####018006845#### WTUS81 KBOX 141515 HLSBOX CTZ002>004-MAZ002>024-026-RIZ001>008-142315- Hurricane Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 37 National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA AL132023 1115 AM EDT Thu Sep 14 2023 This product covers Southern New England **HURRICANE LEE EXPECTED TO IMPACT COASTAL NEW ENGLAND LATE FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY NIGHT** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Barnstable MA, Dukes MA, Eastern Plymouth MA, and Nantucket MA * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for Barnstable MA and Nantucket MA - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Dukes MA and Eastern Plymouth MA - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Block Island RI, Bristol RI, Eastern Essex MA, Eastern Norfolk MA, Newport RI, Southern Bristol MA, Southern Plymouth MA, Suffolk MA, Washington RI, and Western Plymouth MA * STORM INFORMATION: - About 750 miles south of Nantucket MA - 30.4N 68.3W - Storm Intensity 90 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 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 will bring rough surf and possible storm surge flooding, 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: * Damaging wind - Winds will increase on Friday and remain gusty through Saturday night. Tropical storm force winds are expected 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. These winds and high seas will also be dangerous for mariners. * Storm surge - Storm surge flooding is possible on the bay side of Cape Cod and the northern side of Nantucket, including Nantucket Harbor, late Friday and Saturday. In addition, ocean beaches will experience dangerous rip currents and significant beach erosion through the weekend. * Flooding rainfall - Bands of heavy rain may result in flash flooding Friday night and Saturday, mainly near the coast. Rainfall totals of 1 to 4 inches are possible in a short period of time. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Protect against 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: Prepare for storm surge flooding having possible significant impacts across the bay side of Cape Cod and the northern side of Nantucket, including Nantucket Harbor. Potential impacts in this area include: - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. - Significant beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents. Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across the rest of the eastern Massachusetts coast. This includes minor inundation of coastal roads and low lying areas. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against 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. * 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. 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. 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, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding. If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as near the ocean, in a low-lying or poor drainage area, or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground. 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 Boston/Norton MA around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ BL