[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Fri Jun 5 10:10:52 CDT 2020

WTUS82 KTBW 051510
HLSTBW
FLZ043-050-052-056-057-061-139-142-148-149-151-155-160-162-165-239-242-248-249-251-255-260-262-265-052315-

Tropical Depression Cristobal Local Statement Advisory Number 16
National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL  AL032020
1110 AM EDT Fri Jun 5 2020

This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida

STORM SURGE AND TROPICAL STORM WATCHES ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF THE
NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO COAST

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for Coastal Citrus, Coastal
      Hernando, and Coastal Levy

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Coastal Citrus, Coastal
      Hernando, and Coastal Levy

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 760 miles southwest of Cedar Key FL or about 690 miles
      southwest of Mouth of Tampa Bay FL
    - 20.0N 89.9W
    - Storm Intensity 35 mph
    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 12 mph

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

Tropical Depression Cristobal is currently over the Yucatan
Peninsula and is expected to move out over the Southern Gulf waters
later today. Cristobal is expected to restrengthen into a tropical
storm as it moves northward towards the Central Gulf States. The large
wind field associated with Cristobal will lead to a risk for coastal
flooding along the eastern Gulf coast. As a result, a Storm Surge
Watch is now in effect from Aripeka northward. Inland flooding, rip
currents, and dangerous seas are also possible through the weekend.

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

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across the Nature Coast. 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.

Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across the remainder of West Central and Southwest Florida.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across West Central and Southwest 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, 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.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
A high risk of rip currents along with rough surf through the weekend
across area beaches.

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 of 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.

Let others know where you are going prior to departure. Secure loose
items and pets in the car, and avoid distracted driving.

If evacuating, follow designated evacuation routes. Seek traffic
information on roadway signs, the radio, and from official sources.

* 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.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean 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.

Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for
weathering the storm and your whereabouts. Have someone located away
from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital
contact information with others. Keep cell phones handy and charged.

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

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county 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 Tampa Bay Ruskin FL around 5 PM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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