[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Sat May 26 10:48:13 CDT 2018

WTUS84 KMOB 261547
HLSMOB
ALZ051>060-261>266-FLZ201>206-MSZ067-075-076-078-079-270000-

Subtropical Storm Alberto Local Statement Advisory Number 5
National Weather Service Mobile AL  AL012018
1047 AM CDT Sat May 26 2018

This product covers portions of southwest Alabama...northwest Florida...south
central Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi.

**ALBERTO FORECAST TO STRENGTHEN WHILE MOVING NORTHWARD OVER THE GULF
OF MEXICO**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Escambia Inland,
      Okaloosa Inland, and Santa Rosa Inland

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect for
      Baldwin Central, Baldwin Coastal, Escambia Coastal, Mobile
      Central, Mobile Coastal, Okaloosa Coastal, and Santa Rosa
      Coastal
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Escambia Inland,
      Okaloosa Inland, and Santa Rosa Inland

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 660 miles south-southeast of Mobile AL or about 630 miles
      south-southeast of Pensacola FL
    - 21.6N 84.9W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement North or 10 degrees at 10 mph

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

Alberto is forecast to continue slowly northward across the Gulf of
Mexico this weekend and approach the north central Gulf coast on Monday.
Alberto is currently forecast to move into the far western portion of
the western Florida panhandle Monday evening then continues slowly
northward. Alberto will bring copious amounts of rainfall to the area,
especially Sunday into Tuesday. Tropical storm force winds will likely
impact coastal portions of the region late Sunday into Monday. Storm
surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet, possibly higher, is expected mainly
Sunday night into Monday. Isolated tornadoes will also be possible,
mainly Sunday night into Monday night.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across extreme southeast Mississippi, much of southwest and south
central Alabama and the western Florida panhandle. 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, 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.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts roughly north of Highway 84.

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across coastal portions of Alabama and the western Florida
panhandle. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
      waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
    - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
      weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low
      spots.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
      numerous rip currents.
    - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected anchorages.

Elsewhere across portions of southwest Alabama...northwest
Florida...south central Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi.,
little to no impact is anticipated.

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
portions of southwest Alabama...northwest Florida...south central
Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi. Potential impacts
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.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
portions of southwest Alabama...northwest Florida...south central
Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi.. Potential impacts
include:
    - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
      toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
      large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
      knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats
      pulled from moorings.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including
possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.

For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind,
falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move,
relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not relocate, help keep
roadways open for those under evacuation orders.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county 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 weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For the latest detailed evacuation and shelter information...please
refer to your local emergency management agency at the phone number
or website listed below.
- Coastal Alabama:
- Baldwin County: 251-972-6807 or
www.baldwincountyal.gov/departments/EMA
- Mobile County: 251-460-8000 or www.mcema.net
- Northwest Florida:
- Escambia County: 850-471-6400 or bereadyescambia.com
- Santa Rosa County: 850-983-5360 www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency
- Okaloosa County: 850-651-7150 or www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/ps/home
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Mobile AL around 430 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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