[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement
EMWIN Server
emwin at nashvilleweather.net
Sun Sep 18 10:16:32 CDT 2022
WTCA82 TJSJ 181516
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-182330-
Hurricane Fiona Local Statement Advisory Number 17
National Weather Service San Juan PR AL072022
1116 AM AST Sun Sep 18 2022
This product covers Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
**FIONA BECOMES A HURRICANE**
**TORRENTIAL RAINS AND MUDSLIDES EXPECTED ACROSS PUERTO RICO**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- The Hurricane Watch has been cancelled for St Croix and
St.Thomas...St. John...and Adjacent Islands
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for St Croix and
St.Thomas...St. John...and Adjacent Islands
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Central Interior, Culebra,
Eastern Interior, Mayaguez and Vicinity, North Central,
Northeast, Northwest, Ponce and Vicinity, San Juan and
Vicinity, Southeast, Southwest, Vieques, and Western Interior
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 80 miles south-southwest of San Juan PR or about 120
miles west-southwest of Saint Croix VI
- 17.3N 66.5W
- Storm Intensity 80 mph
- Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 8 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Hurricane Fiona is currently located 80 miles south of Ponce, at 17.3
North, 66.5 West. The forecast continues to show Fiona in the vicinity
of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico late this afternoon or early this evening, as
it continues to strengthen. Therefore, a Hurricane Warning is in
effect for Puerto Rico, as well as for the local waters. Hurricane
conditions are likely for portions of Puerto Rico as well as for the
local waters. For the U.S. Virgin Islands, a Tropical Storm Warning
remains in effect, though the Hurricane Watch has been lifted. Maximum
sustained winds are expected to be as high as near 80 mph, with higher
gusts up to 100 mph over Puerto Rico, especially for southwestern and
western Puerto Rico.
The main hazard remains the flooding rainfall that this storm will
bring. Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall have been seen this
morning, especially for St. Croix and eastern/southeastern Puerto
Rico. Rainfall totals in southern Puerto Rico are forecast to be 12 to
16 inches, and locally up to 20 to 25 inches. Elsewhere, rainfall
amounts of 5 to 10 inches are expected, with locally higher amounts.
This amount of rainfall will result in life-threatening to catastrophic
flash and urban flooding, as well as mudslides or rockfalls and river
flooding. The greatest threat for these dangerous flooding conditions
is expected between tonight and Monday.
Deteriorated, hazardous marine and coastal conditions are also
anticipated. Seas will build to around 18 feet, lasting through the
weekend. Winds over the seas will be around 65 knots with gusts to
80 knots. For the southern and southeastern coasts, water levels of
1 to 3 feet above ground level are expected.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the
region. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters
having possible devastating impacts. If realized, these impacts
include:
- Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks
in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,
canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In
mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while
increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
control systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with
underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous.
Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed
out.
* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having extensive impacts across
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Potential impacts include:
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
uninhabitable for weeks.
- Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.
* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
southern and southeastern Puerto Rico. Remain well away from locally
hazardous surge having limited impacts. If realized, these impacts
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.
* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. 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.
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.
During the peak of the storm, keep your shoes on and rain gear handy.
Boots and tennis shoes offer the best foot protection if you become
unexpectedly exposed to the elements.
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.
Do not venture outside while in the eye of a hurricane. Within the
eye, weather conditions may temporarily improve which can be
misleading. Once the eye passes, the wind will change direction and
return to dangerous speeds. Heavy rain will also return. Be smart and
remain safely hidden from the storm.
Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos. Be wise and avoid becoming another statistic.
Be ready to move to the identified safe room if your home or shelter
begins to fail. Quickly move to an interior room on the lowest floor.
Put as many sturdy walls between you and the storm as you can.
Protect your head and body.
* 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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