[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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ALZ065>069-FLZ007>019-026>029-034-108-112-114-115-118-127-128-134-GAZ120>131-142>148-155>161-101800-

Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 45
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL  AL112017
543 AM EDT Sun Sep 10 2017 /443 AM CDT Sun Sep 10 2017/

This product covers EASTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE...FLORIDA BIG BEND...SOUTHEASTERN ALABAMA AND SOUTHWESTERN GEORGIA

**HURRICANE IRMA EXPECTED TO BRING DESTRUCTIVE WINDS TO PARTS OF THE
AREA WITH DEADLY STORM SURGE ALONG THE COAST**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Warning has been upgraded to a Hurricane
      Warning for Clay, Quitman, Randolph, Lee, and Terrell

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Baker, Berrien, Brooks,
      Calhoun, Clay, Coastal Franklin, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur,
      Dougherty, Early, Gadsden, Grady, Inland Dixie, Inland
      Franklin, Inland Jefferson, Inland Taylor, Inland Wakulla,
      Lafayette, Lanier, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Lowndes, Madison,
      Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas,
      Tift, and Worth
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Ben Hill, Calhoun,
      Central Walton, Coastal Bay, Coastal Gulf, Coffee, Dale,
      Geneva, Henry, Holmes, Houston, Inland Bay, Inland Gulf, Irwin,
      Jackson, North Walton, South Walton, Turner, and Washington
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
      Coastal Dixie, Coastal Jefferson, Coastal Taylor, and Coastal
      Wakulla

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 470 miles south-southeast of TALLAHASSEE
    - 24.1N 81.5W
    - Storm Intensity 130 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 325 degrees at 8 mph

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

Irma is expected to have a significant impact across a large portion
of the Florida big bend and southern Georgia with widespread wind damage
to numerous trees and power lines. Widespread and extended power outages
are expected. Winds of at least 40 MPH may begin as early as Sunday
evening, but the worst conditions will be on Monday with wind gusts
well above hurricane force possible. Such winds can bring down large
tree limbs, trees, and power lines, leading to power outages and
impassable roads. The strongest winds are likely to be east
of the Apalachicola and Chattahoochee Rivers. Conditions will gradually
improve Monday night as a weakening tropical storm Irma moves northward
into central Georgia. In addition, life threatening storm surge is
expected across the Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, and Dixie county coasts.

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

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across the Eastern Big Bend of Florida. Potential impacts in
this area include:
    - Widespread structural damage to buildings in the area. Numerous
      with complete roof and wall failures. All mobile homes
      destroyed. Damage greatly increased by large airborne
      projectiles. Locations affected may be uninhabitable for weeks
      or months.
    - Large swaths of trees snapped or uprooted with roadway signs blown
      over.
    - Nearly all primary and all secondary roads will be impassable.
    - Widespread power and communication outages; potentially lasting
      for weeks.

Also, protect against life-threatening wind having possible limited
to extensive impacts across inland North Florida and Southwest
Georgia. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted with roadway signs
      blown over.
    - Some primary and many secondary roads are impassible due to
      debris.
    - Significant power and communication outages; potentially
      lasting for weeks.

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across the coast of the Florida Big Bend. Potential impacts in
this area include:
    - Areas of inundation from storm surge flooding, compounded by
      higher waves. Non-elevated homes and businesses along the coast
      will be subject to flooding primarily on the ground floor.
    - Sections of coastal highways and access roads will be flooded
      with portions washed out, isolating affected coastal
      communities.
    - Moderate beach erosion with damage to the dune line.
    - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, and piers. Small craft not
      secured prior to the storm will break away from moorings.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across Eastern Florida Panhandle...Florida Big
Bend...Southeastern Alabama and Southwestern Georgia. Potential
impacts include:
    - Rivers and associated tributary creeks and streams will rise to
      bankfull levels and possibly reach flood stage. Runoff will
      fill area holding ponds and drainage ditches, increasing the
      potential for urban flooding with additional rainfall.
    - Flood waters will approach structures in low lying areas. Urban
      flooding will result in isolated road closures. Dangerous
      driving conditions.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across portions of South Central Georgia and the Eastern Big Bend of
Florida. Potential impacts include:
    - Isolated tornadoes are expected, resulting in a notable impact
      to affected communities.
    - Isolated areas affected by tornadoes will experience minor
      damage, including some damage to structures and sporadic power
      and communication outages.
    - A few structures will be damaged by tornadoes, mainly with loss
      of shingles or siding. Some mobile homes will be significantly
      damaged, especially those unanchored. Large trees will be
      snapped or uprooted.

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.

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.

* 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.

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 Tallahassee FL as conditions warrant.

$$
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