NOTE: This is not to be used for life critical applications . Please refer to official National Weather Service/NOAA websites and publications ----------605 PM EDT Sat Sep 9 2017 This product covers EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA **HURRICANE IRMA MOVING ACROSS THE FLORIDA STRAITS** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge Warning for Coastal Volusia County * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for Coastal Volusia County, Indian River, Martin, Northern Brevard County, Southern Brevard County, and St. Lucie - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Inland Volusia County, Northern Lake County, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Lake County * STORM INFORMATION: - About 360 miles south of Orlando FL or about 290 miles south of Vero Beach FL - 23.4N 80.5W - Storm Intensity 125 mph - Movement West-northwest or 295 degrees at 9 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Dangerous Hurricane Irma is moving west northwest away from the north coast of Cuba and is forecast to approach the southwest Florida coast as a major hurricane Sunday morning. Irma is forecast to move over the Western Florida peninsula Sunday through early Monday morning as a strong hurricane. Winds will gust to tropical storm force as fast-moving squalls move onshore tonight, increasing in frequency and intensity overnight as the outer rainbands of Irma spread north. Given the current forecast track, a period of damaging winds is expected across ALL of east central Florida Sunday afternoon into Monday morning. The potential for flooding rain associated with repeated squalls, will increase across east central Florida overnight but especially early on Sunday and into Monday. Although Irma will be moving steadily forward, it will produce 8 to 12 inches of rain with locally higher amounts up to 16 inches. Additionally, squalls well ahead of the center of the storm will bring an increasing chance for the development of tornadoes tonight and especially Sunday. Surf conditions will remain hazardous as large swells bring high surf and increasingly strong rip currents. Moderate to significant beach erosion will ensue, and become progressively worse throughout the remainder of the weekend and into Monday. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts across east central Florida. Potential impacts include: - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks. - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Large areas with power and communications outages. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across east central Florida. Potential 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, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. 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: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across east central Florida. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few locations seeing considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal areas. 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, piers, and other coastal structures. A few small craft broken away from moorings. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or water hazards from tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, especially if being officially recommended. Relocate to a predetermined shelter or safe destination. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: In a hurricane or tropical storm, flood waters can come from multiple sources. Deadly flooding can occur from storm surge, flooding rain, rivers which overflow their banks, or the overwhelming of man-made flood barrier and control systems. A flood situation can become worse when several of these threaten at the same time or one after the other. Know your vulnerability to flood waters of all types and listen for instructions from local officials. Closely monitor weather.gov websites, NOAA Weather Radio, or other local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * 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 Melbourne FL around 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ ---------- tags: weatherwire,weather,update