Issued at 522 AM EDT Sat Sep 9 2017
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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 41
National Weather Service Jacksonville FL AL112017
544 AM EDT Sat Sep 9 2017
This product covers Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia
**TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE WATCHES EXTENDED NORTH ACROSS
SOUTHEAST GEORGIA**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Appling, Bacon,
Brantley, Coastal Camden, Coastal Glynn, Coffee, Inland Camden,
Inland Glynn, Jeff Davis, Pierce, and Wayne
- A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Atkinson, Charlton,
Clinch, Echols, and Ware
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Appling, Bacon,
Brantley, Coastal Camden, Coastal Glynn, Coffee, Inland Camden,
Inland Glynn, Jeff Davis, Pierce, and Wayne
- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Alachua, Atkinson, Baker,
Bradford, Charlton, Clay, Clinch, Coastal Duval, Coastal
Nassau, Columbia, Echols, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Inland
Duval, Inland Nassau, Marion, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee,
Union, and Ware
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 570 miles south-southeast of Jacksonville FL or about 540
miles south-southeast of Gainesville FL
- 22.5N 78.8W
- Storm Intensity 155 mph
- Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 12 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Category 4 Hurricane Irma continues to move west northwest along the
northern coast of Cuba. Hurricane Irma continues to be a severe and
extremely dangerous hurricane. The latest forecast track takes Irma
northward over the far western part of the Florida Peninsula.
Irma is a large hurricane and will produce far-reaching effects
regardless of where the exact center of the storm moves. The forecast
track would support category 1 hurricane-force winds along the
I-75 corridor of northern Florida, with strong tropical storm force
winds with potential gusts to hurricane force further east and over
the coastal waters, as well as across southeast Georgia. This will
result in numerous downed trees and power lines, leading to power
outages.
The forecast track also increases the threat for excessive rainfall
leading to flash flooding, as well as for tornadoes. Strong tropical
storm force winds over the coastal waters could result in a storm
surge threat, especially at times of high tide given that above normal
astronomical tides are expected.
Given the potential for significant impacts from Irma, residents of
northeast Florida and southeast Georgia are urged to complete all
preparations for the storm by this evening. Closely monitor the latest
hurricane track and intensity forecasts from the National Hurricane
Center.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
uninhabitable for weeks.
- Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
Potential impacts include:
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may
become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with
underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the entire area due to the threat
for flood-producing rainfall. Rainfall amounts of 5-10 inches are
expected along the I-75 corridor, with 8-15 inches and locally higher
amounts east of I-75.
* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across the eastern counties of northeast Florida and southeast
Georgia. Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
interior portions of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia,
primarily along the I-75 corridor.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
For those under evacuation orders, leave as soon as practical with a
destination in mind. Gas up your vehicle well ahead of time. Be sure
that you take all essential materials from your emergency supplies kit.
Let others know where you are going and when you intend to arrive.
If evacuating the area, stick to prescribed evacuation routes. Look
for additional traffic information on roadway smart signs and listen
to select radio channels for further travel instructions. Drivers
should not use cell phones while operating vehicles.
* 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 canyon, 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.
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 Jacksonville FL around 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.
Click here to read more at The National Hurricane Center
