[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 46
National Weather Service Melbourne FL  AL112017
1216 PM EDT Sun Sep 10 2017

This product covers EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

**TORRENTIAL RAIN WITH AND INCREASING WIND AND TORNADO THREAT
SPREADING NORTHWARD OVER EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA THIS MORNING**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* 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 290 miles south of Daytona Beach FL or about 190 miles
      south-southwest of Vero Beach FL
    - 25.0N 81.5W
    - Storm Intensity 130 mph
    - Movement North or 350 degrees at 9 mph

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

Irma is moving toward the southwest Florida coast as a major hurricane.
Conditions will continue to deteriorate as the center of the storm
moves closer to the area, and a period of damaging winds with gusts to
hurricane force is still expected late this afternoon and into early
Monday morning.

The large wind field associated with the storm will produce far-
reaching effects well to the east of the center. Tropical storm force
wind gusts between 50 to 60 mph are being reported along the Space and
Treasure Coasts, and these winds will continue to spread inland and to
the north through the day. Hurricane force wind gusts between 75 to 90
mph in squalls will remain a significant concern as they become more
frequent and intense throughout the day.

The threat for tropical rain band tornadoes continues to increase. A
Tornado Watch is in effect for all of east central Florida until
midnight tonight.

The potential for flooding rain associated with repeated squalls will
increase across east central Florida through the afternoon. Several
areas south of Orlando and Cape Canaveral have already picked up
between 2 and 4 inches of rainfall, especially along the Treasure and
Space Coasts. Although Irma will be moving steadily northward, it will
produce an additional 6 to 10 inches of rain across the region, with
locally higher amounts up to 16 inches. This is likely to cause
significant, widespread urban and lowland flooding, as well as
potentially causing inundation of major highways, and both secondary
and residential roads.

Additionally, localized wind driven water inundation remains a concern
across areas adjacent to larger inland lakes such as Lake Okeechobee,
Lake Kissimmee, and Lake George, as well as the Intracoastal Waterway.

NOW IS THE TIME TO REMAIN IN YOUR SAFE SHELTER! Residents and visitors
to east central Florida are strongly encouraged to monitor the latest
products issued by your local National Weather Service Office.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Impacts from the main wind event will be unfolding today! Remain well
sheltered from dangerous winds. Prepare for significant, widespread
damaging wind gusts across east central Florida. These 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:
Impacts from the flooding rain will continue to spread north today!
Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having
extensive impacts. Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding
having possible extensive impacts across east central Florida. These
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. These 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 impacts from Flagler Beach
to Jupiter Inlet. These 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

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

* EVACUATIONS:
For those who have evacuated to safer shelter, do not return to any
evacuated areas until hazardous winds diminish and flood waters abate.

During the peak of the storm, keep your shoes on and your rain gear
handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best foot protection if
you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a
battery powered radio and flashlight handy.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the
safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body.

* 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 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

Ulrich
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