[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTCA82 TJSJ 061840
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-070245-

Hurricane Irma Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 30A
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL112017
240 PM AST Wed Sep 6 2017

This product covers PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS

**EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CORE OF CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE IRMA PASSING OVER
 THE VIRGIN ISLANDS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for all of Puerto Rico and the
      U.S. Virgin Islands

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 90 miles east of San Juan PR or about 20 miles
      east-northeast of Saint Thomas VI
    - 18.5N 64.7W
    - Storm Intensity 185 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 16 mph

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

At 2 PM AST Irma continues as a dangerous category 5 with winds of 185
mph. Irma passed just north of Saint John and will continue in this
west northwest direction as a category 5 hurricane as it passes north
of and impacts Puerto Rico today. Irma is expected to cause lethal
winds, storm surge, rip currents and rainfall impacts across the local
islands. Hurricane force winds will be exceeded across the Northern
U.S. Virgin Islands, Culebra, with an eyewall passage. Hurricane force
winds are possible in northeast Puerto Rico and hurricane force gusts
can be expected there. Strong tropical force winds with hurricane force
gusts are likely over Vieques and on- going in Saint Croix. The rest
of the area is likely to experience tropical storm force winds. Wind
gusts with hurricane force wind are also likely in higher elevations.
Rainfall storm total accumulations across the north and northeast of
Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands except Saint Croix, 4 to 10 inches
with isolated 15 inches. Across the Southwest part of Puerto Rico and
St. Croix expect 2 to 4 inches.

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

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across the northern U.S. Virgin Islands, Culebra and northeast
Puerto Rico. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof
      and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage
      greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations
      may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
    - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Widespread power and communications outages.

Also, protect against life-threatening wind having possible extensive
impacts across Saint Croix, Vieques, and most of the rest of Puerto
Rico.

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible devastating
impacts across northern coasts of Puerto Rico including Culebra and the
northern U.S. Virgin Islands. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly
      accentuated by powerful battering waves. Structural damage to
      buildings, with many washing away. Damage greatly compounded
      from considerable floating debris. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for an extended period.
    - Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or
      severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become
      stressed.
    - Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible.
    - Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted
      onshore and stranded.

Also, protect against life-threatening surge having possible
significant to extensive impacts across Puerto Rico and Saint Croix.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across the entire region and especially higher
terrain. Potential impacts include:
    - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
      multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and
      ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas,
      destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while
      increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
      control systems and barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
      Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with
      underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
      Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS. Potential impacts
include:
    - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
      toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
      large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
      knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats
      pulled from moorings.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or water hazards from
tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, especially if being
officially recommended. Relocate to a predetermined shelter or safe
destination.

If evacuating away from the area or relocating to a nearby shelter,
leave early before weather conditions become hazardous.

Do not return to evacuated areas until hazardous winds diminish and
flood waters abate.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
In Puerto Rico 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.

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.

Be a Good Samaritan and helpful to others.

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 San Juan PR around 5:30 PM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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