[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 43
National Weather Service Melbourne FL  AL112017
605 PM EDT Sat Sep 9 2017

This product covers EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

**HURRICANE IRMA MOVING ACROSS THE FLORIDA STRAITS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge
      Warning for Coastal Volusia County

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
      Coastal Volusia County, Indian River, Martin, Northern Brevard
      County, Southern Brevard County, and St. Lucie
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Inland Volusia County,
      Northern Lake County, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole,
      and Southern Lake County

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 360 miles south of Orlando FL or about 290 miles south of
      Vero Beach FL
    - 23.4N 80.5W
    - Storm Intensity 125 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 295 degrees at 9 mph

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

Dangerous Hurricane Irma is moving west northwest away from the north
coast of Cuba and is forecast to approach the southwest Florida coast
as a major hurricane Sunday morning. Irma is forecast to move over the
Western Florida peninsula Sunday through early Monday morning as a
strong hurricane.

Winds will gust to tropical storm force as fast-moving squalls move
onshore tonight, increasing in frequency and intensity overnight as the
outer rainbands of Irma spread north. Given the current forecast track,
a period of damaging winds is expected across ALL of east central
Florida Sunday afternoon into Monday morning.

The potential for flooding rain associated with repeated squalls, will
increase across east central Florida overnight but especially early on
Sunday and into Monday. Although Irma will be moving steadily forward,
it will produce 8 to 12 inches of rain with locally higher amounts up
to 16 inches.

Additionally, squalls well ahead of the center of the storm will bring
an increasing chance for the development of tornadoes tonight and
especially Sunday.

Surf conditions will remain hazardous as large swells bring high surf
and increasingly strong rip currents. Moderate to significant beach
erosion will ensue, and become progressively worse throughout the
remainder of the weekend and into Monday.

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

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

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across east central Florida. Potential impacts include:
    - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
      locations seeing considerable damage, power loss, and
      communications failures.
    - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
      homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
      uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
      Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across coastal areas. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
      immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
      farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
    - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
      with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
      surge water covers the road.
    - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
      in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
    - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      piers, and other coastal structures. A few small craft broken
      away 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.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
In a hurricane or tropical storm, flood waters can come from
multiple sources. Deadly flooding can occur from storm surge,
flooding rain, rivers which overflow their banks, or the
overwhelming of man-made flood barrier and control systems. A flood
situation can become worse when several of these threaten at the
same time or one after the other. Know your vulnerability to flood
waters of all types and listen for instructions from local
officials.

Closely monitor weather.gov websites, NOAA Weather Radio, or other
local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt
to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways
to receive weather warnings.

* 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 Melbourne FL around 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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