[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTCA82 TJSJ 151533
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-152330-

Tropical Storm Grace Local Statement Advisory Number 9
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL072021
1116 AM AST Sun Aug 15 2021

This product covers Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

**GRACE REMAINS DISORGANIZED WHILE MOVING JUST SOUTH OF PUERTO RICO**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Puerto Rico and the
      U.S. Virgin Islands.

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 70 miles south-southeast of Ponce PR or about 90 miles
      west-southwest of Saint Croix VI
    - 17.2N 66.0W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 16 mph

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

Tropical Storm Grace will continue to move south of Puerto Rico and
the U.S. Virgin Islands through the day, currently with sustained
winds of 40 mph. The main threat is still flooding rains, with the
potential for life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, as well
as rapid river flooding from now through Monday evening. A Tropical
Storm Warning remains in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands and
Puerto Rico. Hazardous marine and coastal conditions are also
expected, through tonight. Rainbands associated with Tropical Storm
Grace are already affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands, Vieques, Culebra
and several sections of the eastern half of Puerto Rico. These rainbands
are expected to become more frequent and heavier as the day progresses.
So far, the heaviest accumulations have fallen in St. Thomas, with Doppler
radar estimates above one inch already. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect
through Monday evening.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
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.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
portions of southern Puerto Rico. Remain well sheltered from hazardous
wind having possible limited impacts. If realized, these 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.

Elsewhere across Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, strong gusty
winds will be possible with thunderstorms.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS: The risk of rip currents is high across all
  beaches on the islands. A High Surf Advisory is in effect for the
  southern coast of Puerto Rico, Vieques and St. Croix through this
  evening. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized
  beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
  from shore into deeper water.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

Do not return to evacuated areas until hazardous winds diminish and
flood waters abate.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to remain safely sheltered from the storm. Stay
inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in
case you lose electrical power. Locate your battery powered radio
and flashlight from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Keep these items
close.

Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as
possible. If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for
personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications
systems with idle chatter.

* 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 San Juan PR around 2 PM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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