[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KJAX 082143
HLSJAX
FLZ020>025-030>033-035>038-040-124-125-133-GAZ132>136-149>154-162>166-090545-

Hurricane Michael Local Statement Advisory Number 9
National Weather Service Jacksonville FL  AL142018
543 PM EDT Mon Oct 8 2018

This product covers Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia

**HURRICANE MICHAEL EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO THE SOUTHEAST GULF OF
MEXICO TONIGHT WITH IMPACTS IN THE LOCAL AREA BY WEDNESDAY**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Appling, Atkinson,
      Bacon, Clinch, Coffee, Columbia, Echols, Gilchrist, Hamilton,
      Jeff Davis, Suwannee, and Ware

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 550 miles south-southwest of Gainesville FL or about 650
      miles south-southwest of Waycross GA
    - 22.2N 85.2W
    - Storm Intensity 80 mph
    - Movement North or 355 degrees at 9 mph

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

Hurricane Michael was moving northward around 9 mph this afternoon
and will track into the eastern Gulf of Mexico tonight. It is forecast
to make landfall over the Florida Panhandle or Big Bend coast Wednesday
and then track northeastward over the southeast U.S. There is an
increased chance of tropical force winds for areas of inland northeast
Florida and southeast Georgia beginning as early as Tuesday night or
Wednesday morning. There is also a low possibility of hurricane force
wind gusts for portions of inland southeast Georgia and even a portion
of the Suwannee Valley area. These winds could cause numerous power
outages due to falling trees and powerlines. Rainbands associated with
Michael will move into the local areas from late Tuesday night through
early Thursday morning. Some areal inland flooding is likely as the
tropical cyclone moves into the northeast Gulf on Wednesday. This
areal flooding threat is highest over inland southeast Georgia. An isolated
tornado threat is expected Wednesday through Wednesday night mainly
over inland areas.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across inland areas of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia.
Potential impacts in this area 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.

Also, prepare for dangerous wind having possible limited to
significant impacts across other areas east of Highway 301 to
the coast.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across Suwannee Valley area and inland southeast Georgia.
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 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.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the rest of the forecast area.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across areas
from Highway 301 westward late Tuesday night through Wednesday night.
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.

Elsewhere across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, little to
no impact is anticipated.

* SURGE:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across Northeast Florida
and Southeast Georgia.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Life threatening rough surf and rip currents are expected along the
area beaches.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including
possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.

If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind and allow extra time to
get there. Take your emergency supplies kit. Gas up your vehicle
ahead of time. Seek traffic information on roadway signs, the radio,
and from official sources.

Let others know where you are going prior to departure. Secure loose items
and pets in the car, and avoid distracted driving.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.

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, plan to move to safe shelter.

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 near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.

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

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

Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.

* 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 Jacksonville FL around midnight tonight, or
sooner if conditions warrant.

$$
This weather bulletin was brought to you by:
www.nashvilleweather.net