####018007920#### WTUS81 KGYX 160938 HLSGYX MEZ007>009-012>014-018>028-033-NHZ001>015-161745- Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee Local Statement Advisory Number 44 National Weather Service Gray ME AL132023 538 AM EDT Sat Sep 16 2023 This product covers NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE **Wind and rain increasing along the coastline as Lee moves through the Gulf of Maine** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * 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 250 miles east-southeast of Portland ME or about 260 miles east-southeast of Portsmouth NH - 41.8N 66.0W - Storm Intensity 80 mph - Movement North or 355 degrees at 25 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Lee has become post tropical as it moves northward through the eastern Gulf of Maine, but continues to generate hurricane force winds. This technical name change yeilds no changes to the atnicipated impacts here. The northward movement will continue today, with landfall expected across western Nova Scotia late this afternoon. The storm will only gradually weaken today, but the wind field will continue to expand across our forecast area. The potential exists for tropical storm conditions to develop by early this morning along the coastline, which would then continue through this 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. Locally heavy rainfall is also possible at times, particularly across MidCoast Maine where localized flooding can't be ruled out. 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: - 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: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE. * 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. Do not return to evacuated areas until hazardous winds diminish and flood waters abate. * 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. $$ Clair