[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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ALZ017>021-026>029-036>038-043>050-120030-

Tropical Storm Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 50
National Weather Service Birmingham AL  AL112017
1124 AM CDT Mon Sep 11 2017

This product covers CENTRAL ALABAMA

**Tropical Storm Warning continues for the eastern half of Central
Alabama**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Barbour, Blount,
      Bullock, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa,
      Elmore, Etowah, Lee, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, Randolph,
      Russell, St. Clair, Talladega, and Tallapoosa

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 310 miles southeast of Birmingham AL or about 230 miles
      southeast of Montgomery AL
    - 30.3N 83.1W
    - Storm Intensity 65 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 17 mph

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

Irma is expected to have noticable impacts across the eastern half of
Central Alabama through tonight. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are
occurring across far southeast Central Alabama at this time.
Conditions will worsen through the afternoon and evening as strong
winds spread northward with gusts possibly reaching 55 mph. Scattered
tree and power line damage is possible along with power outages. Some
minor structural damage is also possible. The greatest wind gusts and
impacts are expected to be generally along and east of a line from
Oneonta to Sylacauga to Montgomery to Troy. Conditions will gradually
improve on Tuesday as Irma continues to move northwestward into Western
Tennessee.

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

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across east Central Alabama, east of a line from Gadsden to Clayton.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
      experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
      homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines.

Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
generally east of an Oneonta to Sylacauga to Montgomery to Troy, and
west of a Gadsden to Clayton line.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across east central counties in Central Alabama. Potential
impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
      currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
      in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals,
      arroyos, and ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
      inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
      storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
      become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across most of the eastern half of Central Alabama.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across Central
Alabama.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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.

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or
water hazards from tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation,
especially if being officially recommended. Relocate to a
predetermined shelter or safe destination.

* 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.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

Check-in with your emergency points of contact among family, friends,
and workmates. Inform them of your status and well-being. Let them
know how you intend to ride out the storm and when you plan to
check-in again.

Keep cell phones well charged and handy. Also, cell phone chargers
for automobiles can be helpful after the storm. Locate your chargers
and keep them with your cell phone.

In emergencies it is best to remain calm. Stay informed and focused
on the situation at hand. Exercise patience with those you encounter.
Be a Good Samaritan and helpful to others.

If relocating to a nearby shelter or to the home of a family member
or friend, drive with extra caution, especially on secondary roads.
Remember, many bridges and causeways will be closed once higher winds
arrive. Also, if you encounter water covering the road, seek an
alternate route. Always obey official road signs for closures and
detours.

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 Birmingham AL around 5 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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