* 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.

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours * LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Marion - Mullins * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 15-25 mph with gusts to 40 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be underway. Prepare for limited wind damage. - ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - 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 - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - 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. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger damage paths. - PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats should prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. - ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - 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. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - http://www.weather.gov/ilm/tropical - http://ready.gov/hurricanes - http://scemd.org

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours * LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Kingstree - Hemingway * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 10-20 mph with gusts to 40 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be underway. Prepare for limited wind damage. - ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - 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 - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - 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. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger damage paths. - PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats should prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. - ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - 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. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - http://www.weather.gov/ilm/tropical - http://ready.gov/hurricanes - http://scemd.org

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours * LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Dillon * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 15-25 mph with gusts to 45 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be underway. Prepare for limited wind damage. - ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - 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 - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - 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. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a few tornadoes. - PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder preparedness actions during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Tornadoes can cause damage to trees, vehicles, boats, and buildings. Unsecured mobile homes and poorly constructed structures are particularly vulnerable. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - http://www.weather.gov/ilm/tropical - http://ready.gov/hurricanes - http://scemd.org

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours * LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Florence - Lake City * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 15-25 mph with gusts to 40 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be underway. Prepare for limited wind damage. - ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - 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 - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - 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. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger damage paths. - PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats should prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. - ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - 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. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - http://www.weather.gov/ilm/tropical - http://ready.gov/hurricanes - http://scemd.org

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.

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 Longs. * WHEN. Until early Sunday 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 become inaccessible. Parts of Aberdeen County Club will be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 9:00 AM EDT Wednesday the stage was 12.3 feet. - Forecast. The river is expected to fall below flood stage Saturday morning and continue falling to 11.4 feet Monday morning. - Flood stage is 12.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood