COURT HOUSE – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tropical storm warning for Cape May County.
According to NWS, this warning means that tropical storm force winds are expected somewhere within the area within the next 36 hours.
The following is the latest forecast from NWS, as of 5:08 a.m. Aug. 3.
Wind
– Latest Local Forecast: Equivalent Strong Tropical Storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 45-60 mph, with gusts to 75 mph
- The window for Tropical Storm force winds: Tuesday morning until Tuesday afternoon
-Threat to life and property that includes typical forecast uncertainty in track, size and intensity: Potential for winds at 58- 73 mph.
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
- Plan: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force.
- 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.
Storm Surge
– Latest local forecast: Localized storm surge possible
- Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for up to 2 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas
- Window of concern: Tuesday morning until early Wednesday morning
-Threat to life and property that includes typical forecast uncertainty in track, size and intensity: potential for storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
- Plan: Plan for storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground.
- Prepare: Complete preparations for storm surge flooding, especially in low-lying vulnerable areas, before conditions become unsafe.
- Act: Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area.
– Potential Impacts: Limited
- 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.
Flooding Rain
– Latest Local Forecast: Flash Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 1-3 inches, with locally higher amounts
-Threat to life and property that includes typical forecast uncertainty in track, size and intensity: Potential for moderate flooding rain.
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
- Plan: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible.
- Prepare: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.
- Act: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life.
– Potential Impacts: Significant
- Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches overflow.
- Floodwaters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. 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.
Tornado
– Latest local Forecast:
- Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes
– Threat to life and property that includes typical forecast uncertainty in track, size and intensity: 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.
Flash Flood Watch
NWS also issued a flash flood watch, which will be in effect from 10 p.m. Aug. 3 until midnight Aug. 5.
According to NWS, heavy rain associated with Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to start as early as late Monday evening and will continue through the day Tuesday. Widespread amounts of 4 to 6 inches are forecast with locally higher totals possible.
A flash flood watch means that there is the potential for flash flooding which can be life-threatening. Heavy rain is expected to occur over a short period of time. Rapidly rising flood waters may quickly inundate roadways and areas of poor drainage. Streams and creeks could leave their banks, flooding nearby properties.
Please monitor the forecast, especially if you live in a location that is prone to flooding. Be prepared to take action if a flash flood warning is issued for your area.
View NWS’ latest briefing here: https://bit.ly/2APdBqs
NWS will release its next briefing by 7 p.m. Aug. 3.
Be sure to continue to monitor NWS’ latest forecasts for updated information at http:/www.weather.gov/phi/.
