[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KTBW 060344
HLSTBW
FLZ043-050-052-056-057-061-139-142-148-149-151-155-160-162-165-239-242-248-249-251-255-260-262-265-061145-

Tropical Storm Cristobal Local Statement Advisory Number 18
National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL  AL032020
1144 PM EDT Fri Jun 5 2020

This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida

* **NOAA AND AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTERS FIND CRISTOBAL A LITTLE
STRONGER**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Coastal Citrus, Coastal
      Hernando, and Coastal Levy

* STORM INFORMATION:
    -
    - 22.7N 90.1W
    - Storm Intensity 45 mph
    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 mph

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

Tropical Storm Cristobal is expected to continue moving northward
through the southern Gulf of Mexico through the weekend. The large wind
field associated with Cristobal will lead to a risk for coastal
flooding along the eastern Gulf coast. As a result, a Storm Surge Watch
remains in effect from Aripeka northward. Inland flooding, dangerous
rip currents, and high surf will also be possible through the weekend.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across west-central and southwest Florida. Potential impacts
include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and
      overflow in a few spots.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures, especially in usually
      vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water
      occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas.
      Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and
      begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures.


* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts
across the Nature Coast. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
      waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
    - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
      weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low
      spots.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
      numerous rip currents.
    - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected anchorages.

Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across the remainder of west-central and southwest Florida.

Elsewhere across West Central and Southwest Florida, little to no
impact is anticipated.

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

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

* 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 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, 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.

Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for
weathering the storm and your whereabouts. 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 charged.

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

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 weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and 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 Tampa Bay Ruskin FL around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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