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WTUS82 KTAE 302103
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ALZ065>069-FLZ007>019-026>029-034-108-112-114-115-118-127-128-134-GAZ120>131-142>148-155>161-310515-

Tropical Storm Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 17
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL  AL102023
503 PM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023 /403 PM CDT Wed Aug 30 2023/

This product covers eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia

**TROPICAL STORM IDALIA EXITING THE REGION** 

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - All watches and warnings have been canceled

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 190 miles northeast of Tallahassee or about 130 miles 
      northeast of Valdosta
    - 32.2N 81.7W
    - Storm Intensity 70 mph
    - Movement Northeast or 35 degrees at 21 mph

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

Idalia is now a tropical storm with max sustained winds of 60 mph
and has moved away from the region as of 5PM EDT. Conditions have
continued to improve areawide. Therefore, all tropical headlines have
been discontinued for this advisory. However, gusty winds look to
persist for over the next couple hours or so over Southwest Georgia. 

The storm surge threat no longer exists as the latest forecast
inundation values are 1-3 feet from Ochlockonee River to Suwannee
River, mainly from high tide cycles. Therefore, coastal flooding is
possible through tomorrow. Although the tropical threat has
ended, users are reminded to exercise caution in the event's aftermath
given ongoing scattered power outages, flooded areas, and downed trees
and powerlines. This is the final Hurricane Local Statement for this
event.

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

* SURGE:
Little to no additional surge impacts expected.
    - Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual 
      surge impacts accordingly.
    - Emergency response teams are attending to casualty situations 
      as needed.
    - Emergency work crews are restoring essential community 
      infrastructure as necessary.
    - If you have an emergency dial 9 1 1.

Elsewhere across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, 
southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia, little to no impact is 
anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have 
given the all clear to return.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

If your home or shelter was damaged, be alert to the smell of gas 
leaks and be cautious around electrical wiring, broken glass, jagged 
metal and wood, and protruding nails and screws. 

Check in with your emergency points of contact. Let them know your 
location and status. Keep conversations short and to the point. Do 
not tie up communications systems.

Check on your neighbors. If necessary, help them connect with their 
points of contact.

Do not attempt to return to evacuated areas until local authorities 
have inspected roads and bridges and have given the all clear. 
Hazards like downed power lines and trees, washed out roads, 
continued flooding in low lying areas and non-functioning traffic 
lights make travel difficult. 

Allow extra time for emergency vehicles to reach you as they navigate 
road hazards.

Do not go sightseeing within impacted communities. Sightseers 
interfere with the emergency work of first responders.

When inspecting damage, use flashlights rather than candles or flamed 
lanterns. Be aware of sparks that can ignite natural gas or other 
leaking flammables.

Do not go up on your roof until the weather conditions are safe. 
Ladders can be slippery in the rain and unexpected wind gusts can 
blow you off the roof.

When clearing out fallen trees, be careful with chainsaws and axes. 
Always wear protective gear and keep others at a safe distance. 
Leaning trees and those which have fallen on roofs or power lines can 
be especially dangerous. If you are not in good health or unsure 
about what you are doing, have someone with tree cutting experience 
do the job. Never cut trees without a partner.

If using a generator, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by following 
instructions provided by the manufacturer. Operate your generator in 
a well-ventilated space outside of your living area and away from 
open doors and windows.

Problems with sewer backups can further contaminate standing flood 
waters. Keep children away from flood waters. Also, listen for boil 
water alerts as tap water may have become non-potable.

Be alert for any lingering wind gusts which could take down weakened 
trees and/or power lines, collapse damaged structures, or cause 
flying debris.

Be alert for potential flooding from rising rivers and streams which 
may have yet to crest. Remain informed of the latest river forecasts 
and heed any flood watches and warnings.

Be alert for flooded roads which could be compromised or littered 
with debris. Avoid travel until water levels subside and roads have 
been cleared. Do not drive through places where flood waters cover 
the road. Turn around, don't drown!

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

As it pertains to this event...this will be the last local statement 
issued by the National Weather Service in Tallahassee FL regarding 
the effects of tropical cyclone hazards upon the area.

$$