Hurricane Isaias Update via Wunderground & National Hurricane Center
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?start#contents
**HURRICANE ISAIAS HAS MOVED INTO THE SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS AND WILL MAKE ITS CLOSEST APPROACH THE EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA COAST THIS WEEKEND** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie * STORM INFORMATION: - About 690 miles southeast of Cape Canaveral FL or about 610 miles southeast of Stuart FL - 20.9N 73.3W - Storm Intensity 80 mph - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 17 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Isaias, now over the southeastern Bahamas early this morning, is forecast to move northwest into the central Bahamas by tonight, and the northwestern Bahamas on Saturday. The latest forecast remains consistent in turning Isaias north-northwest and then north, parallel to the central Florida Atlantic coast while remaining about 50 to 60 miles offshore at its closest point of approach Saturday night through Sunday afternoon. Isaias, currently a category one hurricane, and forecast to briefly reach category two strength over the Bahamas tonight into Saturday, before encountering increasing wind shear and weakening back to a category one hurricane from Saturday afternoon through Sunday as it makes is closest approach to east central Florida. A Tropical Storm Watch continues for the coastal counties of Indian River, Saint Lucie and Martin, for winds increasing to tropical storm force as Isaias moves slowly northward offshore the Treasure Coast Saturday through Saturday night, Brevard county late Saturday night and Sunday morning, and Volusia County Sunday afternoon into Sunday night. Based on the latest forecast track, the greatest threat for tropical storm conditions this weekend continues to be over the barrier islands of the coastal counties. However, any westward deviation of the forecast track would bring stronger winds farther inland, with the potential for damaging winds and gusts along the barrier islands. Rain bands with gusty squalls from Isaias will reach the Treasure Coast Saturday afternoon, increasing in coverage and intensity as they spread north along the coast Saturday night through Sunday. Rainfall amounts may reach 3 to 5 inches across the coastal counties, with the heaviest totals expected over the Treasure Coast. Rainfall across inland areas will be lower with 1 to 3 inches expected. This may cause minor flooding of urban and other poorly drained and low-lying areas. Long period swells from Isaias will reach the surf zone today and build through this weekend. This will create a high risk for strong and life threatening rip currents. The building seas and surf will will also result in dangerously high seas of 20 feet or higher, and large breaking waves in excess of 7 feet. Beach erosion is likely around the times of high tide throughout the upcoming weekend. Boating and beach activity will become extremely dangerous, so you will want to stay out of the water. Persons in east central Florida should continue to monitor the latest forecasts and statements from the National Hurricane Center, and your National Weather Service office in Melbourne through this weekend. Additional watches or warnings will likely be needed throughout this weekend. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across the Treasure Coast Counties. 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 locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across coastal areas from around Cape Canaveral southward. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, 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: Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. * 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. 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. 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 weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly. * 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 1200 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.