HLSMLB This product covers East Central Florida **Tropical Storm Watches Remain in Effect for Coastal Portions of East Central Florida** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Indian River, Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands * STORM INFORMATION: - About 390 miles south-southeast of Cape Canaveral FL - 23.5N 77.3W - Storm Intensity 35 mph - Movement North or 350 degrees at 7 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ At 11 AM, Tropical Depression Nine was located about 95 miles west of the central Bahamas, drifting toward the north at just 7 mph. The system is forecast to strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda today as it moves north-northwestward over the central and northwestern Bahamas. The slow moving storm track remains parallel and offshore the Florida coast Monday, strengthening into a hurricane early Tuesday as it turns northeast and further out to sea. As the center of Tropical Depression Nine moves northward, outer rain bands will begin to affect the immediate coast of east-central Florida today. Multiple rounds of rainfall are forecast through early Tuesday, with amounts of 1 to 3 inches focused along and east of Interstate 95. Locally higher amounts to 4 inches are possible where persistent bands of rain set up, especially along the immediate coastline. Localized flooding or ponding of water on roadways is possible where repeated rounds of heavy rain occur. Wind fields will gradually expand as the tropical system strengthens. As a result, tropical-storm-force wind gusts are possible for portions of the east-central Florida coastline in outer rainbands tonight into Monday. Tropical Storm Watches remain in effect for coastal portions of Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, and Martin counties. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the adjacent Atlantic coastal waters. At the coast, battering surf from this afternoon through Tuesday will produce dangerous beach conditions. A HIGH risk of rip currents is forecast, with breaking waves of 6 to 10 feet. Beach erosion is likely as waves run up to the dune line or sea walls, especially along the northern Brevard and Volusia coast on Monday. Long-period swells from this system combined with distant Major Hurricane Humberto will produce the potential for long-duration moderate beach and dune erosion, along with high surf conditions, through late week. For locations in and near the Tropical Storm Watch, do not let your guard down. Regardless of the exact track, significant coastal impacts are anticipated. Now is the time to secure any loose or lightweight outdoor items, including holiday decorations. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across East Central FLorida. Potential impacts in this area include: - Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted. - Isolated to scattered power and communications outages. Elsewhere across East Central Florida, little to no impact is anticipated. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal areas of East Central Florida. 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 damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across East Central Florida. Potential impacts include: - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. 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. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm. When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe. 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 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 5PM, or sooner if conditions warrant.
The National Weather Service issues alerts in different categories to indicate the severity of storms and if the public should take immediate action to prevent the loss of life or property or be aware of the potential of the same.
A weather warning is issued when severe weather conditions are occuring or imminent and there is danger to life and/or property. The warning will include what action should be taken including evacuation or shelter in place and should be heeded immediately. Warnings are usually issued for a small, specific area and for a definite period of time.
A weather watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. A weather watch means that severe weather is possible in the area, so it is important to stay tuned to the latest forecasts and be prepared for potential storms.
The purpose of a weather watch is to provide advance warning to people in the affected area so that they can take necessary precautions. It is important to remember that a weather watch does not mean that severe weather will definitely occur, but simply that there is a higher chance of it happening.
If you live in an area where severe weather is common, it may be wise to have a plan in place for what you will do if a storm hits. Make sure you have plenty of food and water stored, as well as flashlights, batteries, and other supplies. You may also want to consider evacuating if necessary.
An advisory means the conditions are likely to occur. These are typically used for less severe weather events like frost or winds but can be used for other types of severe weather.
A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fires and any fire which does start could spread rapidly. These are often issued after drought conditions, when humidity is very low and especially when there are high or erratic winds. The possibility of lightning is also a determining factor. Fire fighting agencies often will increase their staffing and equipment resources due to the forecast risk. For the public, a Red Flag Warning often means high fire danger leading to restrictions or bans on outdoor burning including burn piles, burn barrels and campfires. Use of anything which may produce sparks, including outdoor lawn equipment, chainsaws and welding, may be restricted or prohibited.
The weather criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings vary with each Weather Service office’s warning area based on the local vegetation type, topography, and distance from major water sources. They usually include the daily vegetation moisture content calculations, expected afternoon high temperature, afternoon minimum relative humidity and daytime wind speed.
An enhanced version of the warning, called extreme red flag warning, may be issued. This means that conditions for fire growth and behavior are extremely dangerous due to a combination of strong winds, very low humidity, long duration, and very dry fuels.