####018007728#### WTUS81 KBOX 132123 HLSBOX CTZ002>004-MAZ002>024-026-RIZ001>008-140530- Hurricane Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 34 National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA AL132023 523 PM EDT Wed Sep 13 2023 This product covers Southern New England **TROPICAL STORM WATCHES ISSUED FOR MUCH OF COASTAL NEW ENGLAND** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch have been issued for Barnstable MA and Nantucket MA - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Block Island RI, Bristol RI, Dukes MA, Eastern Essex MA, Eastern Norfolk MA, Eastern Plymouth MA, Newport RI, Southern Bristol MA, Southern Plymouth MA, Suffolk MA, Washington RI, and Western Plymouth MA * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect for Barnstable MA and Nantucket MA - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Block Island RI, Bristol RI, Dukes MA, Eastern Essex MA, Eastern Norfolk MA, Eastern Plymouth MA, Newport RI, Southern Bristol MA, Southern Plymouth MA, Suffolk MA, Washington RI, and Western Plymouth MA * STORM INFORMATION: - About 960 miles south of Nantucket MA or about 1050 miles south-southeast of Boston MA - 27.4N 67.6W - Storm Intensity 105 mph - Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 10 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Lee is forecast to pass offshore of southern New England on Saturday but its impacts will extend far from the storm's center. Lee should bring rough surf, damaging winds, and bands of heavy rain to at least coastal areas of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The following are the primary hazards of concern with Lee: * Rough surf - Ocean beaches will experience dangerous rip currents and beach erosion through the weekend. Rough seas will also pose a significant hazard to mariners. * Damaging wind - Winds will increase on Friday and remain gusty through Saturday night. Tropical storm force winds are possible late Friday night and Saturday near the coast, where downed branches or trees are possible since trees are fully leafed and root systems may be weakened from saturated soils. * Flooding rainfall - Bands of heavy rain may result in flash flooding Friday night and Saturday, mainly near the coast. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible in a short period of time. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 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, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. Elsewhere across Southern New England, little to no impact is anticipated. * SURGE: Storm surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet above ground level possible along the northern coast of Barnstable county along Cape Cod Bay, and along the northern coast of Nantucket. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across eastern Massachusetts. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, 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. Elsewhere across Southern New England, little to no impact is anticipated. 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. * 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. If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground. 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. Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for weathering the storm and your whereabouts. Have someone located away from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital contact information with others. Keep cell phones handy and charged. Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. 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 Boston/Norton MA around 12 AM EDT Thursday, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$