####018008713#### WTUS81 KGYX 150941 HLSGYX MEZ007>009-012>014-018>028-033-NHZ001>015-151745- Hurricane Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 40 National Weather Service Gray ME AL132023 541 AM EDT Fri Sep 15 2023 This product covers NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE **Tropical Storm Warnings Expand Inland as Lee Approaches** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Androscoggin, Central Interior Cumberland, Kennebec, and Southern Somerset * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Androscoggin, Central Interior Cumberland, Coastal Cumberland, Coastal Rockingham, Coastal Waldo, Coastal York, Interior Waldo, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and Southern Somerset * STORM INFORMATION: - About 660 miles south-southeast of Portland ME or about 620 miles south-southeast of Portsmouth NH - 34.4N 67.5W - Storm Intensity 85 mph - Movement North or 10 degrees at 16 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Lee continues to move northward toward the Gulf of Maine. The northward movement will continue through tomorrow, bringing it into the Gulf of Maine by tomorrow morning, with a landfall likely across western Nova Scotia tomorrow evening. The storm will only gradually weaken, but the wind field will continue to expand significantly. Therefore, the potential exists for tropical storm conditions to develop by late tonight along the coastline, which would then continue through Saturday afternoon. The strongest winds are expected across coastal portions of New Hampshire and western Maine. 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. While the strongest winds are expected closer to the coastline, gusty winds will likely still be strong enough to lead to scattered power outages outside of the warning areas. Please check back frequently for the latest updates. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across coastal New Hampshire and western Maine. Potential impacts in this area include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, leading to downed power lines. - A few roads impassable from debris, caused by downed branches and power lines. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages likely. Elsewhere across NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts. 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. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal New Hampshire and western Maine. Potential impacts in this area include: - Localized inundation of up to 1 foot 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. * 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. 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 bring to completion all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Outside preparations should be wrapped up as soon as possible before weather conditions completely deteriorate. Any remaining evacuations and relocations should be expedited before the onset of tropical storm force wind. If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or own a pet. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Check the latest weather forecast before departing. 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. Check-in with your emergency points of contact among family, friends, and workmates. Inform them of your status and well-being. Let them know how you intend to ride out the storm and when you plan to check-in again. Keep cell phones well charged and handy. Also, cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful after the storm. Locate your chargers and keep them with your cell phone. In emergencies it is best to remain calm. Stay informed and focused on the situation at hand. Exercise patience with those you encounter. Be a Good Samaritan and helpful to others. If relocating to a nearby shelter or to the home of a family member or friend, drive with extra caution, especially on secondary roads. Remember, many bridges and causeways will be closed once higher winds arrive. Also, if you encounter water covering the road, seek an alternate route. Always obey official road signs for closures and detours. If you are a visitor and still in the area, listen for the name of the city or town in which you are staying within local news updates. Be sure you know the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities. Closely monitor NOAA Weather radio or other local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to 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 AM, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$