[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Thu Oct 17 16:53:05 CDT 2019

WTUS82 KTAE 172152
HLSTAE
FLZ007>019-026>029-034-108-112-114-115-118-127-128-134-180600-

Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen Local Statement Advisory Number 2
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL  AL162019
552 PM EDT Thu Oct 17 2019 /452 PM CDT Thu Oct 17 2019/

This product covers EASTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE...FLORIDA BIG BEND...SOUTHEASTERN ALABAMA AND SOUTHWESTERN GEORGIA

**POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE TO BRING IMPACTS TO THE REGION
REGARDLESS OF DEVELOPMENT**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge
      Warning for Coastal Dixie, Coastal Franklin, Coastal Gulf, and
      Coastal Taylor
    - The Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge
      Warning and the Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a
      Tropical Storm Warning for Coastal Jefferson and Coastal Wakulla

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect
      for Coastal Franklin, Coastal Gulf, Coastal Jefferson, and
      Coastal Wakulla
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect
      for Coastal Dixie and Coastal Taylor
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Calhoun, Gadsden,
      Holmes, Inland Dixie, Inland Jefferson, Inland Taylor, Inland
      Wakulla, Jackson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, North
      Walton, and Washington
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Walton,
      Coastal Bay, Inland Bay, Inland Franklin, Inland Gulf, and
      South Walton

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 770 miles southwest of PANAMA CITY or about 790 miles
      southwest of APALACHICOLA
    - 22.9N 95.2W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement North-northeast or 20 degrees at 9 mph

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

OVERVIEW...

A disturbance over the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico is expected to
develop into a tropical or subtropical storm later tonight, as it
moves northeast toward the region. Regardless of development, this
system will bring impacts to the region, beginning as early as Friday.
This includes the potential for life threatening inundation from storm
surge along the Florida Big Bend coast and minor coastal flooding along
the Panhandle coast. Tropical storm force winds of 39 mph or greater
are likely near the Florida coast to the west of the Aucilla River,
and possible for the remainder of the panhandle. The tornado threat is
elevated across the Big Bend, where isolated tornadoes are possible.
Given the fast moving nature of the system, the flooding rain threat is
minimal, with only 2 to 4 inches of rain expected with isolated 5 inch
amounts. To reiterate, regardless of development, confidence in the
aforementioned impacts is increasing.

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

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across the Florida Big Bend Coast east of Indian Pass.
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 EASTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE...FLORIDA BIG
BEND...SOUTHEASTERN ALABAMA AND SOUTHWESTERN GEORGIA, little to no
impact is anticipated.

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across the Florida Panhandle coast west of the Aucilla River.
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 Florida panhandle and Florida Big Bend.

Elsewhere across SOUTHEASTERN ALABAMA AND SOUTHWESTERN GEORGIA, little
to no impact is anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
the Florida Big Bend.
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.

Elsewhere across WESTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE...SOUTHEASTERN ALABAMA AND
SOUTHWESTERN GEORGIA, little to no impact is anticipated.

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.

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.

* 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 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.

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

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that
are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of
others.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of
strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness
activities to become unsafe.

Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.

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 additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

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

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Tallahassee FL around 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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