[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTCA82 TJSJ 151803
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-160215-

Tropical Storm Grace Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 9A
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL072021
203 PM AST Sun Aug 15 2021

This product covers Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

**GRACE BRINGING LOCALLY HEAVY RAINS TO PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN
ISLANDS**


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 50 miles south-southwest of Ponce PR or about 130 miles
      west-southwest of Saint Croix VI
    - 17.3N 66.8W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 16 mph

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

Tropical Storm Grace is south of Puerto Rico and will continue to move
west-northwestward through the afternoon hours, with sustained winds
of 40 mph. The storm has left rainfall accumulations between 1 and
2 inches across the eastern third of Puerto Rico, Culebra and the
northern U.S. Virgin Islands. Accumulations closer to 3 inches have
been observed on Vieques. Rainbands are expected to continue through
the night hours. In fact, the main threat related to the cyclone is
flooding rains, mudslides and rapid river flooding from now through
Monday. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Monday evening.
Hazardous marine and coastal conditions will continue. A High Rip
Current Risk is in effect for all the local beaches, with a High Surf
Advisory for the southern coast of Puerto Rico, Vieques and St. Croix.

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 5 PM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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