[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Zeta Local Statement Advisory Number 13
National Weather Service Birmingham AL  AL282020
406 PM CDT Tue Oct 27 2020

This product covers Central Alabama

**Tropical Storm Watch issued for Central and Eastern Alabama**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Greene, Sumter, and
      Tuscaloosa

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Autauga, Bibb, Calhoun,
      Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Dallas,
      Elmore, Etowah, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lowndes, Marengo,
      Montgomery, Perry, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter,
      Talladega, Tallapoosa, and Tuscaloosa

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 780 miles south-southwest of Birmingham AL or about 710
      miles south-southwest of Montgomery AL
    - 22.7N 90.3W
    - Storm Intensity 65 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 14 mph

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

Tropical Storm Zeta was located just offshore of the northern coast of
the Yucatan Peninsula and is expected to continue moving into the
southern Gulf of Mexico. Zeta will re-strengthen into a hurricane later
today. Zeta is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast
by Wednesday evening and move quickly across Central Alabama Wednesday
night. A swath of 35 to 45 mph winds is expected to occur along and to
the right of Zeta's track, roughly along and south of Interstate 59,
with gusts of 40 to 50 mph possible. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches
are expected with locally higher amounts, which may cause localized
flash flooding. There is also a low threat of a brief tornado Wednesday
night across southern and southeastern portions of Central Alabama.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
Central Alabama. 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 dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across Central Alabama. Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
      currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
      in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals,
      arroyos, and ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
      inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
      storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
      become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.


* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts near and
south of I-85. 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 boats pulled
      from moorings.

Elsewhere across Central Alabama, little to no impact is anticipated.

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

* 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 in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.

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, in a valley, 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.

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.

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 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.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.

* 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 Birmingham AL around 10 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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