[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KTAE 111541
HLSTAE
ALZ065>069-FLZ007>019-026>029-034-108-112-114-115-118-127-128-134-GAZ120>131-142>148-155>161-112230-

Tropical Storm Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 50
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL  AL112017
1141 AM EDT Mon Sep 11 2017 /1041 AM CDT Mon Sep 11 2017/

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

**Tropical Storm Force Winds Still Occurring. Water to Rise Rapidly
Along the Big Bend Coast This Afternoon**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 70 miles east of TALLAHASSEE or about 40 miles
      south-southeast of VALDOSTA
    - 30.3N 83.1W
    - Storm Intensity 65 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 17 mph

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

OVERVIEW...

Tropical Storm Irma is moving north-northwest through the North
Florida this morning. Tropical storm force wind gusts are currently
occurring over much of the area and will continue into the afternoon
before diminishing by this evening. Numerous trees and powerlines are
down and more will continue to fall over the next several hours. We
urge you to go to remain in a safe 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. Water levels
are expected to increase rapidly as winds shift from offshore to
onshore so stay away from the water. Follow instructions from your
local officials. Conditions will gradually improve tonight 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
all of the Florida Big Bend and Southwest Georgia. Remain well sheltered
from life-threatening wind If realized, these impacts include:
    - Moderate damage to frame built homes, primarily due to the loss
      of roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches,
      awnings, carports, and sheds. Some windows and garage doors may
      fail. Mobile homes damaged, some significantly if unanchored.
      Unsecured lightweight objects become projectiles.
    - Several large trees uprooted; some snapped. Some large roadway
      signs blown over.
    - A few primary and some secondary roads are impassible due to
      debris.
    - Scattered power and communication outages; some locally
      significant, lasting for days.

Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding
across Southeast Alabama and the eastern Florida Panhandle. Remain well
sheltered from dangerous wind.

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
the Coastal Big Bend. Remain well away from life-threatening
surge having 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.
    - Abnormally low waters levels from the offshore winds will
      increase rapidly as the wind becomes onshore.


* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
Southwest Georgia. Remain well guarded against dangerous
flood waters having significant impacts. If realized, these impacts
include:
    - Moderate flooding from rainfall will prompt extra preparation
      to protect property from flooding in low lying areas. Isolated
      evacuations may become necessary.
    - 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:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time
across EASTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE...FLORIDA BIG BEND...SOUTHEASTERN
ALABAMA AND SOUTHWESTERN GEORGIA.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

Do not return to evacuated areas until
hazardous winds diminish and flood waters abate.

Do not return to evacuated areas until it is safe.
Listen for the all-clear signal from local authorities.

* 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.

* 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 around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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