####018008230#### WTUS81 KGYX 132124 HLSGYX MEZ007>009-012>014-018>028-033-NHZ001>015-140530- Hurricane Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 34 National Weather Service Gray ME AL132023 524 PM EDT Wed Sep 13 2023 This product covers NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE **Tropical Storm Watch Issued** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * 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 ------------------ 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 ----------------- * 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 ---------------------------------- * 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 ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Gray ME around 11 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$