Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSTAE

This product covers eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia

**TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS SPREADING WESTWARD ALONG COASTAL PORTIONS OF THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Bay and South Walton

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 105 miles west-southwest of Panama City - 29.4N 87.2W - Storm Intensity 60 mph - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 6 mph

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

...TROPICAL STORM BERTHA BEGINNING TO PUSH WESTWARD...

At 4 PM CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Bertha was located about 105 miles west-southwest of Panama City. Bertha is currently moving to the northwest at 6 mph, and a westward turn is expected tonight or Wednesday. On the forecast track, the core of Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to remain offshore as it passes south of the Panhandle.

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph. Those strongest winds will remain offshore, but peripheral impacts around the edge of Bertha will be experienced in coastal communities through Wednesday morning. Impacts include dangerous beach conditions from rip currents and very rough surf, minor coastal flooding, dangerous marine conditions from large waves and strong winds, and gusty winds in squalls.

Storm Surge along the coast of Apalachee Bay west of the Aucilla River and along the Florida Panhandle coast will bring 1 to 3 feet of inundation over normally dry ground near the shoreline during times of high tide through Wednesday morning.

Locally heavy rainfall is expected along and south of I-10 in Florida, with isolated flash flooding possible. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches, with isolated spots near 4 inches, are possible through Wednesday.

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

* WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across the Florida Panhandle. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts 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 eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia, little to no impact is anticipated.

* SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across the coastal Florida Panhandle and Apalachee Bay. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having additional limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

Elsewhere across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia, little to no impact is anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia. Remain well guarded against locally hazardous flood waters having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - 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.

* TORNADOES: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia.

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

* EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE -----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Tallahassee FL around 10 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.