####018006184#### WTUS81 KBOX 142122 HLSBOX CTZ002>004-MAZ002>024-026-RIZ001>008-150530- Hurricane Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 38 National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA AL132023 522 PM 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 Storm Surge Watch has been cancelled for Barnstable MA and Nantucket MA - The Tropical Storm Watch has been cancelled for Block Island RI, Bristol RI, Newport RI, and Washington RI - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Eastern Essex MA, Eastern Norfolk MA, Southern Bristol MA, Southern Plymouth MA, Suffolk MA, and Western Plymouth MA * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Barnstable MA, Dukes MA, Eastern Essex MA, Eastern Norfolk MA, Eastern Plymouth MA, Nantucket MA, Southern Bristol MA, Southern Plymouth MA, Suffolk MA, and Western Plymouth MA * STORM INFORMATION: - About 660 miles south of Nantucket MA - 31.7N 68.3W - Storm Intensity 85 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 15 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 coastal 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. * Coastal Flooding - Coastal flooding is likely on the bay side of Cape Cod and the northern side of Nantucket, including Nantucket Harbor, late Friday and Saturday. * High Surf - Dangerous surf with large breaking waves will occur along Massachusetts and Rhode Island coastal regions along with dangerous rip currents * Flooding rainfall - Bands of heavy rain may result in flash flooding Friday night and Saturday, mainly near the coast. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 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. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across eastern Massachusetts. Potential impacts include: - 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 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$