[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-181715-

Hurricane Maria Local Statement Advisory Number 8
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL152017
504 AM AST Mon Sep 18 2017

This product covers PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS

**MARIA HEADED FOR THE LEEWARD ISLANDS**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Watch has been issued for all Puerto Rico.

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands and
      all Puerto Rico.

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 500 miles east-southeast of San Juan PR or about 410
      miles east-southeast of Saint Croix VI
    - 14.6N 59.5W
    - Storm Intensity 90 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 290 degrees at 13 mph

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

Maria continues to strengthen and is expected to be at major hurricane
intensity when it affects the local islands. Hurricane conditions are
likely to begin Tuesday afternoon across the USVI, Vieques and Culebra;
and across Puerto Rico late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Hurricane force winds will likely continue across USVI, Vieques and
Culebra through late Wednesday; and across Puerto Rico through
Thursday Morning. Rainfall accumulations across the local islands will
highly depend on the forward speed, and based on the latest forecast
Maria is expected to produce storm total accumulations of 12 to
18 inches with isolated higher amounts. Now is the time to check your
emergency plan and take necessary actions to secure your home or
business.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible devastating impacts
across all Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Potential impacts
include:
    - Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof
      and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage
      greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations
      may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
    - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Widespread power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across all Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Potential impacts include:
    - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks
      in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,
      canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In
      mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while
      increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
      control systems and barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
      routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water
      with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very
      dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened
      or washed out.

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible extensive impacts
across most of the coastal areas especially along the southern coasts
of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Potential impacts in this
area include:
    - Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding
      accentuated by battering waves. Structural damage to buildings,
      with several washing away. Damage compounded by floating
      debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period.
    - Large sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads
      washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and
      barriers may become stressed.
    - Severe beach erosion with significant dune loss.
    - Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Many small
      craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected
      anchorages with some lifted onshore and stranded.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across all Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Potential
impacts 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 spots
      of 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
If evacuating the area, stick to prescribed evacuation routes. Look
for additional traffic information on roadway smart signs and listen to
select radio channels for further travel instructions. Drivers should
not use cell phones while operating vehicles.

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.

If evacuating away from the area or relocating to a nearby shelter,
leave early before weather conditions become hazardous.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary
actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be
underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency
Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.

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.

If you live in a place that is particularly vulnerable to high wind,
such as a mobile home, an upper floor of a high rise building, or on
a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. Take enough supplies for you
and your family for several days.

Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings.
If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

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 San Juan PR around 8:30 AM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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