08/03/2024
Stay tuned to Local NWS pages for up to date info in regards to TD #4 (Will be named Debbie). this is the only product ill post in regards to latest statements for this system:
Tropical Depression Four Local Statement Advisory Number 4
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL AL042024
512 AM EDT Sat Aug 3 2024 /412 AM CDT Sat Aug 3 2024/
This product covers eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia
**HURRICANE WATCHES AND TROPICAL STORM WATCHES ARE NOW IN EFFECT FOR
MUCH OF THE FLORIDA BIG BEND REGION**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch have been issued for
Coastal Dixie and Coastal Taylor
- A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Coastal Jefferson,
Coastal Wakulla, Inland Dixie, Inland Jefferson, Inland Taylor,
Inland Wakulla, Lafayette, Leon, and Madison
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
Coastal Dixie and Coastal Taylor
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Jefferson,
Coastal Wakulla, Inland Dixie, Inland Jefferson, Inland Taylor,
Inland Wakulla, Lafayette, Leon, and Madison
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 600 miles south-southeast of Apalachicola or about 590
miles south-southeast of Aucilla River
- 22.0N 80.7W
- Storm Intensity 30 mph
- Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 16 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
The center of Tropical Depression 4 was located south of the south
coast of Cuba early this morning. TD 4 is expected to strengthen into
a Tropical Storm when it moves northwest into the Gulf later today,
then continue strengthening as it moves northward through the eastern
Gulf tonight and Sunday. Landfall as a strong tropical storm is
expected along the northeast Gulf Coast in the Big Bend region on
Sunday night, though it is certainly possible that it could achieve
hurricane status just before landfall. It should be noted that there is
little difference in impact from a 70-mph tropical storm and a 75-mph
hurricane. For this reason, Hurricane Watches are now in effect for
the Big Bend coastline from the mouth of the Aucilla River to the mouth
of the Suwannee River, and Tropical Storm Watches are now in effect
west of the Aucilla River to the mouth of the Ochlockonee River.
The latest rainfall forecast has expanded the 4 to 6+ inch rainfall
amounts as far west as a line from Alligator Point to Tifton Georgia.
Local amounts of 10+ inches are possible. Several rivers in this same
area are already running unseasonably high, including the Ochlockonee,
Sopchoppy, and Withlacoochee. A Flood Watch may eventually be needed
for Sunday and Monday given heavy rain from a tropical cyclone coming
into areas that area already more vulnerable than usual to heavy rain.
Life-threatening storm surge will be possible along and to the right
of where the center makes landfall. A Storm Surge Watch is now in
effect from the mouth of the Aucilla River to the mouth of the
Suwannee River, where 3 to 5 feet of inundation is possible on
normally dry ground near the shoreline. West of the Aucilla River to
Indian Pass, 1 to 3 feet of inundation is possible.
Isolated tornadoes will be possible late Sunday and Sunday night,
mainly along and right of the track of the center.
Folks should use relatively quiet weather today to make outdoor
preparations for the tropical cyclone, though beware of the heat this
afternoon and a fairly robust round of afternoon thunderstorms. If you
cannot complete preparations today, there should still be time on
Sunday morning, before the weather starts going downhill on Sunday
afternoon. For boaters however, you will want to complete preparations
today. By sunrise Sunday, strong breezes will be getting underway over
the marine waters, which could make it unsafe to drive your boat to a
boat ramp.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
the Florida Big Bend region. Potential impacts in this area 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.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend,
southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia. 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, 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.
* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts
across near the coasts of Taylor and Dixie Counties. 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.
Elsewhere across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend,
southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia, little to no impact is
anticipated.
* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the
eastern Big Bend region and the Suwannee Valley. Potential impacts
include:
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the ex*****on
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.
Elsewhere across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend,
southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia, little to no impact is
anticipated.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* 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.
If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.
If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the Gulf of Mexico 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.
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.
Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for
weathering the storm and your whereabouts. Have someone located away
from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital
contact information with others. Keep cell phones handy and charged.
Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.
If you are a visitor, know the name of the county in which you are
located and where it is relative to current watches and warnings. If
staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite
disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to
area visitors.
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 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 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.
$$
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