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WTUS84 KBMX 270930
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ALZ020-021-029-038-045>050-271730-

Tropical Storm Helene Local Statement Advisory Number 16
National Weather Service Birmingham AL  AL092024
430 AM CDT Fri Sep 27 2024

This product covers Central Alabama

**HELENE WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL STORM AS IT MOVES FARTHER INLAND OVER
 GEORGIA** 

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Barbour, 
      Bullock, Chambers, Cherokee, Cleburne, Lee, Macon, Pike, 
      Randolph, and Russell

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 220 miles east-southeast of Birmingham AL or about 190 
      miles east of Montgomery AL
    - 32.8N 83.0W
    - Storm Intensity 70 mph
    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 30 mph

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

Helene has weakened to a Tropical Storm as it moves farther inland
northward across Georgia. The center of Helene is expected to turn 
toward the northwest later this morning as it moves across the northern
half of Georgia.

The greatest impact on Central Alabama will be heavy rainfall.
Additional rain of 1 to 3 inches, locally higher, is expected in the 
northeast and eastern portions of Central Alabama, which may cause 
areas of flash flooding.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the
northeastern and eastern portions of Central Alabama. Remain well
guarded against life-threatening flood waters.If realized, these 
impacts include:
    - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in 
      multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become 
      dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become 
      stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple 
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed 
      away. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water 
      with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become 
      dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or 
      washed out.

Elsewhere across Central Alabama, little to no impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone 
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded 
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets 
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes 
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather 
warnings.

* 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 Birmingham AL around 11 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions 
warrant.

$$