Local Statement for Isaias (Albany, NY)

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WTUS81 KALY 030954
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Tropical Storm Isaias Local Statement Advisory Number 25
National Weather Service Albany NY  AL092020
554 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

This product covers BERKSHIRE AND LITCHFIELD COUNTIES IN 
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND

**TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS TO IMPACT WESTERN NEW ENGLAND TUESDAY INTO 
WEDNESDAY MORNING** 

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Northern Berkshire, 
      Northern Litchfield, Southern Berkshire, and Southern Litchfield

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Northern Berkshire, 
      Northern Litchfield, Southern Berkshire, and Southern Litchfield

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 920 miles south-southwest of Torrington CT or about 950 
      miles south-southwest of Pittsfield MA
    - 29.7N 79.9W
    - Storm Intensity 70 mph
    - Movement North or 355 degrees at 9 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Tropical Storm Isaias, located off the northeast Florida coast will
continue to move to the north-northeast today along the Southeastern
US Coast. Isaias will quickly move northeast over the Carolinas
Tuesday morning, and then move towards western Long Island by Tuesday
evening. It will move into Maine by Wednesday morning. Confidence is
increasing with respect to the magnitude of local hazards and impacts.

The main threats with this system are locally heavy rainfall and some
gusty winds. 

Locally heavy rain is expected with a widespread 2 to 4 inches likely,
with localized amounts up to 6 inches possible. The rain will begin
Tuesday morning, and become heavier in the late afternoon into Tuesday
evening. The strongest winds are also expected Tuesday evening. 

The effects from Tropical Storm Isaias are then expected to diminish
late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant 
impacts across WESTERN NEW ENGLAND. 
Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swift 
      currents and overflow their banks in a few places, especially 
      in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals and 
      ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters may enter some structures or weaken foundations. 
      Several places may experience rapid inundation of underpasses, 
      low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and 
      parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention 
      ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road 
      and bridge closures.

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across 
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND. Potential impacts 
include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage 
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings 
      experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile 
      homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight 
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater 
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several 
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban 
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access 
      routes impassable.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent 
      in areas with above ground lines.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across 
southern Berkshire and Litchfield Counties. Potential impacts include:
    - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution 
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power 
      and communications disruptions.
    - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys 
      toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, 
      large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees 
      knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats 
      pulled from moorings.

Elsewhere across EASTERN NEW YORK AND ADJACENT WESTERN NEW ENGLAND, 
little to no impact is anticipated.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
WATCH PHASE- 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 check your emergency plan and emergency supplies 
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your 
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the 
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging 
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the 
center of the storm. 

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, plan to move to safe shelter.

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 orders that 
are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of 
others.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded 
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of 
strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness 
activities to become unsafe.

Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for 
weathering the storm and your whereabouts. 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 charged.

Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are 
unable to make personal preparations.

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 weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news 
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes 
to the forecast.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways 
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.

* 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 Albany NY around 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions 
warrant.

$$

TAW/SND/DBT