Local Statement for Birmingham, AL

Sun, Sep 10th 2017, 12:02 PM

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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 46
National Weather Service Birmingham AL  AL112017
1102 AM CDT Sun Sep 10 2017

This product covers CENTRAL ALABAMA

**Irma Impacts for Central Alabama**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Barbour, Blount,
      Bullock, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa,
      Elmore, Etowah, Lee, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, Randolph,
      Russell, St. Clair, Talladega, and Tallapoosa

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 670 miles south-southeast of Birmingham AL or about 580
      miles south-southeast of Montgomery AL
    - 25.0N 81.5W
    - Storm Intensity 130 mph
    - Movement North or 350 degrees at 9 mph

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

Irma is expected to have noticable impacts across the eastern half of
Central Alabama on Monday into Monday night. Winds of 30 to 40 mph may
begin as early as the pre dawn hours Monday in the southeast counties.
Conditions will worsen during the afternoon and evening on Monday as
strong winds spread northward with gusts possibly reaching 60 mph.
Scattered tree and power line damage is possible along with power
outages. Some minor structural damage is also possible. The greatest
wind gusts and impacts are expected to be generally along and east of a
line from Oneonta to Sylacauga to Montgomery to Troy. Conditions will
gradually improve on Tuesday as Irma continues to move northward.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
CENTRAL ALABAMA. Potential impacts 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.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across CENTRAL ALABAMA. Potential impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, 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.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across CENTRAL
ALABAMA.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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.

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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:

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.

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 Birmingham AL around 5 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Click here to read more at The National Hurricane Center

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