* WHAT. Southwest winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas 7 to 12 ft. * WHERE. Northeast South Carolina coastal waters. * WHEN. Tropical Storm force winds possible from early Friday morning 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 40 kt and seas 6 to 11 ft. * WHERE. Southeast North Carolina coastal waters. * WHEN. Until noon EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

* WHAT. Southwest winds 30 to 40 kt with gusts up to 50 kt and seas 7 to 12 ft. * WHERE. Northeast South Carolina coastal waters. * WHEN. Tropical Storm force winds possible 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 40 kt and seas 6 to 11 ft. * WHERE. Southeast North Carolina coastal waters. * WHEN. Until noon EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

* WHAT. South winds 15 to 25 kt with some gusts up to 35 kt and seas 7 to 12 ft. * WHERE. The coastal waters from Oregon Inlet to Surf City. * WHEN. Until noon EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

* WHAT. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE. Much of central North Carolina, including most of the Piedmont, the Yadkin Valley, the Sandhills, the southern Coastal Plain along with the Triad and Triangle areas. * WHEN. Through Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - Given recent wet conditions, the ground is saturated and streamflows are significantly above normal. Much of central NC is susceptible to flash flooding with significant rain or periods of heavy rain. After somewhat of a lull overnight, the heaviest and most widespread rain will fall on Friday morning and early afternoon. Total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected on average. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* WHAT. Southwest winds 30 to 40 kt with gusts up to 55 kt and seas 7 to 12 ft. * WHERE. Northeast South Carolina coastal waters. * WHEN. Tropical Storm force winds possible until early Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS. Tropical storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

* WHAT. South winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas 6 to 11 ft. * WHERE. Southeast North Carolina coastal waters. * WHEN. Until noon EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

HLSILM This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina ** TORNADOES POSSIBLE TODAY WITH TROPICAL STORM HELENE ** 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 310 miles west-southwest of Wilmington NC or about 240 miles west-southwest of Myrtle Beach SC - 32.8N 83.0W - Storm Intensity 70 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 30 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Helene will bring limited impacts to northeastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina today. Winds gusting over 40 mph are possible along with locally heavy rainfall. Isolated tornadoes could accompany bands of showers and thunderstorms. Marine weather conditions will also be dangerous with large seas and strong winds. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. Remain well braced against a particularly dangerous tornado event having possible extensive impacts. If realized, these 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. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. Remain well guarded against locally hazardous flood waters having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Localized flooding from rainfall may occur, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Some rivers and creeks may rise as a result of the rain. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may overflow in some locations. - Several storm drains and retention ponds may become full and begin to overflow. Some brief road closures are possible. * SURGE: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to remain safely sheltered from the storm. Stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Locate your battery powered radio and flashlight from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Keep these items close. Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as possible. If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications systems with idle chatter. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. Be wise and avoid becoming another statistic. Be ready to move to the identified safe room if your home or shelter begins to fail. Quickly move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Put as many sturdy walls between you and the storm as you can. Protect your head and body. * 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 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

* WHAT. South winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 7 to 12 ft. * WHERE. Southeast North Carolina coastal waters. * WHEN. Until noon EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

* WHAT. Southwest winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas 7 to 12 ft. * WHERE. Northeast South Carolina coastal waters. * WHEN. Tropical Storm force winds possible now through the next few hours. * IMPACTS. Tropical storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

* WHAT. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE. Much of central North Carolina, including most of the Piedmont, the Yadkin Valley, the Sandhills, the southern Coastal Plain along with the Triad and Triangle areas. * WHEN. Through this afternoon. * IMPACTS. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - Given recent wet conditions, the ground is saturated and streamflows are significantly above normal. Much of central North Carolina is susceptible to flash flooding as periods of heavy rain overspread the region. The heaviest and most widespread rain will fall this morning into the early afternoon. Total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected on average with 3 inches or greater possible in isolated locations.

* WHAT. South winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 7 to 12 ft. * WHERE. The coastal waters from Ocracoke Inlet to Surf City. * WHEN. Until 7 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

* WHAT. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with frequent gusts 35 to 45 mph. * WHERE. Portions of the northeast Piedmont, western Sandhills, and central/southern Coastal Plain. * WHEN. Until 6 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured outdoor objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and result in scattered power outages.

HLSILM This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina **HURRICANE HELENE VERY CLOSE TO MAKING LANDFALL IN THE FLORIDA BIG BEND** 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 470 miles southwest of Wilmington NC or about 390 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach SC - 29.9N 83.9W - Storm Intensity 140 mph - Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 24 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Helene will bring limited impacts to northeastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina through Friday morning. Winds gusting over 40 mph are possible along with locally heavy rainfall. Isolated tornadoes could accompany bands of showers and thunderstorms through 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: Protect against a particularly dangerous tornado event having possible extensive impacts across Northeast South Carolina and Southeast North 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. * SURGE: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to bring to completion all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. 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. Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making. Check-in with your emergency points of contact among family, friends, and workmates. Inform them of your status and well-being. Let them know how you intend to ride out the storm and when you plan to check-in again. 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. In emergencies it is best to remain calm. Stay informed and focused on the situation at hand. Exercise patience with those you encounter. Be a Good Samaritan and helpful to others. If relocating to a nearby shelter or to the home of a family member or friend, drive with extra caution, especially on secondary roads. Remember, many bridges and causeways will be closed once higher winds arrive. Also, if you encounter water covering the road, seek an alternate route. Always obey official road signs for closures and detours. If you are a visitor and still in the area, listen for the name of the city or town in which you are staying within local news updates. Be sure you know the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities. 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 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 687 IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT FRIDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ADJACENT COASTAL WATERS COASTAL WATERS FROM SURF CITY TO CAPE FEAR NC OUT 20 NM COASTAL WATERS FROM CAPE FEAR NC TO LITTLE RIVER INLET SC OUT 20 NM COASTAL WATERS FROM LITTLE RIVER INLET TO MURRELLS INLET SC OUT 20 NM COASTAL WATERS FROM MURRELLS INLET TO SOUTH SANTEE RIVER SC OUT 20 NM WATERS FROM SURF CITY TO CAPE FEAR NC FROM 20 TO 40 NM WATERS FROM CAPE FEAR NC TO LITTLE RIVER INLET SC FROM 20 TO 40 NM WATERS FROM LITTLE RIVER INLET TO MURRELLS INLET SC FROM 20 TO 40 NM WATERS FROM SURF CITY NC TO SOUTH SANTEE RIVER SC FROM 20 TO 40 NM

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 687 IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT FRIDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN NORTH CAROLINA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES IN SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA BLADEN BRUNSWICK COLUMBUS NEW HANOVER PENDER ROBESON IN SOUTH CAROLINA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 8 COUNTIES IN NORTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA DARLINGTON DILLON FLORENCE GEORGETOWN HORRY MARION MARLBORO WILLIAMSBURG THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ANDREWS, BENNETTSVILLE, BLADENBORO, BOILING SPRING LAKES, BURGAW, CHADBOURN, CONWAY, DARLINGTON, DILLON, ELIZABETHTOWN, FLORENCE, GARDEN CITY, GEORGETOWN, HARTSVILLE, KINGSTREE, LAKE WACCAMAW, LELAND, LITTLE RIVER, LONG BEACH, LUMBERTON, MARION, MCCOLL, MULLINS, MURRELLS INLET, MYRTLE BEACH, NORTH HARTSVILLE, NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, OAK ISLAND, RED HILL, SOCASTEE, SOUTHPORT, SUNSET BEACH, SURF CITY, TABOR CITY, WHITEVILLE, AND WILMINGTON.

The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in South Carolina. North Carolina. Waccamaw River near Longs affecting Brunswick, Horry and Columbus Counties. . The Flood Warning is cancelled for the following rivers in North Carolina. Waccamaw River near Freeland affecting Brunswick and Columbus Counties. * WHAT. Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE. Waccamaw River near Longs. * WHEN. Until Monday morning. * IMPACTS. At 12.0 feet, Flooding may limit vehicle access near the river at the end of Big Gutter Lane and Doodle Hill Lane. Low spots on Red Bluff Road will begin to flood. The end of Vera Road will flood. Several boat landings will be inaccessible. Parts of Aberdeen County Club will be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 8:00 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 12.2 feet. - Forecast. The river is expected to fall below flood stage early Sunday afternoon and continue falling to 11.5 feet Tuesday evening. - Flood stage is 12.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood