Critical HLS Hurricane/Tropical Local Statment — Wed Aug 14, 2024 2:30 AM

HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-141430-

Tropical Storm Ernesto Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 10A
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL052024
219 AM AST Wed Aug 14 2024

This product covers Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

...HEAVY RAIN AND STRONG WINDS FROM ERNESTO BEGINNING TO MOVE OVER
PUERTO RICO...


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Culebra, St Croix, St.Thomas...St. John...and Adjacent Islands,
      and Vieques
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Interior,
      Eastern Interior, Mayaguez and Vicinity, North Central,
      Northeast, Northwest, Ponce and Vicinity, San Juan and
      Vicinity, Southeast, Southwest, and Western Interior

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 40 miles north of San Juan PR or about 80 miles northwest
      of Saint Thomas VI
    - 19.0N 66.0W
    - Storm Intensity 70 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 16 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
A Hurricane Watch remains in effect for all the U.S. Virgin Islands and
the municipalities of Culebra and Vieques in Puerto Rico due to possible
hurricane conditions through this morning.Tropical Storm conditions are
expected to continue within the next 36 hours. Ernesto`s center is
currently located about 40 miles north of San Juan with strong and
frequent rainbands effecting the eastern coastline of Puerto Rico,
Culebra, Vieques, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tropical storm sustained
winds are expected across most of the eastern side of Puerto Rico, Culebra,
Vieques and all the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lingering moisture will persist
through tomorrow afternoon providing conditions for ongoing rainfall. Marine
and coastal conditions will remain deteriorated with seas greater than 10 feet
and life- threatening rip currents, and rough surf conditions lasting through
at least late this evening.


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

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now occurring across
U.S. Virgin Islands, Vieques, Culebra, and eastern Puerto Rico. Remain
well sheltered from dangerous wind having significant impacts.

If realized, these impacts 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.

* SURGE:

Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding. Remain
well away from locally hazardous surge having limited impacts.

If realized, these impacts include:
    - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
      immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
      farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
    - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
      with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
      surge water covers the road.
    - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
      in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
    - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

* FLOODING RAIN:

Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding. Remain
well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having extensive
impacts.

If realized, these 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, arroyos, and
      ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas,
      destructive runoff along steep terrain will result in many
      rockslides and landslides. 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.

* TORNADOES:

Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across the U.S.
Virgin Islands, Vieques, and Culebra. Remain well braced against a
tornado event having limited impacts.

If realized, these 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
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to remain safely sheltered from the storm. Stay
inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case
you lose electrical power. Locate your battery powered radio and
flashlight from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Keep these items close.

During the peak of the storm, keep your shoes on and rain gear handy.
Boots and tennis shoes offer the best foot protection if you become
unexpectedly exposed to the elements.

Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as possible.
If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for personal
emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications systems with
idle chatter.

Be ready to move to the identified safe room if your home or shelter
begins to fail. Quickly move to an interior room on the lowest floor.
Put as many sturdy walls between you and the storm as you can. Protect
your head and body.

* 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 San Juan PR around 500 AM AST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$