Hurricane Local Statement

Matt Boster

Viewed: 774

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Sep 16 2020 10:44 AM

This product covers eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia 
 
...CATASTROPHIC FLASH FLOODING FROM SALLYS RAIN BANDS OCCURRING 
ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE... 
NEW INFORMATION 
--------------- 
 
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: 
- None 
 
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: 
- A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect 
for South Walton 
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Calhoun, Central 
Walton, Coastal Bay, Coastal Gulf, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, 
Holmes, Houston, Inland Bay, Inland Gulf, Jackson, North 
Walton, and Washington 
 
* STORM INFORMATION: 
- About 110 miles west-northwest of Panama City or about 130 
miles west-southwest of Dothan 
- 30.6N 87.4W 
- Storm Intensity 80 mph 
- Movement North-northeast or 30 degrees at 5 mph 
SITUATION OVERVIEW 
------------------ 
Hurricane Sally has moved inland and is continuing very slowly NNE across the far 
western panhandle of Florida and southern Alabama. Very heavy rainfall from 
multiple training bands of rain from Sally is resulting in widespread flash flooding, 
and localized catastrophic flash flooding across portions of the Florida panhandle. 
At least 16 inches of rain have fallen in isolated locations across the Panhandle, 
with the possibility of another 5 to 10 inches (locally higher) through tonight. 
Counties are reporting widespread road closures and washed out roadways. Do not 
venture out into flooded areas and never drive through standing or flowing water, 
it could cost you your life. 
In addition to the flash flooding threat, tropical storm force winds and gusts are 
occurring in the warned area, and have resulted in at least scattered tree and 
powerline damage. Folks should not be traveling in areas where wind damage has 
occurred or is occurring. Winds have gusted over 50 mph in portions of the Panhandle, 
and higher offshore. 
The threat for a few tornadoes exists through this afternoon in rain bands from Sally. 
Keep in mind that any tornado that does develop will likely be rain wrapped and could 
form quickly. Do not wait for visual or any other form of confirmation prior to 
sheltering if a tornado warning is issued for your location. 
Minor coastal flooding is occuring along the Panhandle and Big Bend coasts this 
morning as we have just passed the morning high tide cycle. Minor coastal flooding is 
expected to continue through at least this evening. 
POTENTIAL IMPACTS 
----------------- 
 
* FLOODING RAIN: 
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across 
the Florida Panhandle, southeast Alabama, and extreme southwest Georgia. 
Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having additional 
devastating impacts. If realized, these impacts include: 
- Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and 
rescues. 
- Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks 
in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, 
and ditches may become raging rivers. Flood control systems and 
barriers may become stressed. 
- Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple 
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed 
away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape 
routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water 
with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very 
dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened 
or washed out. 
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across 
the Florida Big Bend and south-central Georgia. Remain well guarded against 
life-threatening flood waters having possible limited to extensive impacts. 
 
* WIND: 
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across 
the Florida panhandle and southeast Alabama. Remain well sheltered from 
dangerous wind having additional significant impacts. If realized, 
these impacts include: 
- Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage 
to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings 
experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile 
homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight 
objects become dangerous projectiles. 
- Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater 
numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several 
fences and roadway signs blown over. 
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban 
or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access 
routes impassable. 
- Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent 
in areas with above ground lines. 
Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding 
across the western Big Bend of Florida and extreme southwest Georgia. 
Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having possible limited impacts. 
 
* TORNADOES: 
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across eastern 
Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and 
southwestern Georgia. Remain well braced against a tornado event 
having possible limited impacts. If realized, these 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 small boats 
pulled from moorings. 
 
* SURGE: 
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across 
the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend. Remain well away from locally hazardous 
surge having additional 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. 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS 
---------------------------------- 
 
* EVACUATIONS: 
Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all clear to return. 
 
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: 
If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch 
or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic 
rise in water levels. 
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the 
safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. 
 
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: 
- 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 Tallahassee FL around 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions 
warrant.

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