Tropical Storm Warning issued Massachusetts coast

As of 5:15 PM, the National Weather service has a Tropical Storm Warning in effect for most of the east and south east coast of Massachusetts.

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
– Fall River
– New Bedford

* WIND
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
– Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph

– CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Moderate
– The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
– Emergency plans should include a reasonable threat for strong tropical storm force wind of 58 to 73 mph.
– To be safe, earnestly prepare for the potential of significant wind impacts. Remaining efforts to secure properties should now be brought to completion.
– Dangerous wind is possible. Failure to adequately shelter may result in injury. Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
– 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.

* STORM SURGE
– No storm surge inundation forecast

– CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: None
– The storm surge threat has decreased from the previous assessment.
– Surf conditions may still be rough with some beach erosion. Stronger than normal rip currents may also be present.
– Exercise due safety.
– Review your seasonal plan and ensure readiness for the next storm surge event.

– REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed
– Little to no additional surge impacts expected. Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual surge impacts accordingly.

* FLOODING RAIN
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
– Peak Rainfall Amounts: 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts

– CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Elevated
– The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
– Emergency plans should include a reasonable threat for minor flooding where peak rainfall totals are near amounts conducive for localized flash flooding and rapid inundation.
– To be safe, prepare for the potential of limited flooding rain impacts.
– Localized flooding is possible. If flood related watches and warnings are issued, heed recommended actions.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
– Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
– Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, 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.

* TORNADO
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
– Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes

– CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: None
– The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
– Emergency plans need not include a threat for tornadoes. Showers and thunderstorms with strong gusty winds may still occur.
– Little to no preparations needed to guard against tropical tornadoes.
– Ensure readiness for the next tropical tornado event.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
– Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
– http://weather.gov/box