[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTCA82 TJSJ 070054
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-070900-

Hurricane Irma Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 31A
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL112017
854 PM AST Wed Sep 6 2017

This product covers PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS

**EYE OF CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE IRMA PASSING JUST NORTH OF PUERTO
RICO**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Central Interior, Culebra,
      Eastern Interior, Mayaguez and Vicinity, North Central,
      Northeast, Northwest, Ponce and Vicinity, San Juan and
      Vicinity, Southeast, Southwest, St Croix, St.Thomas...St.
      John...and Adjacent Islands, Vieques, and Western Interior

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 50 miles north of San Juan PR or about 90 miles northwest
      of Saint Thomas VI
    - 19.1N 66.1W
    - Storm Intensity 185 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 290 degrees at 16 mph

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

At 8 PM AST Irma continues as a dangerous category 5 hurricane with
winds of 185 mph. Irma will continue moving in a west northwest
direction as a category 5 hurricane. And, although it is now moving
slowly away from Puerto Rico, tropical storm force winds and flooding
rains will continue over much of Puerto Rico. Winds are diminishing
somewhat over the mainland but are still expected to cause significant
damage, storm surge, rip currents and rainfall impacts across the
local islands. Strong tropical storm force winds will continue over
northern Puerto Rico. Tropical storm force gusts are still on-going in
the U.S. Virgin Islands. 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, 6 to 12 inches with isolated 20 inches. Across the
Southwest part of Puerto Rico and St. Croix expect 3 to 6 inches with
isolated 10 inch accumulations possible.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across northern Puerto Rico . Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
      window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
      damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
      Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for weeks.
    - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
      access routes impassable.
    - Large areas with power and communications outages.

Also, prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across southern Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra and the U.S. Virgin
Islands.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across the northern two thirds of Puerto Rico.
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.

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts
across the northern coasts of Puerto Rico, Culebra, Saint Thomas and
Saint John. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
      waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
    - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
      weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low
      spots.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
      numerous rip currents.
    - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected anchorages.


* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across PUERTO RICO
AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

Do not return to evacuated areas until hazardous winds diminish and
flood waters abate. Do not return to evacuated areas until it is safe.
Listen for the all-clear signal from local authorities.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
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.

Be a Good Samaritan and check on those who may not be fully aware of
the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations.

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 San Juan PR around 11:30 AM, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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