* 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.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 688 UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING. TORNADO WATCH 687 HAS EXPIRED. THE NEW WATCH IS VALID FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS THE NEW 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

SMWILM The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a * Special Marine Warning for. 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 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 Murrells Inlet NC to South Santee River SC from 20 to 40 nm. * Until 1000 AM EDT. * At 756 AM EDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts were located over the coastal waters of northeast South Carolina, moving north at 55 knots. HAZARD. Waterspouts and wind gusts to nearly 50 knots. SOURCE. Radar. IMPACT. Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. * Locations impacted include. Ten Mile Reef, Frying Pan Shoals Buoy, City Of Houston, Bald Head Island, Gary Ennis Reef, Winyah Bay Sea Buoy, Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower, Greenville Reef, Cape Fear Knuckle Buoy, Myrtle Beach Rock, Inshore Hole, Paradise Reef, Jungle, Belky Bear, Parking Lot Area, Litchfield Beach, Shallotte River Inlet Sea Buoy, Goldfinch Reef, Mount Dirfy's Wreck, and Vermillion Reef.

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.

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Dillon * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 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 localized flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has decreased from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for localized flooding from heavy rain. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - 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. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect - Situation is very favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for many tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for many tornadoes with some 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: Extensive - 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. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - http://www.weather.gov/ilm/tropical - http://ready.gov/hurricanes - http://scemd.org

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Florence - Lake City * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 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 localized flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has decreased from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for localized flooding from heavy rain. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - 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. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect - Situation is very favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for many tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for many tornadoes with some 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: Extensive - 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. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - http://www.weather.gov/ilm/tropical - http://ready.gov/hurricanes - http://scemd.org

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Kingstree - Hemingway * 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 localized flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has decreased from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for localized flooding from heavy rain. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - 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. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect - Situation is very favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for many tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for many tornadoes with some 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: Extensive - 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. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - http://www.weather.gov/ilm/tropical - http://ready.gov/hurricanes - http://scemd.org

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Marion - Mullins * 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 localized flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has decreased from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for localized flooding from heavy rain. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - 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. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect - Situation is very favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for many tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for many tornadoes with some 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: Extensive - 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. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - http://www.weather.gov/ilm/tropical - http://ready.gov/hurricanes - http://scemd.org

* 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.

TORILM The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a * Tornado Warning for. Northeastern Georgetown County in northeastern South Carolina. South central Horry County in northeastern South Carolina. * Until 845 AM EDT. * At 814 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near DeBordieu Colony, moving north at 55 mph. HAZARD. Tornado. SOURCE. Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT. Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. * This dangerous storm will be near. Litchfield Beach around 820 AM EDT. Murrells Inlet around 825 AM EDT. Garden City and Burgess around 830 AM EDT. Socastee and Bucksport around 835 AM EDT. Red Hill and Bucksville around 840 AM EDT. Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Waccamaw Community Hospital.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 688 UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING. TORNADO WATCH 687 HAS EXPIRED. THE NEW WATCH IS VALID FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN NORTH CAROLINA THE NEW WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES IN SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA BLADEN BRUNSWICK COLUMBUS NEW HANOVER PENDER ROBESON IN SOUTH CAROLINA THE NEW 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