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WTCA82 TJSJ 090013
HLSSJU
VIZ001-090815-
Hurricane Jose Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 14A
National Weather Service San Juan PR AL122017
813 PM AST Fri Sep 8 2017
This product covers THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS
**POWERFUL CATEGORY 4 JOSE FORECAST TO BE NEAR THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS ON SATURDAY**
NEW INFORMATION
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* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for St.Thomas...St. John...and Adjacent Islands
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 420 miles east-southeast of Saint Thomas VI or about 400 miles east of Saint Croix VI
- 16.7N 58.8W
- Storm Intensity 150 mph
- Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 17 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
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At 8 PM AST Category 4 Hurricane Jose was approaching the Leeward islands from the east southeast at 18 mph and will move just northeast of the northeast corner of the forecast area. It is expected that dangerous tropical storm force winds will impact the northeast portion of our outer Atlantic waters. Because of its close proximity and the uncertainty of the forecast, it was decided to put up a Tropical Storm Watch for Saint Thomas and Saint John as these will be affected by any leftward deviation of Major Hurricane Jose. Also thunderstorms in rainbands from Jose may bring tropical storm force winds. Heavy rains are likely to accompany this passage for the northern U.S. Virgin Islands and parts of Puerto Rico. Minimal storm surge is expected, but there will be a high risk of strong rip currents.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
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* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across the Northern U.S. Virgin Islands. 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.
* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across northern U.S. Virgin Islands. 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.
Elsewhere across PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS, little to no impact is anticipated.
* SURGE:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across the northern U.S. Virgin Islands.
* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across northern U.S. 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.
Elsewhere across PUERTO RICO AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS, little to no impact is anticipated.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
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* EVACUATIONS:
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.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
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.
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
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The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in San Juan PR around , or sooner if conditions warrant.
Click here to read more at The National Hurricane Center
