5AM Monday: Track Holds Firm. Tropical Storm Warnings Near Attractions. Make Final Preparations but Don’t Panic.

The 5AM advisory continues to show Dorian remaining just barely offshore which, if true, would spare the Florida Coast from the worst of the worst. That said, coastal impacts will be significant; and of course any deviation could make for massive differences in the effects.

For the central attractions area, Osceola County is now under a tropical storm warning. The other counties remain under watches, but those may be updated later today. The earliest reasonable arrival time for Tropical Storm force winds is very late tonight, although Tuesday morning is more likely. Overall, there’s about a 70% or 80% chance we’ll see winds of 39-73 MPH. The risk of hurricane force winds this far inland is less than 20%. Read on for county by county impact statements from the NWS.

Any final preparations for the central attractions area should be made by midday.

Notes from the NHC about the track:

Steering currents have weakened, and Dorian has almost come to a
standstill over eastern Grand Bahama Island, with an initial motion
of 270/1 kt.  The mid-tropospheric high to the north of the
hurricane that had been steering Dorian westward has collapsed.
Global models indicate that, in a couple of days, a weakness in the
ridge will develop along 75W-80W.  This would likely cause Dorian to
move northwestward to northward toward and through this weakness.
Later in the forecast period, the system is expected to accelerate
northeastward on the southern side of a broad mid-tropospheric
trough. The official track forecast is very close to the previous
one and to the corrected dynamical model consensus, HCCA.  Although
the official forecast does not show Dorian making landfall along the
Florida east coast, it is still possible for the hurricane to
deviate from this forecast, and move very near or over the coast.
Users are reminded not to focus on the exact forecast track.

Key messages:

1. A prolonged period of catastrophic winds and storm surge will
continue to affect Grand Bahama Island through today and tonight.
Everyone there should remain in shelter and not venture into the
eye.

2. Life-threatening storm surges and dangerous hurricane-force winds
are expected along portions of the Florida east coast through
mid-week, and storm surge and hurricane warnings are in effect. Only
a slight deviation to the left of the official forecast would bring
the core of Dorian near or over the Florida east coast.  Residents
should listen to advice given by local emergency officials.

3. There is an increasing likelihood of strong winds and dangerous
storm surge along the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North
Carolina later this week.  Residents in these areas should continue
to monitor the progress of Dorian and listen to advice given by
local emergency officials.

4. Heavy rains, capable of producing life-threatening flash floods,
are expected over northern portions of the Bahamas and coastal
sections of the Southeast and lower Mid-Atlantic regions of the
United States into Friday.

County by County impacts from the National Weather Service…

Orange County (Disney, Universal, Sea World)

518 AM EDT Mon Sep 2 2019

...TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT...

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
    - Orlando
    - Apopka
    - Christmas

* WIND
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind
        - Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 65 mph
        - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Tuesday morning 
          until Wednesday afternoon

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Potential for wind 58 to 
      73 mph
        - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the 
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical 
          storm force due to possible forecast changes in track, 
          size, or intensity.
        - PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property 
          should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for 
          significant wind damage.
        - ACT: 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.

* FLOODING RAIN
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: 
        - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally 
          higher amounts up to 8 inches.

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Potential for localized 
      flooding rain
        - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from 
          the previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for 
          localized flooding from heavy rain.
        - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area 
          vulnerable to flooding.
        - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

    - 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 somewhat favorable for tornadoes

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Potential for a few 
      tornadoes
        - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the 
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a 
          few tornadoes.
        - PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to 
          tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before 
          hazardous weather arrives.
        - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter 
          quickly.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
        - 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.

Osceola County

518 AM EDT Mon Sep 2 2019

...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are 
expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
    - Kissimmee
    - Yeehaw Junction
    - Harmony

* WIND
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind
        - Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 60 mph
        - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Tuesday morning 
          until Wednesday morning

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Potential for wind 58 to 
      73 mph
        - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the 
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical 
          storm force due to possible forecast changes in track, 
          size, or intensity.
        - PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property 
          should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for 
          significant wind damage.
        - ACT: 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.

* FLOODING RAIN
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: 
        - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally 
          higher amounts up to around 6 inches.

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Potential for localized 
      flooding rain
        - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from 
          the previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for 
          localized flooding from heavy rain.
        - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area 
          vulnerable to flooding.
        - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

    - 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 somewhat favorable for tornadoes

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Potential for a few 
      tornadoes
        - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the 
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a 
          few tornadoes.
        - PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to 
          tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before 
          hazardous weather arrives.
        - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter 
          quickly.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
        - 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.

Southern Lake

518 AM EDT Mon Sep 2 2019

...TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT...

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
    - Clermont
    - Mascotte

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

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Potential for wind 58 to 
      73 mph
        - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the 
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical 
          storm force due to possible forecast changes in track, 
          size, or intensity.
        - PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property 
          should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for 
          significant wind damage.
        - ACT: 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.

* FLOODING RAIN
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: 
        - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally 
          higher amounts up to 6 inches.

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Potential for localized 
      flooding rain
        - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from 
          the previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for 
          localized flooding from heavy rain.
        - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area 
          vulnerable to flooding.
        - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

    - 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

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Tornadoes not expected
        - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the 
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms 
          with gusty winds may still occur.
        - PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect 
          against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest 
          tornado situation.
        - ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast.

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

Polk (Legoland)

517 AM EDT Mon Sep 2 2019

This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida

**CATEGORY 5 DORIAN CONTINUES TO HAVE DEVASTATING IMPACTS ON GRAND
 BAHAMA ISLAND** 

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Highlands and Polk

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 210 miles east of Sebring FL or about 235 east of Winter
    - 26.6N 78.2W
    - Storm Intensity 165 mph
    - Movement West or 270 degrees at 1 mph

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

Major Hurricane Dorian is forecast to continue to move slowly west 
through the northern Bahamas and then turn north just off the Florida 
east coast by early Tuesday. At this time the primary concern is for 
tropical storm force winds over Highlands County and eastern portions 
of Polk County. 

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

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
eastern Polk and Highlands Counties. Potential impacts in this area 
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.

Elsewhere across West Central and Southwest Florida, little to no 
impact is anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible 
limited impacts across eastern Polk and Highlands Counties. Potential 
impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. 
      Small streams, creeks, canals, 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. 

Elsewhere across West Central and Southwest Florida, little to no 
impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
WATCH/WARNING PHASE - For those not under evacuation orders, assess 
the risk from wind, falling trees, and flooding at your location. If 
you decide to move, relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not 
relocate, help keep roadways open for those under evacuation orders. 


* 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, 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.

Northern Brevard (Kennedy Space Center, Port Canaveral)

518 AM EDT Mon Sep 2 2019

...HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT...
...STORM SURGE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT...

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
    - Titusville
    - Cocoa

* WIND
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Strong Tropical Storm force 
      wind
        - Peak Wind Forecast: 45-60 mph with gusts to 80 mph
        - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: early Tuesday 
          morning until Wednesday evening

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Potential for wind 74 to 
      110 mph
        - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the 
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Plan for life-threatening wind of equivalent CAT 1 or 
          2 hurricane force due to possible forecast changes in 
          track, size, or intensity.
        - PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property 
          should be urgently completed. Prepare for considerable wind 
          damage.
        - ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
        - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some 
          having window, door, and garage door failures leading to 
          structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some 
          destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. 
          Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks. 
        - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and 
          roadway signs blown over.
        - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within 
          urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, 
          and access routes impassable.
        - Large areas with power and communications outages.

* STORM SURGE
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible
        - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 4-7 feet 
          above ground somewhere within surge prone areas
        - Window of concern: Begins this morning

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Potential for storm 
      surge flooding greater than 6 feet above ground
        - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the 
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Plan for life-threatening storm surge flooding of 
          greater than 6 feet above ground.
        - PREPARE: Evacuation efforts should soon be brought to 
          completion before driving conditions become unsafe.
        - ACT: Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for 
          your area to avoid being cut off from emergency services or 
          needlessly risk lives.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
        - Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding 
          accentuated by battering waves. Structural damage to 
          buildings, with several washing away. Damage compounded by 
          floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an 
          extended period.
        - Large sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary 
          roads washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems 
          and barriers may become stressed.
        - Severe beach erosion with significant dune loss.
        - Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Many 
          small craft broken away from moorings, especially in 
          unprotected anchorages with some lifted onshore and 
          stranded.

* FLOODING RAIN
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: 
        - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 4-6 inches, with locally 
          higher amounts up to 10 inches.

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Potential for localized 
      flooding rain
        - The flooding rain threat has decreased from the previous 
          assessment.
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for 
          localized flooding from heavy rain.
        - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area 
          vulnerable to flooding.
        - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

    - 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 somewhat favorable for tornadoes

    - POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Potential for a few 
      tornadoes
        - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the 
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a 
          few tornadoes.
        - PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to 
          tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before 
          hazardous weather arrives.
        - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter 
          quickly.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
        - 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.

Next updated track is expected at 11AM. We’ve been watching this blasted storm for a week… And it’s finally almost over. Stay the course… Make your preps… And will be through this very soon. Keep calm and carry on!

1 comment on “5AM Monday: Track Holds Firm. Tropical Storm Warnings Near Attractions. Make Final Preparations but Don’t Panic.

  1. Pingback: 11AM Monday: Dorian Still on Track as Expected. Make Final Preparations but Don’t Panic. – Meteottractions

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