[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Tue Aug 27 16:49:40 CDT 2019

WTCA82 TJSJ 272149
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-280600-

Tropical Storm Dorian Local Statement Advisory Number 14
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL052019
549 PM AST Tue Aug 27 2019

This product covers PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS

**TROPICAL WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF PUERTO RICO AND THE US
VIRGIN ISLANDS. A HURRICANE WATCH CONTINUES FOR MAINLAND PUERTO RICO.**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for St Croix, St.Thomas,
      St. John, Culebra and Vieques

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      for mainland Puerto Rico
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for St Croix, St.Thomas,
      St. John, Culebra and Vieques

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 320 miles southeast of San Juan PR or about 330 miles
      southeast of Ponce PR
    - 15.3N 62.5W
    - Storm Intensity 50 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 13 mph

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

Based on the latest forecast track, tropical storm force winds are
expected to start affecting the offshore Caribbean waters by early
Wednesday morning. As Tropical Storm Dorian tracks to the west-
northwest, tropical storm force winds are forecast to affect portions
of the U.S. Virgin Islands, especially across St. Croix and continuing
across south-central Puerto Rico around noon on Wednesday and moving
away from northwest Puerto Rico by Wednesday night. Rain bands
associated with Tropical Storm Dorian can start as early as late
tonight into early Wednesday morning and continue through at least
through Thursday afternoon. Rough and hazardous seas across the
Caribbean waters and Mona Passage are expected on Wednesday.

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

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

Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across mainland Puerto Rico. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
      window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
      damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
      Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for weeks.
    - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
      access routes impassable.
    - Large areas with power and communications outages.

Also, prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across Culebra, Vieques and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across the eastern, southern and western coasts of Puerto Rico and the
U.S. Virgin Islands. 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.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS. 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:
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 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.

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 PM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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