**Tropical storm Hermine will impact the region over Labor Day weekend and possibly into the middle of next week** New information --------------- * changes to watches and warnings: - none * current watches and warnings: - a tropical storm watch remains in effect for inland Sussex... Delaware beaches... western Monmouth... eastern Monmouth... ocean... Atlantic... Cape May... Atlantic coastal Cape May... coastal Atlantic... coastal ocean and southeastern Burlington * storm information: - about 780 miles southwest of Atlantic City NJ or about 730 miles southwest of Dover de - 30.8n 83.6w - storm intensity 70 mph - movement north-northeast or 25 degrees at 14 mph Situation overview ------------------ Hermine made landfall in Florida last night and has weakened. As a result, it has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm. Hermine is expected to move northeastward into the Carolinas on Saturday and off the mid-Atlantic coast Saturday night. The storm is then expected to stall off the coast Sunday and Monday before gradually moving away from the area during the middle of next week. A tropical storm watch remains in effect for portions of the mid- Atlantic coast including southern Delaware and coastal New Jersey from Cape May to Sandy Hook. This watch also includes coastal waters and the lower Delaware Bay. Sustained tropical storm force winds are possible over immediate coastal areas including coastal waters and toward the lower Delaware Bay. Some tropical storm force gusts are possible farther inland. Hazardous seas and dangerously rough surf can be expected throughout the Holiday weekend and possibly into the middle of next week. A moderate to high rip current risk can be expected at the beaches during this time. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible around the times of high tide from late Saturday Onward. Some localized major coastal flooding can not be ruled out, especially in the back bays where water accumulates with each successive high tide. The magnitude of the coastal flooding will ultimately depend on the path and strength of the storm. There is a potential for more than 2 inches of rainfall. Some areas near the coast in Delaware and southern New Jersey may receive 4 to 6 inches with locally higher amounts, which could lead to flooding. Potential impacts ----------------- * wind: prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across New Jersey... Delaware... southeastern Pennsylvania and northeast Maryland.. potential impacts include: - damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored Mobile homes is possible. Unsecured lightweight objects could be blown around. - Many large tree limbs may be broken off. A few trees could be snapped or uprooted. Some fences and roadway signs may be blown over. - A few roads could be impassable from debris. Hazardous driving conditions are possible on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages are possible. * Surge: prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal locations or areas prone to tidal flooding, including the back bays. Potential impacts in this area include: - localized inundation is possible 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 could become overspread with surge water. Dangerous driving conditions are possible in places where surge water covers the Road. - Moderate beach erosion is expected. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents are anticipated. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is possible. A few small craft may be broken away from moorings. There is a potential for tidal flooding farther up the Delaware Bay and Delaware River. Seemingly minor shifts to the storm track could lead to considerable changes to the coastal flooding potential. Elsewhere across New Jersey... Delaware... southeastern Pennsylvania and northeast Maryland., Little to no impact is anticipated. * Flooding rain: prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across the coastal plain. 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 vulnerable spots. Rapid ponding of water may occur 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 are possible. Elsewhere across New Jersey... Delaware... southeastern Pennsylvania and northeast Maryland., Little to no impact is anticipated. Precautionary/preparedness actions ---------------------------------- * other preparedness information: now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your emergency supplies kit is stocked and ready. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties which must be taken into account. If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as near the ocean, 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 any orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. When securing your property, outside preparations should be conducted as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds and heavy rain can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe. Be sure to let friends and other family members know of your intentions and whereabouts for surviving the storm. For emergency purposes, 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 well charged. Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings. If you are a visitor, know the name of the County 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 NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast.
