[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 44
National Weather Service Jacksonville FL  AL112017
1146 PM EDT Sat Sep 9 2017

This product covers Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia

**IRMA SLOWLY MOVING AWAY FROM CUBA TOWARDS THE FLORIDA KEYS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
      Coastal Duval, Coastal Nassau, Flagler, Inland Duval, and St.
      Johns
    - A Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, and Hurricane
      Watch are in effect for Coastal Camden, Coastal Glynn, and
      Inland Glynn
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Alachua, Atkinson, Baker,
      Bradford, Clay, Clinch, Columbia, Echols, Gilchrist, Hamilton,
      Inland Nassau, Marion, Putnam, Suwannee, and Union
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Inland Camden
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Appling, Bacon,
      Brantley, Charlton, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Pierce, Ware, and Wayne

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 480 miles south of Jacksonville FL or about 400 miles
      south of Ocala FL
    - 23.5N 81.0W
    - Storm Intensity 120 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 6 mph

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

Category 3 Hurricane Irma has begun its turn more to the northwest as
it moves away from the coast of Cuba. Hurricane Irma continues to be
an extremely dangerous hurricane. The latest forecast track takes Irma
northward along the western part of the Florida Peninsula and into
the Big Bend region.

Irma is a large hurricane and will produce far-reaching effects
regardless of where the exact center of the storm moves. The forecast
track supports sustained category 1 hurricane-force winds with higher
gusts along the I-75 corridor of northern Florida with higher gusts,
and strong tropical storm force winds with potential gusts to
hurricane force further east and over the coastal waters, as well as
across southeast Georgia. This will result in numerous downed trees
and power lines, leading to power outages.

The forecast track also increases the threat for excessive rainfall
leading to flash flooding, as well as for tornadoes. Strong tropical
storm force winds with hurricane force gusts over the coastal waters
could result in a storm surge threat, especially at times of high tide
given that above normal astronomical tides are expected.

Given the potential for significant impacts from Irma, residents of
northeast Florida and southeast Georgia are urged to rush to
completion all preparations for the storm. Closely monitor the latest
hurricane track and intensity forecasts from the National Hurricane
Center.

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

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across the Suwannee Valley of northeast Florida. 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
significant to extensive impacts across the rest of northeast Florida
and southeast Georgia.

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across coastal Northeast Florida and coastal Southeast Georgia
and the St Johns River Basin. 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.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts east of I-75 in northeast Florida and east of Waycross
in southeast Georgia. 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.

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across west of I-75 in northeast Florida and west
of Waycross in southeast Georgia.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across coastal northeast Florida and coastal southeast Georgia.
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 spots
      of 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.

Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the rest of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia.

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 the area, stick to prescribed
evacuation routes. Look for additional traffic information on roadway
smart signs and listen to select radio channels for further travel
instructions. Drivers should not use cell phones while operating
vehicles.

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 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.

If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. If
heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or own a
pet. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.
Check the latest weather forecast before departing.

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.

In emergencies it is best to remain calm. Stay informed and focused
on the situation at hand. Exercise patience with those you encounter.
Be a Good Samaritan and helpful to others.

If relocating to a nearby shelter or to the home of a family member
or friend, drive with extra caution, especially on secondary roads.
Remember, many bridges and causeways will be closed once higher winds
arrive. Also, if you encounter water covering the road, seek an
alternate route. Always obey official road signs for closures and
detours.

If you are a visitor and still in the area, listen for the name of
the city or town in which you are staying within local news updates.
Be sure you know the name of the county or parish in which it
resides. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities.

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

$$
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