Critical HLS Hurricane/Tropical Local Statment — Wed Aug 14, 2024 8:21 AM

HLSSJU
PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-142030-

Tropical Storm Ernesto Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 11A
National Weather Service San Juan PR  AL052024
820 AM AST Wed Aug 14 2024

This product covers Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

**FLOODING RAINS FROM ERNESTO CONTINUE ACROSS PUERTO RICO AND THE
VIRGIN ISLANDS**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 120 miles northwest of San Juan PR or about 90 miles
      north of Aguadilla PR
    - 19.8N 67.2W
    - Storm Intensity 70 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 16 mph

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

Ernesto is expected to produce additional rain accumulations of 4 to 6
inches over the eastern third of Puerto Rico with locally higher
amount. Elsewhere, additional rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are
expected. Excessive runoff will continue to result in flooding of
rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
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 afternoon.

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

* 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.


* 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 across
the local islands. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having additional
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.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across Puerto Rico
and the US Virgin Islands.

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.

Additional persistent and heavy rains are expected 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. Stay away from rapidly rising rivers and
streams.

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 11AM, or sooner if conditions warrant.

$$