[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS84 KHUN 101057
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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 45
National Weather Service Huntsville AL  AL112017
557 AM CDT Sun Sep 10 2017

This product covers The Tennessee Valley

**Tropical Storm Irma may affect the Tennessee Valley Monday night through
Tuesday. A tropical storm watch is in effect for northeast and
north central Alabama and southern middle Tennessee**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Cullman, De Kalb,
      Franklin TN, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Marshall, Moore, and
      Morgan

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Cullman, De Kalb,
      Franklin TN, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Marshall, Moore, and
      Morgan

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 790 miles south-southeast of Huntsville AL
    - 24.1N 81.5W
    - Storm Intensity 130 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 325 degrees at 8 mph

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

Hurricane Irma is currently a major hurricane, centered just north of
the coast of Cuba. Currently, the official national hurricane center
track has Irma starting its track northward and strengthening before
making landfall along the west coast of Florida. The storm will then
pick up speed and weaken as it continues north into portions of Georgia
and Alabama.

Irma is expected to weaken to a tropical storm before arriving over
the Tennessee Valley on Monday night into Tuesday. Winds of at least
35 MPH may begin on Monday evening across northeast Alabama and
southern middle Tennessee, gradually spread west on Monday night into
Tuesday. Wind gusts may reach 50 to 55 MPH. With these wind speeds,
tree and power line damage is possible along with power outages.
Unsecured lightweight objects may also be lofted. Some structural
damage is also possible. The greatest wind gusts and impacts are
expected to be generally along and east of a line from Cullman to
Huntsville to Fayetteville. Conditions should gradually improve on
Tuesday as the remnants of Irma move off to the north and northwest.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across The
Tennessee Valley. Potential impacts include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
      uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
      shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
      bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across The Tennessee Valley. Potential impacts
include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become
      swollen and overflow in spots.
    - 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS: No evacuations.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Tropical storm force winds may cause damage to trees and power lines.
Secure all unsecured lightweight objects as these could be blown about
by the wind. Any high profile vehicles traveling over roadways in
higher elevations may also be susceptible to being blown over.

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.

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.

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 Huntsville AL around 11 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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