[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 48
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL  AL112017
1157 PM EDT Sun Sep 10 2017 /1057 PM CDT Sun Sep 10 2017/

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

**SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS EXPECTED TONIGHT THROUGH MONDAY FROM HURRICANE
IRMA THAT WILL LEAD TO PROLONGED POWER OUTAGES AND IMPASSABLE ROADS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* 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 Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
      Coastal Dixie, Coastal Jefferson, Coastal Taylor, and Coastal
      Wakulla
    - 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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 250 miles southeast of TALLAHASSEE
    - 27.5N 81.9W
    - Storm Intensity 100 mph
    - Movement North or 350 degrees at 14 mph

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

* OVERVIEW...

Irma continues to move northward over the Florida Peninsula at this
hour, maintaining Hurricane strength. People in the path of this storm
are urged to shelter in place tonight and tomorrow through the
remainder of the event, heeding instructions from local officials on
any curfews in affect. Tropical storm force winds will continue to
spread inland from the Florida Big Bend through the night. Hurricane
force wind gusts could begin within the next few hours in the extreme
southeast Big Bend and move inland through Monday morning and early
afternoon. Overall durations of tropical storm force winds could exceed
15 hours with a portion of this time including hurricane force winds.
This prolonged period of high winds will cause widespread wind damage
to trees and power lines, as well as structural damage across the area.
We urge you to go to seek shelter in an interior room away from doors
and windows for the duration of the high winds. In addition, there is
the danger of life threatening storm surge across the Wakulla,
Jefferson, Taylor, and Dixie county coasts. Do not stay in a flood
prone area along these coast lines. Follow instructions from your local
officials and complete all preparations before this evening.
Conditions will gradually improve Monday night as Irma continues
northward. Anticipate impassable roads and extensive power outages in
the wake of the storm.

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

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across the
eastern Florida Big Bend. Remain well sheltered from life-threatening
wind having possible extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts
include:
    - Major damage to frame built homes, with some experiencing
      partial roof or wall collapse. Numerous windows and garage
      doors will fail, leading to additional structural damage.
      Mobile homes significantly damaged, with many destroyed. Damage
      increased by large projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable
      for days to weeks.
    - 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:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
the coastal Florida Big Bend. Remain well away from life-threatening
surge having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts
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.

Elsewhere across EASTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE...FLORIDA BIG
BEND...SOUTHEASTERN ALABAMA AND SOUTHWESTERN GEORGIA, little to no
impact is anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
eastern Florida Big Bend and south central Georgia. Remain well guarded
against life-threatening flood waters having possible extensive
impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - Major flooding from rainfall will prompt evacuations in flood
      prone areas. Those not heeding evacuations in these locations
      face serious injury or death.
    - Rivers and associated tributary creeks and stream will rise and
      overflow into the flood plain. Runoff will put stress on area
      holding ponds and drainage ditches, increasing the likelihood
      of widespread urban flooding.
    - Flood waters will impact structures in low lying areas, as well
      as those in the flood plain, possibly entering buildings. Urban
      flooding will result in several road closures and some washouts.
      A few overpasses may be weakened by fast moving flood waters.
      Driving conditions are very dangerous.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across eastern
Florida Big Bend and south central Georgia. Remain well braced against
a tornado event having possible limited impacts. If realized, these
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.

Elsewhere across EASTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE...FLORIDA BIG
BEND...SOUTHEASTERN ALABAMA AND SOUTHWESTERN GEORGIA, little to no
impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

With the event ongoing, do not return to evacuated areas until
hazardous winds diminish and flood waters abate. Listen for the all-
clear signal from local authorities. Understand that many roads will
be impassible due to downed trees and traffic signals may be out due to
power outages. Traffic signals that are out should be treated as a
four way stop sign.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to remain safely sheltered from the storm. Stay inside
and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you
lose electrical power. Locate your battery powered radio and flashlight
from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Keep these items close.

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

Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as
possible. If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for
personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications
systems with idle chatter.

Do not venture outside while in the eye of a hurricane. Within the
eye, weather conditions may temporarily improve which can be
misleading. Once the eye passes, the wind will change direction and
return to dangerous speeds. Heavy rain will also return. Be smart and
remain safely hidden from the storm.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos. Be wise and avoid becoming another statistic.

Be ready to move to the identified safe room if your home or shelter
begins to fail. Quickly move to an interior room on the lowest floor.
Put as many sturdy walls between you and the storm as you can.
Protect your head and body.

When major hurricanes make landfall, extreme winds bring a tremendous
threat to life and cause devastating to catastrophic damage. During
landfall, listen for extreme wind warnings which indicate the exact
timing and location of these incredible life-threatening winds. If
issued for you area, move to the safest place within your home or
shelter. Take the same life-saving actions as if it were a violent
tornado.

* 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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