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. **TROPICAL STORM WARNING CANCELLED FOR NORTHWEST FLORIDA REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR COASTAL ALABAMA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Escambia Coastal, Okaloosa Coastal, and Santa Rosa Coastal * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Baldwin Central, Baldwin Coastal, Mobile Central, and Mobile Coastal * STORM INFORMATION: About 80 miles southwest of Mobile AL 29.9N 89.1W Storm Intensity 45 mph Movement West-northwest or 295 degrees at 7 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Bertha continues to move ever so slightly to the west, and will continue to move westward through the afternoon. Despite Bertha exiting our marine waters, breezy conditions continue well east of its center. Tropical storm force wind gusts of 40 mph have been observed at times along the immediate Alabama coast and additional tropical storm force gusts along the immediate coast are possible over the next few hours. Tide gauges in around Mobile Bay indicate that storm surge inundation of up to 2.5 ft is occurring, which will result in minor flooding issues in typically flood prone areas. Similar minor coastal flooding remains possible in coastal Alabama and Mobile Bay this afternoon. 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: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal Alabama. Potential impacts in this area 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 northwest Florida, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across. Potential impacts in this area 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 ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * 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 4 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.