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ALZ065>069-FLZ007>019-026>029-034-108-112-114-115-118-127-128-134-GAZ120>131-142>148-155>161-110100-
Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 46
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL AL112017
1257 PM EDT Sun Sep 10 2017 /1157 AM CDT Sun Sep 10 2017/
This product covers EASTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE...FLORIDA BIG BEND...SOUTHEASTERN ALABAMA AND SOUTHWESTERN GEORGIA
**DESTRUCTIVE WINDS AND DEADLY STORM SURGE FROM IRMA WILL BEGIN
TONIGHT**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Baker, Berrien, Brooks,
Calhoun, Clay, Coastal Franklin, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur,
Dougherty, Early, Gadsden, Grady, Inland Dixie, Inland
Franklin, Inland Jefferson, Inland Taylor, Inland Wakulla,
Lafayette, Lanier, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Lowndes, Madison,
Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas,
Tift, and Worth
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Ben Hill, Calhoun,
Central Walton, Coastal Bay, Coastal Gulf, Coffee, Dale,
Geneva, Henry, Holmes, Houston, Inland Bay, Inland Gulf, Irwin,
Jackson, North Walton, South Walton, Turner, and Washington
- A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
Coastal Dixie, Coastal Jefferson, Coastal Taylor, and Coastal
Wakulla
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 410 miles south-southeast of TALLAHASSEE
- 25.0N 81.5W
- Storm Intensity 130 mph
- Movement North or 350 degrees at 9 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Irma is expected to cause significant wind damage across the Florida
Big Bend and southwest Georgia. Tropical storm force winds will begin
to affect the local area this evening with the strongest winds
expected to begin Monday morning before sunrise in the southeastern
Big Bend. Overall durations of tropical storm force to hurricane force
winds could exceed 15 hours. This prolonged period of extreme winds
will cause widespread wind damage to trees and power lines, as well as
structural damage across the area. We urge you to go to seek shelter
in an interior room away from doors and windows for the duration of
the high winds. In addition, life threatening storm surge is expected
across the Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, and Dixie county coasts. Do not
stay in a flood prone area along these coast lines. Follow
instructions from your local officials and complete all preparations
before this evening. Conditions will gradually improve Monday night as
Irma continues northward. Anticipate impassable roads and extensive
power outages in the wake of the storm.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across the eastern Florida Big Bend. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Widespread structural damage to buildings in the area. Numerous
with complete roof and wall failures. All mobile homes
destroyed. Damage greatly increased by large airborne
projectiles. Locations affected may be uninhabitable for weeks
or months.
- Large swaths of trees snapped uprooted with roadway signs blown
over.
- Nearly all primary and all secondary roads will be impassable.
- Widespread power and communication outages; potentially lasting
for weeks.
Also, protect against life-threatening wind having possible limited
to extensive impacts across north Florida and southwest Georgia.
* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across the coast of the Florida Big Bend. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Areas of inundation from storm surge flooding, compounded by
higher waves. Non-elevated homes and businesses along the coast
will be subject to flooding primarily on the ground floor.
- Sections of coastal highways and access roads will be flooded
with portions washed out, isolating affected coastal
communities.
- Moderate beach erosion with damage to the dune line.
- Moderate damage to marinas, docks, and piers. Small craft not
secured prior to the storm will break away from moorings.
Elsewhere across EASTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE...FLORIDA BIG
BEND...SOUTHEASTERN ALABAMA AND SOUTHWESTERN GEORGIA, little to no
impact is anticipated.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across the Florida Big Bend and southwest Georgia.
Potential impacts include:
- Major flooding from rainfall will prompt evacuations in flood
prone areas. Those not heeding evacuations in these locations
face serious injury or death.
- Rivers and associated tributary creeks and stream will rise and
overflow into the flood plain. Runoff will put stress on area
holding ponds and drainage ditches, increasing the likelihood
of widespread urban flooding.
- Flood waters will impact structures in low lying areas, as well
as those in the flood plain, possibly entering buildings. Urban
flooding will result in several road closures and some
washouts. A few overpasses may be weakened by fast moving flood
waters. Driving conditions are very dangerous.
* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the eastern Florida Big Bend and south central Georgia. Potential
impacts include:
- Isolated tornadoes are expected, resulting in a notable impact
to affected communities.
- Isolated areas affected by tornadoes will experience minor
damage, including some damage to structures and sporadic power
and communication outages.
- A few structures will be damaged by tornadoes, mainly with loss
of shingles or siding. Some mobile homes will be significantly
damaged, especially those unanchored. Large trees will be
snapped or uprooted.
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.
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.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to bring to completion all preparations to protect
life and property in accordance with your emergency plan.
Outside preparations should be wrapped up as soon as possible before
weather conditions completely deteriorate. Any remaining evacuations
and relocations should be expedited before the onset of tropical
storm force wind.
Keep cell phones well charged and handy. Also, cell phone chargers
for automobiles can be helpful after the storm. Locate your chargers
and keep them with your cell phone.
If you are a visitor and still in the area, listen for the name of
the city or town in which you are staying within local news updates.
Be sure you know the name of the county or parish in which it
resides. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities.
Closely monitor NOAA Weather radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Be ready to adapt to 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 Tallahassee FL as conditions warrant.
Click here to read more at The National Hurricane Center
