####018007209#### WTUS81 KGYX 161244 HLSGYX MEZ007>009-012>014-018>028-033-NHZ001>015-162045- Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 44A National Weather Service Gray ME AL132023 844 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 210 miles east-southeast of Portland ME or about 230 miles east of Portsmouth NH - 42.7N 66.2W - 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. 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 remain safely sheltered from the storm. Stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Locate your battery powered radio and flashlight from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Keep these items close. During the peak of the storm, keep your shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and tennis shoes offer the best foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the elements. Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as possible. If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications systems with idle chatter. Do not venture outside while in the eye of a hurricane. Within the eye, weather conditions may temporarily improve which can be misleading. Once the eye passes, the wind will change direction and return to dangerous speeds. Heavy rain will also return. Be smart and remain safely hidden from the storm. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. Be wise and avoid becoming another statistic. Be ready to move to the identified safe room if your home or shelter begins to fail. Quickly move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Put as many sturdy walls between you and the storm as you can. Protect your head and body. When major hurricanes make landfall, extreme winds bring a tremendous threat to life and cause devastating to catastrophic damage. During landfall, listen for extreme wind warnings which indicate the exact timing and location of these incredible life-threatening winds. If issued for you area, move to the safest place within your home or shelter. Take the same life-saving actions as if it were a violent tornado. * 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 2 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ Tubbs