Coastal Lee County on High Alert: Tropical Storm Warning and Flood Alert Issued

Alert Lee has issued a tropical storm warning for coastal Lee County, accompanied by a storm surge watch that remains in effect. Residents of Sanibel, Captiva, and Cape Coral should be prepared for the potential impact of this approaching weather system. The warning indicates that tropical storm-force winds are expected to affect the area within the next 36 hours.

WIND

Latest local forecast: Anticipate winds equivalent to tropical storm force.

Peak wind forecast: Winds of 30-40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

Potential threat to life and property, considering the uncertainty in track, size, and intensity: Possibility of winds reaching 58-73 mph.

The level of wind threat has remained relatively stable since the previous assessment.

Recommended plan: Prepare for dangerous winds comparable to a strong tropical storm.

Preparedness actions: Complete all necessary measures to safeguard life and property as soon as possible. Take precautions for significant wind damage.

Immediate action: Seek safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

Potential impact: Significant

Expect damage to roofing, siding, porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. Some buildings may experience failures in windows, doors, and garage doors. Unanchored mobile homes are at risk of damage. Light objects that are not secured may become dangerous projectiles.

Several large trees may be snapped or uprooted, particularly in areas with shallow-rooted trees. Fences and roadway signs may be blown over.

Some roads may become impassable due to large debris, particularly in urban or heavily wooded areas. Bridges, causeways, and access routes may also be rendered impassable.

Power and communications outages may occur, especially in areas with above-ground lines.

STORM SURGE

Latest local forecast: Potential for life-threatening storm surge.

Peak storm surge inundation: There is a possibility of 2-4 feet of water above ground level in surge-prone areas.

Window of concern: From Tuesday afternoon until Thursday morning.

Potential threat to life and property, considering the uncertainty in track, size, and intensity: Possibility of storm surge flooding exceeding 3 feet above ground level.

The level of storm surge threat has remained relatively stable since the previous assessment.

Recommended plan: Prepare for life-threatening storm surge flooding exceeding 3 feet above ground level.

Preparedness actions: Evacuation efforts and flood preparations should be completed promptly before conditions become hazardous.

Immediate action: Leave immediately if evacuation orders are issued for your area to avoid being cut off from emergency services or risking lives unnecessarily.

Potential impacts: Significant

Anticipate areas of inundation, with storm surge flooding exacerbated by waves. Damage to several buildings, primarily near the coast.

Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads may become weakened or washed out, especially in low-lying areas prone to vulnerability.

Expect major beach erosion, with heavy surf breaching dunes and the presence of strong and numerous rip currents.

Marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers may sustain moderate damage. Unmoored small craft, particularly in unprotected anchorages, are at risk.

FLOODING RAIN

Latest local forecast:

Anticipated peak rainfall amounts: An additional 3-6 inches, with localized higher amounts.

Potential threat to life and property, considering the uncertainty in track, size, and intensity: Potential for moderate flooding due to heavy rain.

The level of flooding rain threat has remained relatively stable since the previous assessment.

Recommended plan: Emergency plans should account for the potential of moderate flooding caused by heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues may be necessary.

Preparedness actions: Consider protective measures if you reside in a flood-prone area.

Immediate action: Pay attention to flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life.

Potential impacts: Significant

Moderate rainfall may prompt several evacuations and necessitate rescues.

Rivers, tributaries, small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may quickly swell with swifter currents and overflow their banks, especially in vulnerable areas.

Floodwaters may enter structures or weaken foundations. Rapid inundation may occur in underpasses, low-lying spots, and areas with poor drainage. Streets and parking lots may experience moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow.

Driving conditions will be hazardous, and road and bridge closures may be implemented.

TORNADO

Latest local forecast:

The situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes.

Potential threat to life and property, considering the uncertainty in track, size, and intensity: Possibility of a few tornadoes.

The level of tornado threat has remained relatively stable since the previous assessment.

Recommended plan: Emergency plans should consider the potential for a few tornadoes.

Preparedness actions: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to tornadoes, prepare to relocate to a safe shelterbefore hazardous weather conditions arrive.

Immediate action: If a tornado warning is issued, be prepared to seek shelter quickly.

Potential impacts: Limited

Isolated tornadoes can disrupt emergency plans during tropical events.

Some areas may experience tornado damage, as well as disruptions to power and communications.

Possible effects include roofs being peeled off buildings, chimneys toppling, mobile homes being pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapping off, shallow-rooted trees being knocked over, vehicles being blown off roads, and boats being pulled from moorings.