[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KTAE 071537
HLSTAE
ALZ065>069-FLZ007>014-108-112-114-072200-

Hurricane Nate Local Statement Advisory Number 13
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL  AL162017
1137 AM EDT Sat Oct 7 2017 /1037 AM CDT Sat Oct 7 2017/

...NATE STRENGTHENING AND NOW EXPECTED TO BE A CATEGORY 2 HURRICANE AT
LANDFALL ON THE CENTRAL GULF COAST...

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
      Warning for Central Walton, Coastal Bay, Coastal Gulf, Coffee,
      Dale, Geneva, Holmes, Inland Bay, North Walton, South Walton,
      and Washington

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect
      for Coastal Bay, Coastal Gulf, and South Walton
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Walton,
      Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Holmes, Inland Bay, North Walton, and
      Washington

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 290 miles southwest of PANAMA CITY
    - 26.6N 88.4W
    - Storm Intensity 90 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 26 mph

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

Hurricane Nate continues to strengthen as it barrels toward the
central Gulf Coast. The tri-state area may begin to feel the effects
of Nate as early as this afternoon. Tropical storm force winds,
isolated tornadoes, and coastal flooding remain the main impacts for
our local area.

Tropical storm force winds and wind gusts will be possible across the
Florida Panhandle and portions of southeast Alabama starting this
evening and lasting into Sunday. There is also the potential for
isolated tornadoes across the Florida Panhandle and portions of
southeast Alabama starting this afternoon, with the threat expanding
into southwest Georgia on Sunday as Nate moves inland. Additionally,
due to a combination of above average tides and increased swells from
Nate, there is the potential for 2 to 4 feet of inundation along the
Florida Panhandle coastline and 1 to 3 feet of inundation for coastal
areas of Apalachee Bay and elsewhere along the Big Bend coastline.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
the Florida Panhandle and Southeast Alabama. Potential impacts in this
area include:
    - Minor damage to frame built homes, limited primarily due to
      loss of roof shingles or gutters as well as damage to porches,
      awnings, carports and sheds. Some mobile homes damaged.
      Unsecured lightweight objects blown around.
    - A few trees uprooted, with many large limbs snapped.
    - Isolated road closures due to fallen debris, especially in
      wooded areas.
    - Isolated power and communication outages.

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across the Florida Panhandle. Potential impacts in
this area include:
    - Areas of inundation from storm surge flooding, compounded by
      higher waves. Non-elevated homes and businesses along the coast
      will be subject to flooding primarily on the ground floor.
    - Sections of coastal highways and access roads will be flooded
      with portions washed out, isolating affected coastal
      communities.
    - Moderate beach erosion with damage to the dune line.
    - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, and piers. Small craft not
      secured prior to the storm will break away from moorings.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the Florida Panhandle and Southeast Alabama.
Potential impacts include:
    - Localized heavy rainfall may result in flooding of low lying
      areas, necessitating basic precautions to protect vulnerable
      structures.
    - Rivers and associated tributary creeks and streams will rise
      and approach bankfull levels. Runoff will increase water levels
      in area holding ponds and drainage ditches, reducing storage
      capacity to absorb future rainfall.
    - Isolated flooding in low lying areas will make driving
      difficult. Ponding of water in low lying areas may result in
      brief road closures.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the Florida Panhandle and Southeast Alabama. Potential impacts
include:
    - Isolated tornadoes are expected, resulting in a notable impact
      to affected communities.
    - Isolated areas affected by tornadoes will experience minor
      damage, including some damage to structures and sporadic power
      and communication outages.
    - A few structures will be damaged by tornadoes, mainly with loss
      of shingles or siding. Some mobile homes will be significantly
      damaged, especially those unanchored. Large trees will be
      snapped or uprooted.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
There is a high risk of rip currents along Florida Panhandle and Big
Bend Beaches through tonight.

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

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.

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 Tallahassee FL as conditions warrant.

$$
This weather bulletin was brought to you by:
www.nashvilleweather.net