MWS update at August 03, 2020 at 08:01AM

..TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS EXPECTED TO IMPACT SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND TUESDAY EVENING... NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for northern Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for northern Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. * STORM INFORMATION: - About 970 miles southwest of Nantucket MA - 29.7N 79.9W - Storm Intensity 70 mph - Movement North or 355 degrees at 9 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to quickly track through southeast New York and western New England Tuesday evening before heading into northern New England. Most of the storm`s impacts will occur during about a 6 hour period early Tuesday night. Strong southerly winds gusting to 40 to 60 mph may be capable of downing some trees and power lines. There is also the possibility of an isolated tornado. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected, with the higher totals closer to the Berkshires, where minor urban or poor drainage flooding may occur. It`s possible that parts of Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts receive less than one inch of rain. Minor coastal flooding may impact south coastal Rhode Island and Massachusetts during high tide Tuesday evening. Inundation would be less than one foot above ground level if it were to occur. Rough surf and an increased risk of dangerous rip currents should affect south coastal beaches Tuesday and at least into Wednesday. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across southern New England. Potential impacts in this area include: - Several large trees snapped or uprooted. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. * SURGE: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across Southern New England. Minor coastal flooding may occur along the south coast of Rhode Island and Massachusetts during the Tuesday evening high tide. Inundation would be less than 1 foot above ground level. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across western Massachusetts and north central Connecticut. Potential impacts include: - Small streams, creeks, and ditches overflow. - Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. Elsewhere across southern New England, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across western Massachusetts and north central Connecticut. Potential impacts include: - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, and minor damage to roofs. Elsewhere across southern New England, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. * 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. Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * 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 Boston/Norton MA around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. More info: https://ift.tt/2wr1YAI