[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTCA82 TJSJ 240939
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-241745-

Tropical Storm Karen Local Statement Advisory Number 9
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL122019
539 AM AST Tue Sep 24 2019

This product covers PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS

**KAREN BECOMES A TROPICAL STORM AGAIN SOUTH OF PUERTO RICO**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for all of Puerto Rico and
      the U.S. Virgin Islands.

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 110 miles south of San Juan PR or about 90 miles
      southwest of Saint Croix VI
    - 16.8N 65.8W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 7 mph

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

Rain bands associated with Tropical Storm Karen are currently
affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands, Culebra, Vieques and portions of
eastern Puerto Rico. These rainbands will increase in intensity and
frequency during the rest of the day, and the threat of flash
flooding will be high as Karen moves slowly over and to the north of
the islands. Tropical storm force winds are expected to affect
portions of the eastern half of Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques and
the U.S. Vrigin Islands during the day. Based on the latest forecast
track, the center of Karen is forecast to move over the southeast
coast of Puerto Rico during the late morning hours, then over the
Atlantic waters during the afternoon hours. Hazardous marine
conditions are expected, mainly over the Caribbean waters and the
waters between the U.S. Virgin Islands and eastern Puerto Rico,
through at least this evening. Also, as Karen moves north of the
islands later this afternoon, marine conditions will quickly
deteriorate through late tonight over the Atlantic waters.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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.

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across south and east Puerto Rico as well as
across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 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 western Puerto Rico.

* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across south and east Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques 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.

Elsewhere across PUERTO RICO, little to no impact is anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
Puerto Rico and the U.S. 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.

If evacuating away from the area or relocating to a nearby shelter,
leave early before weather conditions become hazardous.

Do not return to evacuated areas until hazardous winds diminish and
flood waters abate.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
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 AM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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