[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KTBW 270326
HLSTBW
FLZ043-050-052-056-057-061-139-142-148-149-151-155-160-162-165-239-242-248-249-251-255-260-262-265-271200-

Subtropical Storm Alberto Local Statement Advisory Number 7
National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL  AL012018
1126 PM EDT Sat May 26 2018

This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida

**TROPICAL STORM WARNING AND STORM SURGE WATCH IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS
OF THE FLORIDA WEST COAST**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Charlotte,
      Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Lee, Coastal Manatee, Coastal
      Sarasota, and Pinellas
    - A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Coastal Citrus and Coastal
      Levy

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 280 miles south-southwest of Mouth of Tampa Bay FL or
      about 250 miles southwest of Fort Myers FL
    - 23.9N 84.6W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 13 mph

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

OVERVIEW...

Subtropical Storm Alberto is forecast to strengthen while moving
northward over the Gulf of Mexico and will impact West Central and
Southwest Florida through Sunday night. The primary concerns at this
time are storm surge flooding along the Citrus and Levy county coasts,
heavy rainfall across the area causing localized flooding, and
tropical storm force winds, mainly close to the coast from Tampa Bay
south.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across West Central and Southwest Florida. Potential
impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen
      and overflow in spots.
    - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually
      vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water
      occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become
      near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge
      closures.

* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across Levy County and south to Crystal River. Potential
impacts in this area include:
    - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
      immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
      farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
    - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
      with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
      surge water covers the road.
    - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
      in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
    - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

Elsewhere across West Central and Southwest Florida, little to no
impact is anticipated.

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
West Central and Southwest Florida. Potential impacts include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
      uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
      shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
      bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across West Central and Southwest Florida. 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 officials for recommended preparedness actions,
including possible evacuations. 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.

If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind and allow extra
time to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit. Gas up your
vehicle ahead of time. Follow designated evacuation routes. Seek
traffic information on roadway signs, the radio, and from official
sources.

Let others know where you are going prior to departure. Secure
loose items and pets in the car, and avoid distracted driving.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and
hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge
zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find
yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed
evacuation orders issued by the local authorities.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.

* 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 Tampa Bay Ruskin FL around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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