[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTCA82 TJSJ 212153 CCA
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-220530-

Tropical Storm Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 8
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL132020
530 PM AST Fri Aug 21 2020

This product covers Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

**LAURA NEAR THE LEEWARD ISLANDS**

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 330 miles east-southeast of San Juan PR or about 260
      miles east-southeast of Saint Thomas VI
    - 17.1N 61.2W
    - Storm Intensity 45 mph
    - Movement West or 275 degrees at 17 mph

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

Showers and thunderstorms associated with the external bands of
Tropical Storm Laura are already affecting the local region. This
activity will continue and is forecast to increase in frequency and
intensity from now on. The latest track from the National Hurricane
Center put the center of Laura passing over U.S. Virgin Islands,
Vieques and eastern Puerto Rico early in the overnight into Saturday
morning. Tropical storm conditions are expected within portions of the
U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico later tonight and through Saturday.
Rainfall totals between 6 and 8 inches are likely particularly along
eastern portions and the southern slopes of Puerto Rico, other areas of
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands can expect 3 to 6 inches of
rainfall with Laura. These rains may produce life-threatening flash
flooding, river flooding as well as mudslides. Hazardous seas and life-
threatening breaking waves and rip currents are expected, especially
across the Atlantic waters and eastern shorelines.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across Puerto Rico and the U.S. 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 across Puerto Rico 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.

* 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.

* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across eastern Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Potential
impacts in this area 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.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Hazardous seas will create life-threatening breaking waves and rip
currents along the coastal areas of Puerto Rico. Breaking wave action
will result in coastal flooding especially along the mouth of the
rivers and in numerous coastal roads may be closed. Low lying property
including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will be
inundated. Some shoreline erosion will occur. Breaking waves can sweep
people off jetties and docks, and into dangerous seas. Life-
threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion can be
expected.

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.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Outside preparations should be wrapped up as soon as possible before
weather conditions completely deteriorate. Any remaining evacuations
and relocations should be expedited before the onset of tropical
storm force wind.

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 8 PM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

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