[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 43
National Weather Service Birmingham AL  AL112017
555 PM CDT Sat Sep 9 2017

This product covers CENTRAL ALABAMA

**Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for southeast counties in
 Central Alabama.**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Barbour, Bullock,
      Lee, Macon, Pike, and Russell

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Barbour, Bullock, Lee,
      Macon, Pike, and Russell

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 710 miles south-southeast of Montgomery AL
    - 23.4N 80.5W
    - Storm Intensity 125 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 295 degrees at 9 mph

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

Irma is expected to have noticable impacts across the southeast
counties of Central Alabama along and generally east of Milstead to
Troy line and along south of a Milstead to Auburn line. Scattered tree
and power line damage, some structure and road damage with power
outages are possible. Winds of at least 35 MPH may begin as early as
the pre dawn hours Monday, but the worst conditions will be during the
day and evening on Monday with wind gusts well above tropical storm
force possible. Such winds could bring down large tree limbs, trees,
and power lines, leading to power outages and possibly impassable
roads. The strongest winds are likely to be east of an Auburn to
Clayton line. Conditions will gradually improve on Tuesday as Irma
continues to weaken and move to the north.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible impacts near and east of an
Auburn to Clayton line. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
      experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
      homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines.

Also, prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
near and west of Auburn to Clayton.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited
impacts across CENTRAL ALABAMA. Potential impacts include:
    - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually
      vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water
      occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become
      near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge
      closures.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across CENTRAL
ALABAMA.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - For those not under evacuation orders,
understand that there are inherent risks to evacuation (such as traffic
congestion, accidents, and driving in bad weather), so evacuate only
if necessary. Help keep roadways open for those that are under
evacuation orders.

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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:

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.

If you live in a place that is particularly vulnerable to high wind,
such as a mobile home, an upper floor of a high rise building, or on
a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. Take enough supplies for you
and your family for several days.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley or canyon, or near an already swollen
river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground

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.

Be sure to let friends and other family members know of your
intentions and whereabouts for surviving the storm. For emergency
purposes, have someone located away from the threatened area serve as
your point of contact. Share vital contact information with others.
Keep cell phones handy and well charged.

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.

Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings.
If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
on site disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

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 Birmingham AL around 11 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

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