WTCA82 TJSJ 141520 HLSSJU PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-142330- Hurricane Ernesto Local Statement Advisory Number 12 National Weather Service San Juan PR AL052024 1120 AM AST Wed Aug 14 2024 This product covers Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands **FLOODING RAINS FROM ERNESTO CONTINUE ACROSS PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for all of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands * STORM INFORMATION: - About 180 miles northwest of San Juan PR or about 160 miles north of Mayaguez PR - 20.5N 67.6W - Storm Intensity 75 mph - Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 16 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm conditions are expected through this afternoon for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Ernesto's center is currently located about 175 miles northwest of San Juan with a strong rainband moving across western and central Puerto Rico. Sustained winds of tropical storm force are still possible across Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques and the northern U.S. Virgin Islands. Ernesto is expected to produce additional rain accumulations of 4 to 6 inches over the eastern third of Puerto Rico with locally higher amounts. Elsewhere, additional rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected. Excessive runoff will continue to result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Marine and coastal conditions will remain hazardous with seas greater than 10 feet in the Atlantic waters and life-threatening rip currents, and rough surf conditions lasting through at least late this afternoon. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across western and central Puerto Rico. Remain well guarded against life- threatening flood waters having additional impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Major rainfall flooding with evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries rapidly overflowing their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff along steep terrain will result in many rockslides and landslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are diminishing. Continue to shelter in place. 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. - 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. - Power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials * 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 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. * 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 San Juan PR around 2 PM AST, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ SNELL