Tropical Cyclone Local Statement for Coastal Levy

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HLSTBW This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida **LIFE THREATENING STORM SURGE POSSIBLE ALONG THE COAST OF LEVY COUNTY** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Coastal Levy * STORM INFORMATION: About 240 miles west of Cedar Key FL 29.2N 87.0W Storm Intensity 115 mph Movement North or 10 degrees at 17 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Isaias is forecast to move northward and make landfall tonight near Pensacola Florida. While there is currently no concerns for tropical storm force winds in the local area, there is the potential for storm surge of 2 to 4 feet along the coast from Suwannee River to Yankeetown. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for this potential. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts across coastal Levy County. Potential impacts in this area include: Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast. Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents. Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. Elsewhere across West Central and Southwest Florida, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across Levy County. Potential 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 boats pulled from moorings. Elsewhere across West Central and Southwest Florida, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across Levy County. 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, 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. Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across Levy County. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * 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. 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, 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. 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 Tampa Bay Ruskin FL around 11 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.