[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTCA82 TJSJ 190915
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-191715-

Hurricane Fiona Local Statement Advisory Number 20
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL072022
515 AM AST Mon Sep 19 2022

This product covers Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

**HEAVY RAIN FROM FIONA CONTINUES TO AFFECT PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S.
 VIRGIN ISLANDS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued and the Hurricane
      Warning has been cancelled for Central Interior, Culebra,
      Eastern Interior, Mayaguez and Vicinity, North Central,
      Northeast, Northwest, Ponce and Vicinity, San Juan and
      Vicinity, Southeast, Southwest, Vieques, and Western Interior

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Interior,
      Culebra, Eastern Interior, Mayaguez and Vicinity, North
      Central, Northeast, Northwest, Ponce and Vicinity, San Juan and
      Vicinity, Southeast, Southwest, Vieques, and Western Interior

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 170 miles west of San Juan PR or about 100 miles west of
      Mayaguez PR
    - 18.5N 68.6W
    - Storm Intensity 90 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 8 mph

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

Hurricane Fiona is now over the eastern portion of Dominican Republic.
However, Fiona's rain bands will continue to impact Puerto Rico and the
U.S. Virgin Islands. Torrential rainfalls 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 Tropical
Storm Warning is in effect for Puerto Rico, as well as for the local
waters. Rainfall bands will continue to affect the area today, 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 throughout the
day. Winds over the seas will be around 30 and 50 knots with gusts up
to 70 knots. Isolated coastal flooding will be possible, especially
across southwest Puerto Rico.

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:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Remain well sheltered from
hazardous wind having additional 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.

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

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 8 AM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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