[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KTAE 280922
HLSTAE
ALZ065>069-FLZ007>019-026>029-034-108-112-114-115-118-127-128-134-GAZ120>131-142>148-155>161-281730-

Hurricane Zeta Local Statement Advisory Number 15
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL  AL282020
522 AM EDT Wed Oct 28 2020 /422 AM CDT Wed Oct 28 2020/

This product covers eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia

**AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT REPORTS THAT ZETA IS
STRENGTHENING**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for South Walton
    - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
      Warning for Central Walton, Coffee, Geneva, Holmes, and North
      Walton

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Walton,
      Coffee, Geneva, Holmes, North Walton, and South Walton

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 510 miles southwest of Panama City or about 520 miles
      southwest of Apalachicola
    - 25.1N 91.8W
    - Storm Intensity 85 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 345 degrees at 17 mph

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

Hurricane Zeta continues to strengthen this morning. While
initially moving NNW, Zeta will begin tracking more northward
and then northeast as it approaches the southeast Louisiana coast
later today. After landfall, Zeta will accelerate northeast across
Alabama and northern Georgia. Impacts to the region will be felt
mainly tonight and Thursday.

The greatest impact will be gusty winds across portions of southeast
Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Gusts of 40-50mph will be possible.
This may down a few trees and powerlines, resulting in scattered power
outages. In addition, a few tornadoes will be possible tonight into
tomorrow. While the greatest threat area initially will be the Florida
Panhandle and southeast Alabama, this will transition to include the
remainder of the region as the event progresses.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the
eastern Florida panhandle, southeastern Alabama and portions of
southwestern Georgia. 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.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern
Alabama and southwestern Georgia. 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.

* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across coastal locations in the Florida Panhandle and the Big Bend.
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.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time
across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern
Alabama and southwestern Georgia.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
High surf and a high risk of rip currents are expected at area beaches.

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 complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Tallahassee FL around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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