[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Zeta Local Statement Advisory Number 18
National Weather Service Birmingham AL  AL282020
1014 PM CDT Wed Oct 28 2020

This product covers Central Alabama

...ZETA MOVING RAPIDLY THROUGH MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA WITH STRONG
GUSTY WINDS AND HEAVY RAIN...


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 180 miles southwest of Birmingham AL or about 150 miles
      west-southwest of Montgomery AL
    - 31.5N 88.7W
    - Storm Intensity 80 mph
    - Movement Northeast or 40 degrees at 31 mph

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

Hurricane Zeta is quickly moving through Southern Mississippi and will
continue into Central Alabama tonight and through the overnight hours.
A swath of 60-70 mph wind gusts is expected to occur along and to the
right of Zeta's track, roughly south of Interstate 59, with gusts of
40-50 mph possible along and south of Interstate 85. With these wind
speeds, expect widespread downed trees and power outages across
portions of Central Alabama. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 3
inches are expected with locally higher amounts, which may cause
localized flash flooding. There is also a low threat of a brief tornado
tonight across southern and southeastern portions of Central Alabama.


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

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
between Interstate 59 and Interstate 85. 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:
Protect against 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:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
the southeastern half of Central Alabama. 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 complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges
will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather
forecast before departing and drive with caution.

If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

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.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and
hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge
zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find
yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed
evacuation orders issued by the local authorities.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!

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.

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, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

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 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 4 AM, or sooner if conditions warrant.

$$

25/Owen
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