[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 40
National Weather Service Jacksonville FL  AL112017
1135 PM EDT Fri Sep 8 2017

This product covers Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia

 **HURRICANE WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FOR NORTHEAST FLORIDA**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Alachua, Baker, Bradford,
      Clay, Duval, Nassau, Columbia, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Marion,
      Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, and Union

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Alachua, Baker, Bradford,
      Clay, Duval, Nassau, Columbia, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Marion,
      Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, and Union

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 620 miles south-southeast of Jacksonville FL or about 590
      miles south-southeast of Gainesville FL
    - 22.1N 77.7W
    - Storm Intensity 160 mph
    - Movement West or 280 degrees at 13 mph

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

Powerful Category 5 Hurricane Irma continues to move west northwest
near the northern coast of Cuba. The latest forecast track takes Irma
northward over the far western part of the Florida Peninsula.

Irma is a large hurricane and will produce far-reaching effects
regardless of where the exact center of the storm moves. The primary
concerns given the current forecast track would be excessive rainfall
leading to flash flooding, and the potential for tornadoes. The
growing areal size of Irma would still generate at least tropical
storm force winds, and possibly hurricane-force winds across northeast
Florida.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across northeast Florida. 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.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across northeast Florida. 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, and ditches may
      become dangerous rivers. 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.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the area. Rainfall amounts
of 5-10 inches are expected west of the I-75 corridor...and 8 to 15
inches with locally higher amounts east of I-75. This level of
rainfall would produce a significant threat of flash flooding.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
northeast Florida. 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:
For those under evacuation orders, leave as soon as practical with a
destination in mind. Gas up your vehicle well ahead of time. Be sure that
you take all essential materials from your emergency supplies kit. Let
others know where you are going and when you intend to arrive. If
evacuating away from the area or relocating to a nearby shelter, leave
early before weather conditions become hazardous.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary
actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be
underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency
Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.

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.

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 Jacksonville FL around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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