Tropical Cyclone Local Statement for Choctaw; Washington; Clarke +24 more

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HLSMOB This product covers portions of southwest Alabama...northwest Florida...south central Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi. **COASTAL AND OFFSHORE IMPACTS CONTINUE THIS MORNING AS BERTHA MOVES WESTWARD** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Baldwin Central, Baldwin Coastal, Escambia Coastal, Mobile Central, Mobile Coastal, Okaloosa Coastal, and Santa Rosa Coastal * STORM INFORMATION: About 90 miles south of Mobile AL or about 100 miles southwest of Pensacola FL 29.4N 88.3W Storm Intensity 50 mph Movement West or 270 degrees at 5 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Bertha is beginning to weaken and will move west of the local area this morning. Tropical storm force wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph have been observed at times along the immediate coast and additional tropical storm force gusts along the immediate coast are possible over the next few hours. Tide gauges in Pensacola Bay indicate that storm surge inundation of around 2 ft is occurring, which will result in minor flooding issues in typically flood prone areas. Similar minor coastal flooding is possible in coastal Alabama and Mobile Bay this morning. Another round of minor coastal flooding is also possible during high tide Thursday morning due to the persistent and strong onshore flow in the wake of Bertha. Dangerous surf and beach conditions continue. A high risk of deadly rip currents is in effect through Thursday night. A High Surf Warning remains in effect due to surf of 8 to 11 feet along the Gulf beaches. These large breaking waves will result in minor beach erosion, along with flooding of vulnerable areas of the west end of Dauphin Island, the Ft. Pickens area, and portions of Highway 399 between Pensacola Beach and Navarre in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across coastal Alabama and northwest Florida. 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. Elsewhere across portions of southwest Alabama...northwest Florida...south central Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi., little to no impact is anticipated. * OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS: Dangerous surf and beach conditions are expected. A high risk of deadly rip currents continues through much of the week. Surf of 8-11 feet will continue today. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across coastal Alabama and northwest Florida. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having possible limited impacts. If realized, these 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. Elsewhere across portions of southwest Alabama...northwest Florida...south central Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi., little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: For the latest detailed evacuation and shelter information...please refer to your local emergency management agency at the phone number or website listed below. Coastal Alabama: Baldwin County: 251-972-6807 or www.baldwincountyal.gov/departments/EMA Mobile County: 251-460-8000 or mobilecountyema.gov Northwest Florida: Escambia County: 850-471-6400 or myescambia.com/beready Santa Rosa County: 850-983-5360 www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency Okaloosa County: 850-651-7150 or myokaloosa.com/emergency-management For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Mobile AL around 10 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.