#MEwx Tropical Storm Watch

**Tropical Storm Watch Issued**

NEW INFORMATION

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* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

- A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Coastal Cumberland,

Coastal Rockingham, Coastal Waldo, Coastal York, Interior

Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc

* 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 1130 miles south of Portland ME or about 1090 miles south

of Portsmouth NH

- 27.4N 67.6W

- Storm Intensity 105 mph

- Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 10 mph

 

SITUATION OVERVIEW

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Hurricane Lee has begun to move north today which will continue

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 a. cross the

area, but confidence is higher the further east you move. Please check

back frequently for the latest updates.

 

POTENTIAL IMPACTS

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* 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 areas of 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

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* EVACUATIONS:

 

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - If evacuating the area, stick to prescribed

evacuation routes. Look for additional traffic information on roadway

smart signs and listen to select radio channels for further travel

instructions. Drivers should not use cell phones while operating

vehicles.

 

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings.

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 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

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The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather

Service in Gray ME around 11 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.