[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTCA82 TJSJ 191512
HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-192315-

Hurricane Fiona Local Statement Advisory Number 21
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL072022
1112 AM AST Mon Sep 19 2022

This product covers Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

**CATASTROPHIC AND LIFE-THREATENING FLOODING CONTINUES ACROSS MUCH OF
 PUERTO RICO**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* 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 210 miles west-northwest of San Juan PR or about 150
      miles west-northwest of Mayaguez PR
    - 19.1N 69.2W
    - Storm Intensity 85 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 8 mph

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

Hurricane Fiona is now near the northern coast of the Dominican
Republic. However, Fiona's rain bands will continue to impact Puerto
Rico. Torrential rainfalls continues to affect the territory, creating
catastrophic flash flood conditions, rivers overflowing and mudslides.
Additional heavy rains will aggravate the already flooded areas and
will trigger mudslides and landslides. Rainfall bands will continue to
affect the area today, and the trailing moisture lasting all the way
into Wednesday.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Puerto Rico, as well as for
the local waters.

Deteriorated, hazardous marine and coastal conditions are also
anticipated. Squally conditions with seas at 12 to 15 feet across the
Mona Passage and Atlantic Offshore waters, elsewhere between 5 and 10
feet. Seas will slowly subside during the afternoon and into the
evening hours. Expect winds at 30 to 50 knots with higher gusts.

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.

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.

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 PM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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