Columbus and Brunswick Counties. * WHAT. Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE. Waccamaw River near Freeland. * WHEN. Until tomorrow evening. * IMPACTS. At 15.0 feet, Water will continue to spread out of its banks and into swamps along the river and some yards near the river may begin to flood. This includes areas along Rivergate Drive, the end of Reaves Ferry Road near Nakina, the end of Mosquito Rd NW, Kingtown Road, and Crusoe Island Road. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 8:30 AM EDT Wednesday the stage was 15.3 feet. - Forecast. The river is expected to fall below flood stage just after midnight tonight and continue falling to 14.1 feet Monday morning. - Flood stage is 15.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood