[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 35
National Weather Service Gray ME  AL132023
1130 PM EDT Wed Sep 13 2023

This product covers NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE

**Tropical Storm Watches Remain in Effect**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Cumberland,
      Coastal Rockingham, Coastal Waldo, Coastal York, Interior
      Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 1090 miles south of Portland ME or about 1050 miles south
      of Portsmouth NH
    - 28.0N 67.7W
    - Storm Intensity 105 mph
    - Movement North or 350 degrees at 9 mph

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

Hurricane Lee continues to move north with little change in
strength this evening. The northward movement will continue through
the end of the week, bringing it into the Gulf of Maine late Friday
night or early Saturday. As the storm moves north, it is expected to
weaken, but the wind field will expand significantly.

Therefore, the potential exists for tropical storm conditions to
develop by Friday afternoon, which may continue Friday night through
Saturday afternoon. The strongest winds are expected across coastal
portions of New Hampshire and western Maine.

Large, pounding surf in addition to one to three feet of storm surge
will bring the potential for beach erosion and minor to moderate
coastal flooding.

Heavy rainfall is also possible, particularly across Midcoast Maine
where localized flooding will be possible.

There remains some uncertainty with regards to the track of Lee, which
will play a role in the level of impacts experienced across the area,
but confidence is higher for locations further east. Please check back
frequently for the latest updates.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
coastal New Hampshire and western Maine. 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 are damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured
      lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted, leading to downed
      power lines.
    - Many roads are impassable from debris, caused by downed trees
      and power lines. Many bridges, causeways, and access routes
      impassable.
    - Numerous power and communications outages likely.

Also, prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across interior western Maine and the higher elevations.

Elsewhere across NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE, little to no impact
is anticipated.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across coastal New Hampshire and western Maine. Potential impacts in
this area include:
    - Localized inundation of up to 2 feet mainly along low-lying
      spots on the immediate shorelines and in tidal affected
      riverine areas farther inland. Storm surge flooding could be
      accentuated by large waves in vulnerable wave action shoreline
      locations.
    - Sections of near-shore roads, causeways, and parking lots
      become overspread with surge water. Dangerous driving
      conditions in places where surge water covers the road.
    - Minor to moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching
      dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip
      currents.
    - Minor damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few
      small craft broken away from moorings. No damage to revetments
      expected.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across central Maine. 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, and
      ditches will 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
      will become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across western Maine.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Building swell starting Thursday will lead to increased risk for
dangerous rip currents. If possible swim near a lifeguard. If caught
in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If
able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape,
face the shore and call or wave for help.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across NEW HAMPSHIRE
AND WESTERN MAINE.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
For those not under evacuation orders, understand that there are
inherent risks to evacuation (such as traffic congestion, accidents,
and driving in bad weather), so evacuate only if necessary. Help keep
roadways open for those that are under evacuation orders.

If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or water hazards from
tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, especially if being
officially recommended. Relocate to a predetermined shelter or safe
destination.

If evacuating away from the area or relocating to a nearby shelter,
leave early before weather conditions become hazardous.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary
actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be
underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency
Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties
which must be taken into account.

If you live in a place that is particularly vulnerable to high wind,
such as a mobile home, an upper floor of a high rise building, or on
a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. Take enough supplies for you
and your family for several days.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley or canyon, or near an already swollen
river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders
that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives
of others.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be conducted
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of
strong gusty winds and heavy rain can cause certain preparedness
activities to become unsafe.

Be sure to let friends and other family members know of your
intentions and whereabouts for surviving the storm. For emergency
purposes, have someone located away from the threatened area serve as
your point of contact. Share vital contact information with others.
Keep cell phones handy and well charged.

Be a Good Samaritan and check on those who may not be fully aware of
the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations.

Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings.
If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the
forecast.

* 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 Gray ME around 2 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

$$

Legro
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