[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 36
National Weather Service Caribou ME  AL132023
559 AM EDT Thu Sep 14 2023

This product covers EASTERN AND NORTHERN MAINE

**Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Watch Continues for Downeast Maine
 as Lee Approaches**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Northern Washington

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Coastal Hancock and Coastal
      Washington
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Central Washington,
      Interior Hancock, Northern Washington, and Southern Penobscot

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 1050 miles south of Petit Manan ME or about 1090 miles
      south of Eastport ME
    - 29.1N 68.1W
    - Storm Intensity 100 mph
    - Movement North or 350 degrees at 9 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
- Forecaster confidence continues to increase that Lee will make
  landfall just east of the coast of Maine late Saturday or Sunday
- Large pounding surf is almost a definite at this point with coastal
  and marine impacts expected to begin as early as late tonight
- Persons along the coast should be planning for a strong tropical
  storm or category 1 hurricane. The greatest potential for the
  hurricane force wind gusts is across coastal Washington County
- Tropical storm impacts will extend inland from the coast

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

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
coastal Downeast Maine. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
      experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
      homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines.

Also, prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across Interior Downeast Maine and the Bangor Region.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across coastal Downeast Maine. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
      immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
      farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
    - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
      with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
      surge water covers the road.
    - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
      in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
    - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across Downeast Maine. Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
      currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
      in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals,
      arroyos, and ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
      inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
      storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
      become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.


* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across EASTERN AND
NORTHERN MAINE.

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:
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.

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county 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.

* 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 Caribou ME around 11 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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