[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

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Hurricane Fiona Local Statement Advisory Number 19
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL072022
1130 PM AST Sun Sep 18 2022

This product covers Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

**EYE OF FIONA NEARING THE SOUTHEASTERN COAST OF THE DOMINICAN
 REPUBLIC**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for the United
      States Virgin Islands

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Puerto Rico, including
      Vieques and Culebra.

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 70 miles west-southwest of Aguadilla PR or about 60 miles
      west-southwest of Mayaguez PR
    - 18.0N 68.1W
    - Storm Intensity 85 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 10 mph

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

Hurricane Fiona continues to move away from Puerto Rico, with the rain
bands covering all of Puerto Rico, including Vieques and Culebra and
also the U.S. Virgin Islands. Torrential rainfall continues to affect
the territory, creating catastrophic flash flood conditions, rivers
overflowing and mudslides. Wind damage was also reported, especially
along western, southern and the interior of Puerto Rico. A Hurricane
Warning is in effect for Puerto Rico, as well as for the local waters.
For the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Tropical Storm Warning was allowed to
expire, as sustained winds above 39 knots is no longer expected. These
winds will continue across Puerto Rico tonight, however. Rainfall
bands will continue to affect the area on Monday, and the trailing
moisture lasting all the way into Wednesday. This will likely worsen
the ongoing flooding and mudslides.

Deteriorated, hazardous marine and coastal conditions are also
anticipated. Seas up to 18 feet are expected, lasting through
tomorrow. Winds over the seas will be around 75 knots with gusts to
90 knots. For the southern and southeastern coasts, water levels of
1 to 2 feet above ground level are expected from Cabo Rojo to Guayama,
which could cause minor coastal flooding and beach erosion.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
the region. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters
having possible devastating impacts. If realized, these impacts
include:
    - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks
      in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,
      canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In
      mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while
      increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
      control systems and barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
      routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water
      with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very
      dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened
      or washed out.

Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
significant to extensive impacts across the entire area.

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having extensive impacts across
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Potential impacts include:
    - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
      window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
      damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
      Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for weeks.
    - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or
      heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.

* SURGE:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across Puerto Rico
and the US Virgin Islands.

* 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.

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


* EVACUATIONS:
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.

Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as
possible. If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for
personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications
systems with idle chatter.

Do not venture outside while in the eye of a hurricane. Within the
eye, weather conditions may temporarily improve which can be
misleading. Once the eye passes, the wind will change direction and
return to dangerous speeds. Heavy rain will also return. Be smart and
remain safely hidden from the storm.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos. Be wise and avoid becoming another statistic.

Be ready to move to the identified safe room if your home or shelter
begins to fail. Quickly move to an interior room on the lowest floor.
Put as many sturdy walls between you and the storm as you can.
Protect your head and body.

* 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 2 AM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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