Currently Active Systems

Local Statement for Lee (Portland, ME)



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Hurricane Lee Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 34A
National Weather Service Gray ME  AL132023
832 PM EDT Wed Sep 13 2023

This product covers NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE

**Tropical Storm Watches Remain in Effect**

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Cumberland, 
      Coastal Rockingham, Coastal Waldo, Coastal York, Interior 
      Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 1120 miles south of Portland ME or about 1080 miles south 
      of Portsmouth NH
    - 27.6N 67.7W
    - Storm Intensity 105 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 9 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Hurricane Lee has turned north and will continue to do so through the
end of the week, bringing it into the Gulf of Maine late Friday night 
or early Saturday. As the storm moves north, it is expected to weaken, 
but the wind field will expand significantly.

Therefore, the potential exists for tropical storm conditions to
develop by Friday afternoon, continuing Friday night through Saturday
afternoon. The strongest winds are expected across coastal portions of
western Maine and New Hampshire. 

Large, pounding surf in addition to one to three feet of storm surge
will bring the potential for beach erosion and minor to moderate
coastal flooding. 

Heavy rainfall is also possible, particularly across Midcoast Maine
where localized flooding will be possible. 

There remains some uncertainty with regards to the track of Lee, which
will play a role in the level of impacts experienced across the area,
but confidence is higher the further east you move. Please check back
frequently for the latest updates.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across 
coastal New Hampshire and Maine. 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 are damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured 
      lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted, leading to downed 
      power lines.
    - Many roads are impassable from debris, caused by downed trees 
      and power lines. Many bridges, causeways, and access routes 
      impassable.
    - Numerous power and communications outages likely.

Also, prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts 
across interior western Maine and the higher elevations.

Elsewhere across NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE, little to no impact 
is anticipated.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts 
across vulnerable low lying areas of coastal New Hampshire and Maine.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Localized inundation of up to 2 feet mainly along low-lying 
      spots on the immediate shorelines and in tidal affected 
      riverine areas farther inland. Storm surge flooding could be 
      accentuated by large waves in vulnerable wave action shoreline 
      locations. 
    - Sections of near-shore roads, causeways, and parking lots 
      become overspread with surge water. Dangerous driving 
      conditions in places where surge water covers the road.
    - Minor to 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. No damage to revetments 
      expected.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant 
impacts across central Maine. 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 will 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 
      will become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible 
limited impacts across western Maine.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across NEW HAMPSHIRE 
AND WESTERN MAINE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
For those not under evacuation orders, 
understand that there are inherent risks to evacuation (such as 
traffic congestion, accidents, and driving in bad weather), so 
evacuate only if necessary. Help keep roadways open for those that 
are under evacuation orders.

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.

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - If evacuating away from the area or relocating 
to a nearby shelter, leave early before weather conditions become 
hazardous.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary 
actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be 
underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency 
Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the 
exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties 
which must be taken into account.

If you live in a place that is particularly vulnerable to high wind, 
such as a mobile home, an upper floor of a high rise building, or on 
a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. Take enough supplies for you 
and your family for several days.

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, in a valley or canyon, 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 any orders 
that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives 
of others.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be conducted 
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of 
strong gusty winds and heavy rain can cause certain preparedness 
activities to become unsafe.

Be sure to let friends and other family members know of your 
intentions and whereabouts for surviving the storm. For emergency 
purposes, 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 well charged.

Be a Good Samaritan and check on those who may not be fully aware of 
the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations.

Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings. 
If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish 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 NOAA Weather Radio or other 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 Gray ME around 2 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

$$

Legro



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