[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTCA82 TJSJ 242130
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-250530-

Tropical Storm Karen Local Statement Advisory Number 11
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL122019
530 PM AST Tue Sep 24 2019

This product covers PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS

**CENTER OF KAREN NOW NEAR SOUTHEASTERN PUERTO RICO**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Interior,
      Culebra, Eastern Interior, Mayaguez and Vicinity, North
      Central, Northeast, Northwest, Ponce and Vicinity, San Juan and
      Vicinity, Southeast, Southwest, St Croix, St.Thomas...St.
      John...and Adjacent Islands, Vieques, and Western Interior

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 20 miles south-southwest of Ceiba PR or about 60 miles
      west-southwest of Saint Thomas VI
    - 18.0N 65.8W
    - Storm Intensity 45 mph
    - Movement North or 0 degrees at 8 mph

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

The center of Karen is currently approaching the eastern tip of Puerto
Rico. As the center continues to move northward, rain bands will
increase in intensity and frequency during the rest of the afternoon
and nighttime hours with widespread heavy rainfall activity expected,
and the threat of flash flooding will be high as Karen moves over and
to the north of the area. Tropical storm force winds, mainly in gusts,
are expected over the eastern third of Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques
and the U.S. Virgin Islands during the next couple of hours. Hazardous
marine conditions will continue across the Caribbean waters and over
the Atlantic waters through early Wednesday. Large breaking waves and
life threatening rip currents will continue through this evening across
the southern and eastern coastal areas of the islands.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Remain well guarded against
life- threatening flood waters having possible extensive impacts. If
realized, these 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.

Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
interior, eastern and southern Puerto Rico as well as across the U.S.
Virgin Islands. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters
having possible significant impacts.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across the
eastern third of Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having possible
limited impacts. If realized, these 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.

Elsewhere across PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS, little to no
impact is anticipated.

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
southern and eastern coast of Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques, and the
U.S. Virgin Islands. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge
having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts 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 AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS, little to no
impact is anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across the eastern
third of Puerto Rico, Vieques. Culebra and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Remain well braced against a tornado event having possible limited
impacts. If realized, these 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 PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS, little to no
impact is anticipated.

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:
Now is the time to remain safely sheltered from the storm. Stay inside
and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you
lose electrical power. Locate your battery powered radio and flashlight
from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Keep these items close.

During the peak of the storm, keep your shoes on and rain gear handy.
Boots and tennis shoes offer the best foot protection if you become
unexpectedly exposed to the elements.

* 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.

$$
This weather bulletin was brought to you by:
www.nashvilleweather.net