[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 34
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA  AL132023
523 PM EDT Wed Sep 13 2023

This product covers Southern New England

**TROPICAL STORM WATCHES ISSUED FOR MUCH OF COASTAL NEW ENGLAND**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch have been issued
      for Barnstable MA and Nantucket MA
    - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Block Island RI,
      Bristol RI, Dukes MA, Eastern Essex MA, Eastern Norfolk MA,
      Eastern Plymouth MA, Newport RI, Southern Bristol MA, Southern
      Plymouth MA, Suffolk MA, Washington RI, and Western Plymouth MA

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect for
      Barnstable MA and Nantucket MA
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Block Island RI,
      Bristol RI, Dukes MA, Eastern Essex MA, Eastern Norfolk MA,
      Eastern Plymouth MA, Newport RI, Southern Bristol MA, Southern
      Plymouth MA, Suffolk MA, Washington RI, and Western Plymouth MA

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 960 miles south of Nantucket MA or about 1050 miles
      south-southeast of Boston MA
    - 27.4N 67.6W
    - Storm Intensity 105 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 10 mph

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

Hurricane Lee is forecast to pass offshore of southern New England on
Saturday but its impacts will extend far from the storm's center. Lee
should bring rough surf, damaging winds, and bands of heavy rain to at
least coastal areas of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The following are the primary hazards of concern with Lee:

* Rough surf - Ocean beaches will experience dangerous rip currents and
  beach erosion through the weekend. Rough seas will also pose a
  significant hazard to mariners.

* Damaging wind - Winds will increase on Friday and remain gusty
  through Saturday night. Tropical storm force winds are possible
  late Friday night and Saturday near the coast, where downed branches
  or trees are possible since trees are fully leafed and root systems
  may be weakened from saturated soils.

* Flooding rainfall - Bands of heavy rain may result in flash flooding
  Friday night and Saturday, mainly near the coast. Rainfall totals of
  2 to 4 inches are possible in a short period of time.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 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 Southern New England, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* SURGE:
Storm surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet above ground level possible along
the northern coast of Barnstable county along Cape Cod Bay, and along
the northern coast of Nantucket.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited
impacts across eastern Massachusetts. Potential impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become swollen and
      overflow in spots.
    - Flood waters can enter a few 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.

Elsewhere across Southern New England, 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.

For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind,
falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move,
relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not relocate, help keep
roadways open for those under evacuation orders.


* 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 in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.

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, in a valley, 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.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of
strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness
activities to become unsafe.

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.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.

* 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 Boston/Norton MA around 12 AM EDT Thursday, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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