[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KTAE 110916
HLSTAE
FLZ018-019-028-029-034-115-118-127-128-134-111730-

Tropical Storm Eta Local Statement Advisory Number 44
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL  AL292020
416 AM EST Wed Nov 11 2020

This product covers eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend,
southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia.

**TROPICAL STORM AND STORM SURGE WATCHES REMAIN IN EFFECT**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect for
      Coastal Dixie
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Taylor

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 330 miles south of Apalachicola or about 300 miles south
      of Suwannee River
    - 25.0N 84.1W
    - Storm Intensity 70 mph
    - Movement North or 10 degrees at 12 mph

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

Model data and satellite trends continue to favor a more eastward
path to Eta over the coming days. While this tends to lessen the
threat for storm surge impacting a large portion of Apalachee Bay,
it also favors a slightly stronger system as it nears landfall.
Thus, a storm surge watch continues for coastal Dixie county only,
while a tropical storm watch extends a little further north to the
Aucilla river to account for the possibility of gusty winds on the
northwest side of the storm.

There may be a brief period where minor coastal flooding could occur
from Franklin county eastward, but the greatest threat for
inundation over 3 feet would be along the immediate Dixie county
coast. At this time, the potential for heavy rain that would result
in flooding is marginal for our area, although some pockets of
rainfall amounts around 4 inches with isolated flooding is possible.
Additionally, if the storm makes landfall south of our forecast
area, then the threat for tornadoes would remain very low. The main
threats with Eta to the Big Bend region will be dangerous
marine/beach conditions, inland gusts to tropical storm force, and
storm surge impacts south of Steinhatchee.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the
southeast big bend. Potential impacts in this area 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.

Elsewhere across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend,
southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts
across coastal Dixie county. 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 the Big Bend coast.

Elsewhere across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend,
southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited
impacts across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, and
southwestern Georgia. Potential impacts include:
    - Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become swollen and
      overflow in spots.
    - There may be a few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at
      underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. A few
      storm drains and retention ponds may become near-full and begin
      to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures may occur.

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:

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the Gulf of Mexico 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.

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 additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Tallahassee FL around 11 AM EST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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