[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Michael Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 16A
National Weather Service Jacksonville FL  AL142018
239 PM EDT Wed Oct 10 2018

This product covers Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia

**MAJOR HURRICANE MICHAEL MAKES LANDFALL NEAR MEXICO BEACH FLORIDA**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Warning has been upgraded to a Hurricane
      Warning for Atkinson, Coffee, and Jeff Davis

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Appling, Bacon,
      Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, Coastal Camden, Coastal Glynn,
      Columbia, Echols, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Inland Camden, Inland
      Glynn, Pierce, Suwannee, Ware, and Wayne
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Atkinson, Coffee, and Jeff
      Davis

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 240 miles west of Jacksonville FL or about 200 miles
      west-southwest of Waycross GA
    - 30.0N 85.5W
    - Storm Intensity 155 mph
    - Movement North-northeast or 20 degrees at 14 mph

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

Major Hurricane Michael has moved ashore over the FL panhandle this
afternoon and will lift northeast through late tonight into southwest Georgia
and to inland South Carolina Thursday morning. Hurricane force winds are very
possible for Atkinson, Coffee, and Jeff Davis this evening into tonight. Torrential
bands of rain will affect the area today through late tonight with associated
very gusty winds. A few tornadoes are also possible over inland areas as
rainbands move through. The tornado threat is greatest over the west zones into
the mid to late afternoon then shifting through the rest of the area into tonight.
A tornado watch is in effect. Inland and river flooding is also a concern over the
weekend and early next week, mainly across southeast Georgia closest to the
track of Hurricane Michael.

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

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across inland southeast Georgia. 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
across the rest of the forecast areas.

* TORNADOES:

Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across southeast Georgia and the Suwannee Valley areas.
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.

Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the rest of northeast Florida late today and tonight.

* FLOODING RAIN:

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across inland southeast Georgia and the Suwannee
Valley areas. 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.

Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the rest of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia.

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 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.

If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges
will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather
forecast before departing and drive with caution.

If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.

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.

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.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

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 Jacksonville FL around 6 PM, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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