[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

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Tropical Storm Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 7
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL132020
1143 AM AST Fri Aug 21 2020

This product covers Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

**TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS ISSUED FOR THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS AND
PUERTO RICO**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded for Puerto
      Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 390 miles east-southeast of San Juan PR or about 330
      miles east-southeast of Saint Thomas VI
    - 17.0N 60.2W
    - Storm Intensity 45 mph
    - Movement West or 270 degrees at 18 mph

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

A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for Puerto Rico and the
U.S. Virgin Islands as the Tropical Depression Thirteen has been
upgraded to the Tropical Storm Laura. A tropical storm warning means
that tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 12 to 24
hours. The latest track from the National Hurricane Center put the
center of Laura passing over Vieques and eastern Puerto Rico early
Saturday morning. Rainfall totals between 6 and 8 inches are likely
particularly over southern and eastern Puerto Rico, other areas of
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands 3 to 6 inches of rainfall can
be expected with Laura. These rains may produce life-threatening flash
flooding, river flooding as well as mudslides. Hazardous seas and
life- threatening rip currents are expected, especially across the
Atlantic waters and shorelines.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for 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.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Potential 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.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across 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 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.

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.

* 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.

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 2 PM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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