####018008152#### WTUS81 KCAR 142147 HLSCAR MEZ001>006-010-011-015>017-029>032-150600- Hurricane Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 38 National Weather Service Caribou ME AL132023 547 PM EDT Thu Sep 14 2023 This product covers EASTERN AND NORTHERN MAINE **Tropical Storm Warning Issued and Hurricane Watch Continues for Downeast Maine as Lee Approaches** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Central Washington, Interior Hancock, Northern Washington, and Southern Penobscot - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Central Penobscot, Coastal Hancock, and Coastal Washington * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Coastal Hancock and Coastal Washington - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Penobscot, Central Washington, Interior Hancock, Northern Washington, and Southern Penobscot * STORM INFORMATION: - About 910 miles south of Eastport ME - 31.7N 68.3W - Storm Intensity 85 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 15 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ - Forecast confidence continues to increase that Lee will make landfall along the coast of New Brunswick late Saturday night/early Sunday morning - Lee is a large storm and impacts are expected well away from the center - Tropical storm force winds and heavy rainfall are expected from Bangor Region through Interior Downeast and southward. The Downeast Coast will feel the most impact from Lee, including moderate coastal flooding and erosion. - Power outages and localized flooding from rainfall could be enhanced by rainfall earlier this week POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across Downeast 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 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. Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across Northern Maine. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across Eastern and Downeast 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, arroyos, 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: Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal Downeast Maine. Potential impacts in this area include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots. - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water and rocks and debris. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water or rocks and debris covers the road. - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. * TORNADOES: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across EASTERN AND NORTHERN MAINE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind, falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move, relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not relocate, help keep roadways open for those under evacuation orders. If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind and allow extra time to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit. Gas up your vehicle ahead of time. Let others know where you are going prior to departure. Secure loose items and pets in the car, and avoid distracted driving. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather forecast before departing and drive with caution. If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making. Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area. It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter. If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities. Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown! Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * 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 Caribou ME around 11 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$