[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Isaias Local Statement Special Advisory Number 12
National Weather Service Melbourne FL  AL092020
1225 AM EDT Fri Jul 31 2020

This product covers East Central Florida

**ISAIAS IS NOW A HURRICANE, HEADED TOWARD THE SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Indian River, Martin,
      and St. Lucie

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 760 miles southeast of Cape Canaveral FL or about 690
      miles southeast of Stuart FL
    - 20.4N 72.2W
    - Storm Intensity 80 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 18 mph

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

Isaias, located just off the north coast of Haiti, has become a
hurricane as it approaches the southeastern Bahamas. Isaias is forecast
to move northwest across the southeastern and central Bahamas today
and tonight, then into the northwestern Bahamas on Saturday. The latest
forecast shows Isaias becoming a strong category one hurricane by
tonight, maintaining category one strength as it approaches the central
Florida Atlantic waters by Saturday afternoon, and moves through the
waters Saturday night through early Sunday morning.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the coastal counties of Indian
River, Saint Lucie and Martin, for winds increasing to tropical storm
force as Isaias moves slowly northward, offshore of the Treasure Coast
Saturday night and offshore Brevard county late Saturday night and
Sunday morning.

Based on the current forecast track, tropical storm conditions are
most likely across the barrier island communities of the coastal
counties this weekend. However, any westward deviation of the forecast
track would bring stronger winds farther inland, with the potential
for damaging winds and gusts along the barrier islands.

Rainbands from Isaias will arrive along the Treasure Coast Saturday
afternoon, and move farther north along the coast Saturday night and
Sunday morning. Rainfall amounts may reach 3 to 5 inches across the
coastal counties, with the heaviest total expected over the Treasure
Coast. Rainfall across inland areas will be lower with 1 to 3 inches
expected. This may cause minor flooding of urban and other poorly
drained and low-lying areas.

Long period swells from Isaias will move toward the surf zone Friday
causing a high risk for strong rip currents. Conditions along the
immediate coast, including the beaches and surf zone, will further
deteriorate Saturday into Sunday. The surf is expected to become
increasingly rough with large breaking waves, and beach erosion around
the times of high tide throughout the upcoming weekend.

Persons in east central Florida should monitor the latest forecasts
and statements from the National Hurricane Center, and your National
Weather Service office in Melbourne through this weekend for
additional watches or warnings.


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

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
the Treasure Coast.

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.


* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited
impacts across coastal areas of east central FLorida.

Potential impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become
      swollen and overflow in spots.
    - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually
      vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water
      occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become
      near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge
      closures.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions,
including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so
immediately.


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.

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.

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 weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and 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 Melbourne FL around 600 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

Cristaldi
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