[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTCA82 TJSJ 241813
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-250215-

Tropical Storm Karen Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 10A
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL122019
213 PM AST Tue Sep 24 2019

This product covers PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS

**KAREN SLIGHTLY STRONGER AS THE CENTER REFORMS A LITTLE TO THE WEST**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for all of Puerto Rico and
      the U.S. Virgin Islands

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 50 miles southeast of Ponce PR or about 80 miles west of
      Saint Croix VI
    - 17.5N 66.0W
    - Storm Intensity 45 mph
    - Movement North or 0 degrees at 8 mph

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

Strong thunderstorms associated to rain bands of Karen are currently
affecting the southern, eastern and northern sections of Puerto Rico
and as well portions of Culebra, Vieques and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. These rain bands will continue to increase in intensity and
frequency during the rest of the afternoon and evening hours, and
the threat of flash flooding will be high as Karen moves slowly over
and to the north of the islands. Tropical storm force winds are
expected to spread over portions of the eastern and southern half of
Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques and the U.S. Vrigin Islands through
the rest of the day. Based on the latest forecast track, Karen has
moved erratically during the past few hours over the Caribbean
waters just south of Puerto Rico, and it has re-formed west of the
previous forecast track. Under this new forecast, Karen is expected
to resume a northward motion and cross near or over Puerto Rico
during the afternoon hours and then move into the Atlantic coastal
waters tonight. Hazardous marine conditions will continue across the
Caribbean waters and over the Atlantic waters today. Large breaking
waves and life threatening rip currents will continue this afternoon
across the southern and eastern coastal areas of the islands.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Remain well guarded against
life-threatening flood waters having possible extensive impacts. If
realized, these 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.

Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
portions of the interior, east and southern Puerto Rico as well as
across the U.S. Virgin Islands. Remain well guarded against dangerous
flood waters having possible significant impacts.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
portions of eastern and southeastern Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. 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.

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
south and east Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having possible
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:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across PUERTO RICO
AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS. Remain well braced against a tornado event
having possible limited impacts. If realized, these 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:
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 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.

* 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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