####018008359#### WTUS81 KGYX 141837 HLSGYX MEZ007>009-012>014-018>028-033-NHZ001>015-150245- Hurricane Lee Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 37A National Weather Service Gray ME AL132023 237 PM EDT Thu Sep 14 2023 This product covers NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE **Tropical Storm Watches Remain in Effect as Lee Approaches** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * 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 880 miles south of Portland ME or about 840 miles south of Portsmouth NH - 31.0N 68.4W - Storm Intensity 85 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Lee continues to move north and expand in size. The northward movement will continue through Friday, bringing it into the Gulf of Maine late Friday night or early Saturday. As the storm moves north, it is expected to slowly weaken, but the wind field will continue to expand significantly. Therefore, the potential exists for tropical storm conditions to develop by Friday night, which may 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. There remains some uncertainty with regards to the exact track of Lee, which will play a role in the level of impacts experienced across the area, but confidence is higher for locations further east. Please check back frequently for the latest updates. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across coastal New Hampshire and western Maine. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. Mobile homes may be 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 coastal New Hampshire and western Maine. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts. Potential impacts include: - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood possible in 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. - Backed up drainage systems near the coast could exacerbate the flooding from rainfall. Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across western Maine. * 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 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. 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 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. Be sure to let friends and other family members know of your intentions and whereabouts for surviving the storm. For emergency purposes, 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 well charged. Be a Good Samaritan and check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings. 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 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 , or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ Tubbs