HLSPHI DEZ003-004-MDZ015-019-020-NJZ013-014-020-022>027-080800- Tropical Storm Elsa Local Statement Advisory Number 31...CORRECTED National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ AL052021 549 PM EDT Wed Jul 7 2021 This product covers New Jersey, Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and the Eastern Short of Maryland **Elsa is Expected to Impact Portions of southern Delaware and eastern New Jersey late Thursday into Friday morning** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Atlantic, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Cape May, Caroline, Coastal Atlantic, Coastal Ocean, Delaware Beaches, Eastern Monmouth, Inland Sussex, Ocean, Queen Annes, Southeastern Burlington, Talbot, and Western Monmouth * STORM INFORMATION: - About 780 miles southwest of Atlantic City NJ or about 730 miles southwest of Dover DE - 30.8N 83.4W - Storm Intensity 45 mph - Movement North or 10 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Elsa made landfall along the west coast of Florida early this morning and is continuing to track northeast through Georgia into the Carolinas later tonight into Thursday morning. Elsa is then forecast to move across southern Delaware and eastern New Jersey late Thursday night into Friday morning. Elsa is then forecast to continue to accelerate and move northeast, away from New Jersey, late Friday morning. The main threats with this system are heavy rainfall resulting in flash flooding as well as some river flooding, as well as tropical storm force winds, especially near the coast. In addition, dangerous marine conditions will occur, along with the potential for dangerous rip currents. Two to four inches of rainfall are forecast Thursday afternoon into Friday morning. Heavy rainfall will result in a threat of localized flash flooding. Dangerous marine conditions are also expected to develop along the Delaware Bay waters south of Slaughter Beach and along the Atlantic Coastal Waters for all of Delaware and up towards Sandy Hook, NJ. Tropical Storm force winds will be most likely across the waters with seas building to 6 to 9 feet over the waters. Dangerous rip currents will likely occur along the ocean beaches of Delaware and New Jersey. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across NEW JERSEY...DELAWARE...SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND NORTHEAST MARYLAND. 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 hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across NEW JERSEY...DELAWARE...SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND NORTHEAST MARYLAND. 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. * TORNADOES: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across New Jersey, Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. * SURGE: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across New Jersey, Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm. If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. 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 orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe. Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for weathering the storm and your whereabouts. 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 charged. Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. 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 weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly. * 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 Mount Holly NJ around 11 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ $$