[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTCA82 TJSJ 240602
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-241415-

Tropical Depression Karen Local Statement
Intermediate Advisory Number 8A
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL122019
202 AM AST Tue Sep 24 2019

This product covers PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS

...HURRICANE HUNTERS FINDS KAREN NEAR TROPICAL STORM STRENGTH...
...HEAVY RAIN AND GUSTY WINDS EXPECTED ACROSS PUERTO RICO AND
THE VIRGIN ISLANDS LATER TODAY...

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 130 miles south-southeast of Ponce PR or about 110 miles
      south-southwest of Saint Croix VI
    - 16.3N 65.7W
    - Storm Intensity 35 mph
    - Movement North or 355 degrees at 8 mph

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

Karen continues to move northward across the Eastern Caribbean Sea.
The center of Karen is still forecast to approach the local islands,
passing over Puerto Rico later today. Rain bands are already reaching
the local waters and affecting portions of southern and eastern PR as
well as portions of the U.S. Virgin Islands. These rainbands will
continue to increase in intensity and frequency during the morning
hours and continue through Wednesday. Also, tropical storm force
winds, especially in gusts, could affect the area when the center of
Karen approaches the region. Hazardous marine conditions are also
expected as Karen moves across the area.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS..
Potential impacts include:
    - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
      multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and
      ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas,
      destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while
      increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
      control systems and barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
      Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with
      underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
      Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts particularly across eastern and southern Puerto
Rico, including mountainous terrain, Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands.

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS. Potential 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.

* SURGE:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across PUERTO RICO
AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across PUERTO RICO
AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

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.

Do not return to evacuated areas until it is safe. Listen for the all-
clear signal from local authorities.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

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. Be ready to adapt to 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 San Juan PR around 5 AM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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