[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 42
National Weather Service Gray ME  AL132023
534 PM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023

This product covers NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE

**Tropical Storm Warnings Continue as Lee Approaches**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Androscoggin, Central
      Interior Cumberland, Coastal Cumberland, Coastal Rockingham,
      Coastal Waldo, Coastal York, Interior Waldo, Kennebec, Knox,
      Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and Southern Somerset

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 440 miles south-southeast of Portland ME or about 420
      miles south-southeast of Portsmouth NH
    - 37.9N 66.7W
    - Storm Intensity 80 mph
    - Movement North or 10 degrees at 20 mph

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

Hurricane Lee continues to move northward toward the Gulf of Maine.
The northward movement will continue through tomorrow, bringing it
into the Gulf of Maine by tomorrow morning, with a landfall likely
across western Nova Scotia tomorrow evening. The storm will
gradually weaken, but the wind field will continue to expand
significantly.

Therefore, the potential exists for tropical storm conditions to
develop by late tonight along the coastline, which would then continue
through Saturday afternoon. The strongest winds are expected across
coastal portions of New Hampshire and western Maine.

Large, pounding surf in addition to one to three feet of storm surge
will bring the potential for beach erosion and minor coastal flooding.

Heavy rainfall is also possible, particularly across MidCoast Maine
where localized flooding will be possible.

While the strongest winds are expected closer to the coastline, gusty
winds will likely still be strong enough to lead to scattered power
outages outside of the warning areas. Please check back frequently for
the latest updates.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
coastal New Hampshire and western Maine. Potential impacts in this
area include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. Mobile homes may be
      damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Some large trees snapped or uprooted, leading to downed
      power lines.
    - A few roads are impassable from debris, caused by downed trees
      and power lines. Many bridges, causeways, and access routes
      impassable.
    - Scattered power and communications outages likely.

Also, prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across coastal New Hampshire and western Maine.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts. Potential impacts include:
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen
      and overflow in spots.
    - Flood possible in 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.
    - Backed up drainage systems near the coast could exacerbate the
      flooding from rainfall.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across western Maine.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across coastal New Hampshire and western Maine. Potential impacts in
this area include:
    - Localized inundation of up to 1 foot mainly along low-lying
      spots on the immediate shorelines and in tidal affected
      riverine areas farther inland. Storm surge flooding could be
      accentuated by large waves in vulnerable wave action shoreline
      locations.
    - Sections of near-shore roads, causeways, and parking lots
      become overspread with surge water. Dangerous driving
      conditions in places where surge water covers the road.
    - Minor to moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching
      dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip
      currents.
    - Minor damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few
      small craft broken away from moorings. No damage to revetments
      expected.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across NEW
HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
For those not under evacuation orders, understand that there are
inherent risks to evacuation (such as traffic congestion, accidents,
and driving in bad weather), so evacuate only if necessary. Help keep
roadways open for those that are under evacuation orders.

If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or water hazards from
tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, especially if being
officially recommended. Relocate to a predetermined shelter or safe
destination.

If evacuating away from the area or relocating to a nearby shelter,
leave early before weather conditions become hazardous.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary
actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be
underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency
Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties
which must be taken into account.

If you live in a place that is particularly vulnerable to high wind,
such as a mobile home, an upper floor of a high rise building, or on
a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. Take enough supplies for you
and your family for several days.

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 any orders
that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives
of others.

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

Be sure to let friends and other family members know of your
intentions and whereabouts for surviving the storm. For emergency
purposes, 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 well charged.

Be a Good Samaritan and check on those who may not be fully aware of
the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations.

Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings.
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 NOAA Weather Radio or other 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 Gray ME around 11 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

$$

DS
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