HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

**MILTON WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA WITH FLOODING RAIN AND DAMAGING WINDS**
**FINAL HURRICANE PREPARATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE DAY TODAY**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Northern Lake, Orange,
Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Lake
- A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
Okeechobee
- A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
Coastal Volusia, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern
Brevard Barrier Islands
- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Coastal Indian River, Inland
Indian River, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland Southern Brevard,
Inland Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, and Mainland
Southern Brevard
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Martin, Coastal
Saint Lucie, Inland Martin, and Inland Saint Lucie

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 640 miles southwest of Orlando FL
- 22.3N 88.9W
- Storm Intensity 155 mph
- Movement East-northeast or 75 degrees at 12 mph

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

Major Hurricane Milton was located in the south central Gulf of
Mexico at 5 AM, moving east northeast at 12 mph. Milton is a powerful
category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph
and minimum central pressure of 924 mb.

Milton will begin moving more northeastward today and across the
southeast Gulf of Mexico tonight into Wednesday. Milton is now forecast
to make landfall along the Florida west coast near midnight Wednesday
night and then cross east central Florida Thursday morning before moving
offshore into the Atlantic by Thursday afternoon. There will be multiple,
significant hazards as Milton moves over east central Florida.

A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Greater Orlando and the
surrounding areas, as does the Hurricane Watch along the coast from
Indian River County northward, as well as Okeechobee County. A
Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Okeechobee County, with a
Tropical Storm Watch for Saint Lucie and Martin Counties. Final storm
preparations should be completed by the end of the day today.

Wind: Outer rainbands will arrive during the day on Wednesday. Winds will
strengthen to tropical storm force with gusts to hurricane force along
Milton's path Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with a narrow
swath of sustained hurricane force winds possible near the center of
the storm. These winds will knock down trees and power lines, leading
to power outages. All east central Florida residents and visitors
should be in a safe shelter before conditions become hazardous.

Heavy Rain: Ahead of Milton, deep moisture and onshore flow north of a
front across south Florida will maintain a risk for heavy rainfall
today, with the highest risk for flooding along the coast. Rainfall
directly associated with Hurricane Milton will increase in coverage
and intensity late Wednesday and Wednesday night as rain bands reach
east central Florida. Heavy rainfall potential will linger into Thursday
morning with the greatest risk of flash flooding near and north of the
I-4 corridor late Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Forecast rainfall amounts are generally 4 to 8 inches, locally 10 to
15 inches north of Kissimmee to Melbourne. South of that line, the
forecast calls 3 to 6 inches of rain. These rainfall amounts, along
with instances of higher rainfall rates, will be capable of producing
significant flooding. Heavy rainfall may also cause rapid rises on area
creeks and streams. The St Johns River at Astor is forecast to rise quickly
by Wednesday night and Thursday, flooding additional structures and roads.

Tornadoes: In addition to damaging wind gusts, a few to several tornadoes
embedded in rain bands are possible, mainly from Wednesday afternoon
into Thursday morning as Milton impacts east central Florida.
Residents and visitors should have multiple ways of receiving severe
weather alerts.

Beach and Coastal Hazards: Along the coast, there is the potential for
beach and dune erosion from coastal storm surge. This threat exists
especially near and north of where Milton tracks. After Milton moves
offshore Thursday, strong northerly winds are also expected, elevating
water levels along the Atlantic coast. Storm surge water rise may
reach 2 to 4 feet above normally dry ground in areas along the
immediate coastline north of Sebastian Inlet, including the Volusia
County beaches, with dune erosion likely. Higher water levels will
continue into Friday along the Atlantic beaches.

Today is the last full day to ensure your hurricane supply kit is
stocked and your safety plan is in place. Heed the advice of local
officials with recommended evacuation and or sheltering actions for
those in flood prone locations, mobile homes, or on the barrier
islands.

Continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane
Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across southwest Lake County. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof
and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage
greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations
may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
- Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access
routes impassable.
- Widespread power and communications outages.

Also, protect against life-threatening wind having possible
significant to extensive impacts across areas from Brevard and Osceola
County northward.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across areas along and north of the Interstate Four
corridor. Potential impacts include:
- Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks
in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,
canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. In mountain
areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while increasing
susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control
systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water
with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very
dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened
or washed out.

Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
significant to extensive impacts across northern portions of east central
Florida.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across Volusia and Brevard Counties. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
- Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low
spots.
- Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
numerous rip currents.
- Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
unprotected anchorages.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county in which it resides.
Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for
instructions from local authorities.

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 Melbourne FL by Noon EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Melbourne, FL

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued October 8 at 5:24AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 60 mph
- Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Wednesday evening
until Thursday afternoon

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 74
to 110 mph
- The wind threat has increased from the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for life-threatening wind of equivalent CAT 1 or
2 hurricane force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect life and property should now be
rigorously underway. Prepare for considerable wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some
having window, door, and garage door failures leading to
structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some
destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles.
Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks.
- Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.

* 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: Wednesday afternoon until Friday
afternoon

- 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: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally
higher amounts

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major
flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has increased from the previous
assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are
likely.
- PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially
if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches
may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive
runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing
susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control
systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover
escape routes. 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.

* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is favorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes
- The tornado threat has increased from the previous
assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.
- PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats
should prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous
weather arrives.
- ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

Hurricane Watch issued October 8 at 4:44AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 55 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 74
to 110 mph
- The wind threat has increased from the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for life-threatening wind of equivalent CAT 1 or
2 hurricane force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect life and property should now be
rigorously underway. Prepare for considerable wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some
having window, door, and garage door failures leading to
structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some
destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles.
Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks.
- Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally
higher amounts

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major
flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has increased from the previous
assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are
likely.
- PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially
if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches
may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive
runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing
susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control
systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover
escape routes. 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.

* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is favorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes
- The tornado threat has increased from the previous
assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.
- PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats
should prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous
weather arrives.
- ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents and
rough surf. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of
9 to 13 feet expected in the surf zone across Volusia and north
Brevard counties, and 7 to 12 feet expected for southern
Brevard County and the Treasure Coast.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Coastal Indian River, Coastal Saint
Lucie, Coastal Martin, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands and
Southern Brevard Barrier Islands Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through Thursday
afternoon. For the High Surf Advisory, from 8 PM Wednesday to
2 PM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best
swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

High Surf Advisory issued October 8 at 2:58AM EDT until October 10 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

Rip Current Statement issued October 8 at 2:58AM EDT until October 10 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

**MILTON REMAINS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CATEGORY FIVE HURRICANE**
**FINAL HURRICANE PREPARATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETE BY TUESDAY NIGHT**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Northern Lake, Orange,
Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Lake
- A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
Okeechobee
- A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
Coastal Volusia, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern
Brevard Barrier Islands
- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Coastal Indian River, Inland
Indian River, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland Southern Brevard,
Inland Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, and Mainland
Southern Brevard
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Martin, Coastal
Saint Lucie, Inland Martin, and Inland Saint Lucie

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 710 miles southwest of Orlando FL
- 21.8N 89.9W
- Storm Intensity 165 mph
- Movement East or 90 degrees at 9 mph

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

Major Hurricane Milton was located in the south central Gulf of
Mexico at 11 PM, moving east at 9 mph. Milton remains an extremely
powerful category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph
and minimum central pressure of 914 mb.

Milton will begin moving more northeastward north of the Yucatan
Peninsula tonight, then continue northeast Tuesday and Wednesday
across the southeast Gulf of Mexico toward Florida. Milton is now
forecast to make landfall along the Florida west coast late Wednesday
evening into early Thursday morning, crossing central Florida early
Thursday morning, then pushing offshore into the Atlantic by Thursday
afternoon. There will be multiple, significant hazards as Milton moves
over East Central Florida.

A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Greater Orlando and the
surrounding areas, as does the Hurricane Watch along the coast from
Indian River County northward, as well as Okeechobee County. A
Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Okeechobee County, with a
Tropical Storm Watch for Saint Lucie and Martin Counties. Final storm
preparations should be completed by the end of the day on Tuesday.

Wind: Outer rainbands will arrive Wednesday morning. Winds will
strengthen to tropical storm force with gusts to hurricane force along
Milton's path Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with a narrow
swath of sustained hurricane force winds possible near the center of
the storm. These winds will knock down trees and power lines, leading
to power outages. All east central Florida residents and visitors
should be in a safe shelter before conditions become hazardous.

Heavy Rain: Ahead of Milton, deep moisture and onshore flow north of a
front across south Florida will maintain a risk for heavy rainfall
Tuesday, with the highest risk for flooding along the coast. Rainfall
directly associated with Hurricane Milton will increase in coverage
and intensity Wednesday and Wednesday night as rain bands reach east
central Florida. The heaviest rainfall totals are likely to occur near
and north of Milton's track.

Forecast rainfall amounts this week are generally 4 to 8 inches,
locally 10 to 12 inches north of Kissimmee to Melbourne. South of that
line, the forecast calls 3 to 6 inches of rain. These rainfall
amounts, along with instances of higher rainfall rates, will be
capable of producing significant flooding. Heavy rainfall may also
cause rapid rises on area creeks and streams. The St Johns River at
Astor is forecast to rise quickly by Wednesday night, flooding
additional structures and roads.

Tornadoes: In addition to damaging wind gusts, a few tornadoes
embedded in rain bands are possible, mainly from Wednesday afternoon
into Thursday morning as Milton impacts east central Florida.
Residents and visitors should have multiple ways of receiving severe
weather alerts.

Beach and Coastal Hazards: Along the coast, there is the potential for
beach and dune erosion from coastal storm surge. This threat exists
especially near and north of where Milton tracks. After Milton moves
offshore Thursday, strong northerly winds are also expected, elevating
water levels along the Atlantic coast. Storm surge water rise may
reach 2 to 4 feet above normally dry ground in areas along the
immediate coastline north of Sebastian Inlet, including the Volusia
County beaches, with dune erosion likely.

Tuesday is the last full day to ensure your hurricane supply kit is
stocked and your safety plan is in place. Heed the advice of local
officials with recommended evacuation and or sheltering actions for
those in flood prone locations, mobile homes, or on the barrier
islands.

Continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane
Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible extensive
impacts across north-central portions of East Central Florida.
Potential impacts in this area include:
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
uninhabitable for weeks.
- Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.

Also, protect against dangerous wind having possible significant
impacts across southern portions of East Central Florida, including the
Treasure Coast.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across much of East Central Florida. Potential
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, canals, and ditches may
become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff
may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to
rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers
may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
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.

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across far southern portions of East Central Florida.

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts along the Volusia and Brevard County coast. Potential impacts
in this area include:
- Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
- Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low
spots.
- Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
numerous rip currents.
- Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
unprotected anchorages.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

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 Melbourne FL around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued October 7 at 11:36PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 55 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58
to 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: Efforts to protect life and property should now be
underway. Prepare for significant wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations 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.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 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, and ditches overflow.
- Flood waters 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.

Hurricane Watch issued October 7 at 11:07PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 55 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58
to 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: Efforts to protect life and property should now be
underway. Prepare for significant wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations 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: Wednesday evening until early Friday
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: Efforts should now be underway to prepare for
storm surge flooding, especially in low-lying vulnerable
areas.
- ACT: Take actions to protect life and property. Prepare to
leave 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: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 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, and ditches overflow.
- Flood waters 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.

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

...MILTON REMAINS A CATEGORY FIVE HURRICANE IN THE GULF OF MEXICO...

...HURRICANE PREPARATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETE BY TUESDAY NIGHT...

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- The Hurricane Watch has been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning
for Northern Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Lake
- A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Okeechobee
- A Hurricane Watch has been issued and a Storm Surge Watch has
been issued for Coastal Volusia, Northern Brevard Barrier
Islands, and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands
- A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Coastal Martin,
Coastal Saint Lucie, Inland Martin, and Inland Saint Lucie
- A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Coastal Indian River,
Inland Indian River, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland Southern
Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, and
Mainland Southern Brevard

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Northern Lake, Orange,
Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Lake
- A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
Okeechobee
- A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
Coastal Volusia, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern
Brevard Barrier Islands
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Martin, Coastal
Saint Lucie, Inland Martin, and Inland Saint Lucie
- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Coastal Indian River, Inland
Indian River, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland Southern Brevard,
Inland Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, and Mainland
Southern Brevard

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 750 miles southwest of Orlando FL
- 21.8N 90.8W
- Storm Intensity 180 mph
- Movement East or 90 degrees at 10 mph

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

Major Hurricane Milton was located across the southwest Gulf of
Mexico at 5 pm and was moving east at 10 mph. Milton has rapidly
strengthened with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph, making it an
extremely powerful category five hurricane.

Milton will move to the east, north of the Yucatan peninsula, through
tonight and then turn northeast Tuesday and Tuesday night across the
southeast Gulf of Mexico and strengthen to a major hurricane. Milton
is currently forecast to make landfall along the Florida west coast
late Wednesday afternoon or evening and cross central Florida
Wednesday night and move into the Atlantic on Thursday. There will be
multiple hazards as Milton moves over East Central Florida.

A Hurricane Warning is now in effect for Greater Orlando and
surrounding areas, with a Hurricane Watch along the coast from Indian
River County northward. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for
Okeechobee County, with a Tropical Storm Watch for St Lucie and Martin
Counties. Final storm preparations should be completed by the end of
the day on Tuesday.

Wind: Outer rainbands will arrive on Wednesday with the strongest
winds expected within the core of the hurricane as it tracks across
central Florida Wednesday night. Winds will strengthen to tropical
storm force with gusts to hurricane force along Milton's path. A
narrow swath of sustained hurricane force winds is possible near the
center of the storm. The winds will knock down trees and power lines,
causing power outages in some areas. All east central Florida
residents and visitors should be in a safe shelter before conditions
become hazardous.

Heavy Rain: Ahead of Milton, deep moisture and onshore flow north of a
front across south Florida will maintain a risk of heavy rainfall
tonight and Tuesday, with the highest risk for flooding along the
coast. Rainfall will increase in coverage and intensity Wednesday and
Wednesday night directly associated with Hurricane Milton. The
heaviest rainfall totals are likely to occur near and north of
Milton's track.

Most likely rainfall tallies this week are generally 4 to 8 inches,
and locally up to 10 to 12 inches, north of Kissimmee to Melbourne.
South of that line, the latest forecast calls 3 to 6 inches of rain.
These rainfall amounts, along with instances of higher rainfall rates,
will be capable of producing flooding in low-lying and urban areas.
Heavy rainfall may also cause rapid rises on area creeks and streams.
The St Johns River at Astor is forecast to rise quickly by Wednesday
night, flooding additional structures and roads. Turn around, don't
drown.

Tornadoes: In addition to strong to damaging wind gusts, a few
tornadoes embedded in rain bands are possible, mainly on Wednesday
afternoon and Wednesday night as Milton approaches east central
Florida. Residents and visitors should have multiple ways of receiving
severe weather alerts.

Beach and Coastal Hazards: Along the coast, there is the potential for
beach and dune erosion along with coastal storm surge. This threat
exists especially near and north of where Milton tracks. Strong
northerly winds are also expected on Thursday as Milton moves offshore
into the Atlantic waters, elevating water levels along the Atlantic
coast. Storm surge water rise may reach 2 to 4 feet above normally dry
ground in some areas along the immediate coastline north of Sebastian
Inlet, including the Volusia County beaches with dune erosion likely.

Now is the time to ensure your hurricane supply kit is stocked and
your safety plan is in place. Heed the advice of local officials with
recommended evacuation and or sheltering actions for those in flood
prone locations, in mobile homes or on the barrier islands.

Continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane
Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across northern portions of East Central Florida, including Greater
Orlando, Daytona Beach, and surrounding areas. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
uninhabitable for weeks.
- Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.

Also, prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across southern portions of East Central Florida, including the Treasure Coast.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across much of East Central Florida. Potential
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, canals, and ditches may
become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff
may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to
rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers
may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
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.

Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across far southern portions of East Central Florida.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- 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.

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts
along the coasts of Volusia and Brevard counties. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
- Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low
spots.
- Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
numerous rip currents.
- Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
unprotected anchorages.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* 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.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

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 Melbourne FL around midnight EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued October 7 at 5:21PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

A Hurricane Watch means hurricane-force winds are possible somewhere
within this area within the next 48 hours

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tropical storm force wind gusts.
- Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 55 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58
to 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: Efforts to protect life and property should now be
underway. Prepare for significant wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations 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.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 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, and ditches overflow.
- Flood waters 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.

Hurricane Watch issued October 7 at 5:07PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

A Hurricane Watch means hurricane-force winds are possible somewhere
within this area within the next 48 hours

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tropical storm force wind gusts
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 55 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58
to 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: Efforts to protect life and property should now be
underway. Prepare for significant wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations 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: Wednesday evening until Thursday evening

- 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 increased from the previous
assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot
above ground.
- PREPARE: Efforts should now be underway to prepare for
storm surge flooding, especially in low-lying vulnerable
areas.
- ACT: Take actions to protect life and property. Prepare to
leave 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: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 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, and ditches overflow.
- Flood waters 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.

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

...MILTON HAS BECOME A CATEGORY FIVE HURRICANE...

...HURRICANE PREPARATIONS IN EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA
SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY TUESDAY NIGHT...

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Northern Lake,
Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Lake

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Northern Lake, Okeechobee,
Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Lake

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 800 miles west-southwest of Orlando FL
- 21.7N 91.6W
- Storm Intensity 160 mph
- Movement East-southeast or 110 degrees at 9 mph

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

Major Hurricane Milton was located across the southwest Gulf of
Mexico at 11 am and was moving east-southeast at 9 mph. Milton has
rapidly strengthened with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, making
it an extremely powerful category five hurricane.

Milton will move to the east, north of the Yucatan peninsula,
through tonight and then turn northeast Tuesday and Tuesday night
across the southeast Gulf of Mexico and strengthen to a major
hurricane. Milton is currently forecast to make landfall along the
Florida west coast late Wednesday afternoon or evening and cross
central Florida Wednesday night and move into the Atlantic on
Thursday.

Ahead of Milton, deep moisture and onshore flow north of a frontal
boundary across south Florida will maintain a risk of heavy rainfall
today and Tuesday, with the highest risk for flooding along the
coast. Rainfall will increase in coverage and intensity Wednesday
and Wednesday night directly associated with Hurricane Milton's rain
bands. Most likely rainfall tallies this week are generally 4 to 8
inches and locally up to 10 to 12 inches. The heaviest rainfall
totals are likely to occur near and north of Milton's track.

These rainfall amounts, along with instances of higher rainfall
rates, will be capable of producing flooding in low-lying and urban
areas. Flooding of roadways may also lead to hazardous driving
conditions. Heavy rainfall may also cause rapid rises on area creeks
and streams. The St Johns River at Astor is forecast rise quickly by
Wednesday night, flooding additional structures and roads.

Winds with Milton will increase and become windy in outer rainbands
on Wednesday with the strongest winds expected with the core of the
hurricane as it tracks across central Florida Wednesday night. Winds
will strengthen to tropical storm force with gusts to hurricane
force along Milton's path. A narrow swath of sustained hurricane
force winds are possible. The winds will knock down trees and power
lines, causing power outages in some areas. All east central Florida
residents and visitors should be in a safe shelter before conditions
become hazardous. A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for all inland
east central Florida counties. This includes Greater Orlando.

Additional hurricane and/or tropical storm watches are expected to
be issued along the coast later today or tonight.

In addition to strong to damaging wind gusts, a few tornadoes
embedded in rain bands are possible, mainly on Wednesday afternoon
and Wednesday night as Milton approaches east central Florida.

Along the coast, there is the potential for beach and dune erosion
and coastal storm surge mainly near and north of where Milton
tracks. Strong northerly winds are also expected on Thursday as
Milton moves offshore into the Atlantic waters, elevating water
levels along the Atlantic coast. Surge values may reach 1 to 3 feet,
locally 4 feet, in some areas along the immediate beaches north of
Sebastian Inlet, including the Volusia County beaches with dune
erosion likely.

Now is the time to ensure your hurricane supply kit is stocked and
your safety plan is in place. Heed the advice of local officials
with recommended evacuation and or sheltering actions for those in
flood prone locations, in mobile homes or on the barrier islands.
All preparations for Milton should be completed by the end of the
day on Tuesday.

Continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane
Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across northern portions of East Central Florida, including Greater
Orlando and surrounding areas. Potential impacts in this area include:
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
uninhabitable for weeks.
- Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.

Also, prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across southern portions of East Central Florida, including the Treasure Coast.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across much of East Central Florida. Potential
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, canals, and ditches may
become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff
may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to
rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers
may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
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.

Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across far southern portions of East Central Florida.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- 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.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
along the coastline of Volusia and Brevard Counties. Potential impacts
in this area include:
- 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* 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.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

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 Melbourne FL around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued October 7 at 11:55AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

...MILTON STRENGTHENS TO POWERFUL CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE...

...HURRICANE PREPARATIONS IN EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA
SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY TUESDAY NIGHT...

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Northern Lake,
Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Lake

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Northern Lake, Okeechobee,
Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Lake

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 800 miles west-southwest of Orlando FL
- 21.7N 91.7W
- Storm Intensity 155 mph
- Movement East-southeast or 110 degrees at 9 mph

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

Major Hurricane Milton was located across the southwest Gulf of
Mexico at 11 am and was moving east-southeast at 9 mph. Milton has
rapidly strengthened with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, making
it a powerful category four hurricane.

Milton will move to the east, north of the Yucatan peninsula,
through tonight and then turn northeast Tuesday and Tuesday night
across the southeast Gulf of Mexico and strengthen to a major
hurricane. Milton is currently forecast to make landfall along the
Florida west coast late Wednesday afternoon or evening and cross
central Florida Wednesday night and move into the Atlantic on
Thursday.

Ahead of Milton, deep moisture and onshore flow north of a frontal
boundary across south Florida will maintain a risk of heavy rainfall
today and Tuesday, with the highest risk for flooding along the
coast. Rainfall will increase in coverage and intensity Wednesday
and Wednesday night directly associated with Hurricane Milton's rain
bands. Most likely rainfall tallies this week are generally 4 to 8
inches and locally up to 10 to 12 inches. The heaviest rainfall
totals are likely to occur near and north of Milton's track.

These rainfall amounts, along with instances of higher rainfall
rates, will be capable of producing flooding in low-lying and urban
areas. Flooding of roadways may also lead to hazardous driving
conditions. Heavy rainfall may also cause rapid rises on area creeks
and streams. The St Johns River at Astor is forecast rise quickly by
Wednesday night, flooding additional structures and roads.

Winds with Milton will increase and become windy in outer rainbands
on Wednesday with the strongest winds expected with the core of the
hurricane as it tracks across central Florida Wednesday night. Winds
will strengthen to tropical storm force with gusts to hurricane
force along Milton's path. A narrow swath of sustained hurricane
force winds are possible. The winds will knock down trees and power
lines, causing power outages in some areas. All east central Florida
residents and visitors should be in a safe shelter before conditions
become hazardous. A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for all inland
east central Florida counties. This includes Greater Orlando.

Additional hurricane and/or tropical storm watches are expected to
be issued along the coast later today or tonight.

In addition to strong to damaging wind gusts, a few tornadoes
embedded in rain bands are possible, mainly on Wednesday afternoon
and Wednesday night as Milton approaches east central Florida.

Along the coast, there is the potential for beach and dune erosion
and coastal storm surge mainly near and north of where Milton
tracks. Strong northerly winds are also expected on Thursday as
Milton moves offshore into the Atlantic waters, elevating water
levels along the Atlantic coast. Surge values may reach 1 to 3 feet,
locally 4 feet, in some areas along the immediate beaches north of
Sebastian Inlet, including the Volusia County beaches with dune
erosion likely.

Now is the time to ensure your hurricane supply kit is stocked and
your safety plan is in place. Heed the advice of local officials
with recommended evacuation and or sheltering actions for those in
flood prone locations, in mobile homes or on the barrier islands.
All preparations for Milton should be completed by the end of the
day on Tuesday.

Continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane
Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across northern portions of East Central Florida, including Greater
Orlando and surrounding areas. Potential impacts in this area include:
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
uninhabitable for weeks.
- Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.

Also, prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across southern portions of East Central Florida, including the Treasure Coast.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across much of East Central Florida. Potential
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, canals, and ditches may
become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff
may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to
rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers
may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
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.

Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across far southern portions of East Central Florida.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- 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.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
along the coastline of Volusia and Brevard Counties. Potential impacts
in this area include:
- 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* 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.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

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 Melbourne FL around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued October 7 at 11:12AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and rough surf.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Coastal Indian River, Coastal Saint
Lucie, Coastal Martin, Mainland Northern Brevard, Northern
Brevard Barrier Islands, Mainland Southern Brevard and
Southern Brevard Barrier Islands Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Tuesday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.

Rip Current Statement issued October 7 at 2:21AM EDT until October 9 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...A portion of east central Florida, including the following
counties, Indian River, Martin, Saint Lucie, Volusia, Brevard,
Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole.

* WHEN...Through Thursday morning.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Bands of slow-moving rain are forecast early in the week due
to a nearby front. Then, as Hurricane Milton approaches
Florida by Wednesday, the threat for heavy rain will heighten
further. 5 to 10 inches of rain are forecast from near
Orlando to Melbourne and points northward, with 3 to 6 inches
to the south of that line including the Treasure Coast.
Locally higher amounts will be possible, especially along the
coast and near to north of the track of Milton.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Flood Watch issued October 6 at 3:30PM EDT until October 10 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and rough surf.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie
and Martin Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Monday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.

Rip Current Statement issued October 6 at 2:51AM EDT until October 8 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...A portion of east central Florida, including the following
counties, Indian River, Martin, Saint Lucie, Volusia, Brevard,
Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole.

* WHEN...From Sunday morning through Thursday morning.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Bands of slow-moving rain are forecast early in the week due
to a nearby front. Then, as a tropical system approaches
Florida by Wednesday, the threat for heavy rain will heighten
further. 4 to 8 inches of rain are forecast from near Orlando
to Melbourne and points northward, with 3 to 5 inches along
the Treasure Coast. 2 to 4 inches are forecast along the
Kissimmee Basin. Locally higher amounts will be possible,
especially along the coast and near to north of the track of
the tropical system.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Flood Watch issued October 5 at 1:21PM EDT until October 10 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE...A portion of east central Florida, including the following
counties, Indian River, Martin, Saint Lucie, Volusia, Brevard,
Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole.

* WHEN...From Sunday morning through Thursday morning.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Bands of slow-moving rain are forecast early in the week due
to a nearby front. Then, as a tropical system approaches
Florida by Wednesday, the threat for heavy rain will heighten
further. 6 to 10 inches of rain are forecast along the coast,
with 3 to 6 inches generally expected over the interior.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Flood Watch issued October 5 at 12:44PM EDT until October 10 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and rough surf.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie and
Martin Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.

Rip Current Statement issued October 5 at 2:36AM EDT until October 7 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie and
Martin Counties.

* WHEN...Through late tonight.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.

Rip Current Statement issued October 4 at 2:22AM EDT until October 5 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

At 403 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles northeast of Blue Cypress Lake, moving north at 5 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern Indian
River and south central Brevard Counties.

Special Weather Statement issued October 1 at 4:04PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

At 350 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Fellsmere, moving north at 5 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Sebastian, Vero Beach, Fellsmere, Sebastian Highlands, and Roseland.

Special Weather Statement issued October 1 at 3:50PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

At 312 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Pointe West, or near Vero Beach South, moving north at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Sebastian, Vero Beach, Fellsmere, Indian River Shores, and Vero Beach
South.

Special Weather Statement issued October 1 at 3:13PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Peak heat index values up to 108 to 110 are forecast.

* WHERE...Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 6 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.

Heat Advisory issued September 29 at 2:26AM EDT until September 29 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie and
Martin Counties.

* WHEN...Through late tonight.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.

Rip Current Statement issued September 28 at 3:34AM EDT until September 29 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 108.

* WHERE...Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin and
Okeechobee counties.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur.

Heat Advisory issued September 27 at 11:21AM EDT until September 27 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

Wind Advisory issued September 27 at 11:21AM EDT until September 27 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin, and
Brevard Counties.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.

Rip Current Statement issued September 27 at 11:09AM EDT until September 27 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

High Surf Advisory issued September 27 at 11:09AM EDT until September 27 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

At 943 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Melbourne, moving northeast at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, Rockledge, and Cocoa.

Special Weather Statement issued September 27 at 9:43AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents.
For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 6 to 8
feet in the surf zone this morning.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin,
and Brevard Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through this evening. For
the High Surf Advisory, until 11 AM EDT this morning.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best
swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

High Surf Advisory issued September 27 at 5:49AM EDT until September 27 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

Rip Current Statement issued September 27 at 5:49AM EDT until September 27 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

**HELENE NOW A TROPICAL STORM OVER EAST CENTRAL GEORGIA**
**ALL TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS DISCONTINUED FOR EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA**

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

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

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 280 miles north-northwest of Leesburg FL
- 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 east of Macon Georgia early
this morning and will continue to move northward farther away from
Florida through the day.

All Tropical Storm Warnings for east central Florida counties and the
adjacent Atlantic waters have been discontinued. Southerly winds will
continue to be windy early this morning and a Wind Advisory will be in
effect across all of east central Florida through 11 am.

Winds will be breezy from the southwest this afternoon allowing
temperatures to warm into the lower 90s. Heat Indices will
climb to around 108 degrees across Okeechobee, Brevard and the
Treasure Coast where a Heat Advisory is in effect. Be careful during
storm clean up outdoors and take breaks from the heat this afternoon.

Along the Atlantic beaches, a high risk of rip currents continues
today and a High Surf Advisory is in effect through 11 am.

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

* WIND:
Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time
across East Central Florida.

* SURGE:
Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time
across East Central Florida.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time
across East Central Florida.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time
across East Central Florida.

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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
When going outside be sure to stay away from downed power lines,
hazardous debris and any flooded areas.

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.

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 or limbs, 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.

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

Be careful during storm clean up outdoors and take breaks from the
heat.

* 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
-----------

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

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 27 at 5:26AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled and is no longer in effect.

The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled.

* WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, south to southwest winds 20 to 25
mph with gusts around 35 mph is forecast. For the Heat Advisory,
heat index values up to 108 expected.

* WHERE...Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee
counties.

* WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, until 11 AM EDT this morning. For
the Heat Advisory, from 11 AM this morning to 6 PM EDT this
evening.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Hot
temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

Wind Advisory issued September 27 at 4:59AM EDT until September 27 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

Heat Advisory issued September 27 at 4:59AM EDT until September 27 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

The Flood Watch has been cancelled and is no longer in effect.

The Flood Watch has been cancelled.

* WHAT...Peak heat index values 108 to 110 is forecast.

* WHERE...Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee
counties.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 6 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.

Heat Advisory issued September 27 at 2:07AM EDT until September 27 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

**MAJOR HURRICANE HELENE HAS MADE LANDFALL IN THE FLORIDA BIG BEND**
**TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS CONTINUING ACROSS EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA
INTO TONIGHT**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Indian River,
Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Inland
Indian River, Inland Martin, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland
Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland
Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard
Barrier Islands, Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola,
Seminole, Southern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Lake

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 140 miles west-northwest of Leesburg FL
- 29.9N 83.9W
- Storm Intensity 140 mph
- Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 24 mph

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

Hurricane Helene has made landfall in the Florida Big Bend region
as a major Category 4 hurricane around 11:10 PM EDT with maximum
sustained winds of 140 mph. Helene will continue to move north into
southern Georgia through Friday morning and toward north Georgia by
Friday evening.

Hurricane Helene has an expansive wind field which will shift only
slowly northward through late tonight. Rainbands southeast of the
center will continue to affect east central Florida through tonight.
A peak wind gust to 67 mph was recorded at Orlando International
Airport at 930 PM.

Very strong wind gusts will be associated with these showers and some
gusts up to 55 to 65 mph will be possible from Osceola and Brevard
County northward through 3 AM. Wind gusts later tonight may still reach
the 45 to 55 mph range across northern portions of east central Florida
after 3 AM as Helene pulls farther away from the area.

Residents and visitors should use extreme caution on roadways if you
must travel as the wind can blow objects that may strike your vehicle.
Isolated instances of tree limbs and power lines falling are possible
with these stronger wind gusts through around 3 AM.

In addition to strong wind gusts, a few tornadoes embedded in rain
bands are possible through from Osceola and Brevard counties northward
overnight. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 6 AM for these
areas.

Locally higher rainfall amounts up to one to one and a half inches are
forecast across mainly northern portions of east central Florida
through the overnight hours. A Flood Watch remains in effect across
all of east central Florida through early morning Friday.

Along the coast, battering surf through tonight will cause dangerous
beach conditions. Wave run-up to the dune line and sea walls will
result in some beach erosion. Marine conditions are dangerous and
small craft operators should remain in port.

Visitors and residents should stay off the beaches through tonight.
Additionally, numerous life-threatening rip currents and a powerful
longshore current will exist. A High Surf Advisory is in effect at
area beaches and will continue through 11 AM Friday.

Conditions will not be conducive for outdoor activities or travel
through the overnight hours. Do not let your guard down. This is a
very large storm and impacts are being experienced far from the center
of the storm.

Be sure to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Continue to
monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and
National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
East Central Florida. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind
having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across East
Central Florida. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event
having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts
include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect through 6 AM EDT for Lake, Volusia,
Seminole, Orange, Brevard and Osceola counties.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having possible
impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
- Flood waters may lead to rapid ponding of water across
low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains
and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow.
Some brief road closures.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Strong winds and battering surf through tonight will produce wave
run-up to the dune line and sea walls, resulting in minor beach
erosion. This will also lead to numerous life-threatening rip currents
and a powerful longshore current at area beaches. A High Surf Advisory
is in effect through Friday morning for these hazardous surf conditions.
Visitors and residents should stay off the beaches and out of the surf
today into tonight!

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a
battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the
safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. If
driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options.

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 Melbourne FL around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 26 at 11:42PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 55 mph
- Window for Tropical Storm force winds: through the next few
hours

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Last minute efforts to protect property should now
be complete. The area remains subject to limited wind
damage.
- ACT: Now is the time to shelter from hazardous wind.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding
- Potential impacts from the main wind event are unfolding.

* STORM SURGE
- No storm surge inundation forecast

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little to no storm
surge flooding
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding.
Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip
currents are possible.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations for storm surge flooding
are needed.
- ACT: Follow the instructions of local officials. Monitor
forecasts.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from storm surge flooding.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief 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 decreased from the previous
assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should continue to include possible
tornadoes.
- PREPARE: Stay within your shelter keeping informed of the
latest tornado situation.
- ACT: Move quickly to the safest place within your shelter
if a tornado warning is issued.

- 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.

Tropical Storm Warning issued September 26 at 11:12PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be
completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind
damage.
- ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief 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 decreased 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.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL ALLOW TORNADO WATCH 683 TO
EXPIRE AT 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN FLORIDA THIS ALLOWS TO EXPIRE 4 COUNTIES

IN EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

INDIAN RIVER          MARTIN                OKEECHOBEE
ST. LUCIE

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BASINGER, BASSWOOD ESTATES,
COUNTRY HILLS ESTATES, FORT DRUM, FORT PIERCE,
FOUR SEASONS ESTATES, GROVENOR ESTATES, HOBE SOUND,
HOBE SOUND BEACH, INDIANTOWN, JAYCEE BEACH, JENSEN BEACH,
KISSIMMEE PRAIRIE PRESERVE, OKEECHOBEE, PALM CITY,
PORT SAINT LUCIE, PORT SALERNO, SEBASTIAN, SEBASTIAN INLET,
STUART, VERO BEACH, VERO BEACH SOUTH, AND VERO LAKE ESTATES.

Tornado Watch issued September 26 at 7:51PM EDT until September 26 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

**MAJOR HURRICANE HELENE STRENGTHENING, CONDITIONS DETERIORATING
ACROSS EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA THROUGH THIS EVENING**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Indian River,
Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Inland
Indian River, Inland Martin, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland
Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland
Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard
Barrier Islands, Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola,
Seminole, Southern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Lake

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 180 miles west-southwest of Leesburg FL
- 27.9N 84.6W
- Storm Intensity 125 mph
- Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 23 mph

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

Hurricane Helene has strengthened to a major Category 3 hurricane
and is located around 145 miles southwest of Tampa, across the
southeast Gulf of Mexico as of 5 PM. Helene will continue to
strengthen while moving north-northeast across the Gulf of Mexico
today and is forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane along the
Florida Big Bend coast late this evening.

Tropical storm force winds encompass a large area to the east of
Helene's center, which includes the entire Florida Peninsula. Tropical
Storm Warnings remain in effect for all of east central Florida, as
well as the adjacent Atlantic waters. Frequent tropical storm force
gusts will be possible across the area into this evening. The
potential for gusts up to 60 to 65 mph will exist, particularly in
stronger rainbands, northwest of I-4, along the Atlantic coast and in
vicinity of Lake Okeechobee.

In addition to strong wind gusts, a few to several tornadoes embedded
in rain bands are possible through this evening. Outer rain bands have
begun to impact the local area and will increase in frequency over the
next few hours as the system makes its closest approach to east
central Florida this evening. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until
8 PM across east central Florida. Additional watches will be likely
later tonight.

Locally higher rainfall totals will result from rain bands repeatedly
moving over the same locations. Generally, 1 to 2 inches of total
rainfall is forecast area-wide, with locally higher amounts possible
through tonight. Higher rainfall amounts will be capable of producing
localized flooding in low-lying and urban areas, especially in areas
which have already received heavy rainfall this month. A Flood Watch
remains in effect across all of east central Florida through early
morning Friday.

Along the coast, battering surf through tonight will cause dangerous
beach conditions. Wave run-up to the dune line and sea walls will
result in beach erosion, especially during tomorrow morning's high
tide, occurring between 3 AM and 5 AM. Marine conditions are dangerous
and small craft operators should remain in port. Visitors and
residents should stay off the beaches and out of the surf through
tonight. Additionally, numerous life-threatening rip currents and a
powerful longshore current will exist. A High Surf Advisory is in
effect at area beaches and will continue through 11 AM Friday.

Conditions will continue to worsen through the rest of this evening.
Do not let your guard down. This is a very large storm and impacts
will be experienced far from the center of the storm. Make sure your
hurricane kit is fully stocked and safety plan is in place. As
conditions deteriorate, be sure to have multiple ways to receive
weather alerts. Any eastward shifts in the forecast track would
increase the potential for additional impacts locally, so continue to
monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and
National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
East Central Florida. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind
having possible limited impacts. If realized,
these impacts include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across East Central
Florida. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event having
possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect through 8 PM EDT. Extensions or
additional watches will be likely across some areas of east central
Florida late tonight.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having possible
impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually
vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water
occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas.
Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and
begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Increasing winds and battering surf through tonight will produce
wave run-up to the dune line and sea walls, resulting in minor beach
erosion. This will also lead to numerous life-threatening rip currents
and a powerful longshore current at area beaches. A High Surf Advisory
is in effect through Friday morning for these hazardous surf conditions.
Visitors and residents should stay off the beaches and out of the surf
today into tonight!

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a
battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the
safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. If
driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options.

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 Melbourne FL around 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 26 at 5:27PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be
completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind
damage.
- ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and
bridge closures.

* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect
- Situation is favorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes
- The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.
- PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
arrives.
- ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

Tropical Storm Warning issued September 26 at 4:56PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* STORM SURGE
- No storm surge inundation forecast

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little to no storm
surge flooding
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding.
Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip
currents are possible.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations for storm surge flooding
are needed.
- ACT: Follow the instructions of local officials. Monitor
forecasts.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from storm surge flooding.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and
bridge closures.

* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect
- Situation is favorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes
- The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.
- PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats
should prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous
weather arrives.
- ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

**HURRICANE HELENE WILL CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN AS IT LIFTS NORTHWARD
WITH CONDITIONS DETERIORATING ACROSS THE AREA INTO THIS AFTERNOON**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Indian River,
Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Inland
Indian River, Inland Martin, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland
Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland
Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard
Barrier Islands, Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola,
Seminole, Southern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Lake

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 320 miles southwest of Leesburg FL
- 25.5N 85.5W
- Storm Intensity 105 mph
- Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 14 mph

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

Hurricane Helene is located around 250 miles southwest of Tampa,
across the southeast Gulf of Mexico as of 11 AM. Helene will
continue to strengthen while moving north-northeast across the
Gulf of Mexico today and is forecast to make landfall as a major
hurricane along the Florida Big Bend coast late this evening.

Tropical storm force winds encompass a large area to the east of
Helene's center, which is forecast to include the entire Florida
Peninsula. Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect for all of east
central Florida, as well as the adjacent Atlantic waters. Frequent
tropical storm force gusts will be possible across the area into
this evening. The potential for gusts up to 60 to 65 mph will exist,
particularly in stronger rainbands, northwest of I-4, along the
Atlantic coast and in vicinity of Lake Okeechobee.

In addition to strong wind gusts, a few to several tornadoes
embedded in rain bands are possible through this afternoon. Outer
rain bands have begun to impact the local area and will increase in
frequency over the next few hours as the system makes its closest
approach to east central Florida early this afternoon.

Locally higher rainfall totals will result from rain bands
repeatedly moving over the same locations. Generally, 1 to 2 inches
of total rainfall is forecast area-wide, with locally higher amounts
possible through tonight. Higher rainfall amounts will be capable of
producing flooding in low-lying and urban areas, especially in areas
which have already received heavy rainfall this month. A Flood Watch
is in effect across all of east central Florida through early
morning Friday.

Along the coast, battering surf through tonight will cause
dangerous beach conditions. Wave run-up to the dune line and sea
walls will result in beach erosion, especially during this
afternoon's high tide, occurring between 3 PM and 5 PM. Marine
conditions are dangerous and small craft operators should
remain in port. Visitors and residents should stay off the beaches
and out of the surf through tonight. Additionally, numerous life-
threatening rip currents and a powerful longshore current will
exist. A High Surf Advisory is in effect at area beaches and will
continue through 11 AM Friday.

Conditions will continue to worsen through the day. Do not let your
guard down. This will be a very large storm and impacts will be
experienced far from the center of the storm. Make sure your
hurricane kit is fully stocked and safety plan in place. As
conditions deteriorate, be sure to have multiple ways to
receive weather alerts. Any eastward shifts in the forecast track
would increase the potential for additional impacts locally, so
continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane
Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across across East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across east
central Florida. A Tornado Watch is in effect through 8PM EDT.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across East Central Florida. Potential impacts
include:
- 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, and
ditches overflow.
- Flood waters 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.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Increasing winds and battering surf through tonight will produce
wave run-up to the dune line and sea walls, resulting in minor beach
erosion. This will also lead to numerous life-threatening rip currents
and a powerful longshore current at area beaches. A High Surf Advisory
is in effect through Friday morning for these hazardous surf conditions.
Visitors and residents should stay off the beaches and out of the surf
today into tonight!

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a
battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the
safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. If
driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options.

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 Melbourne FL around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 26 at 11:14AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

Tropical Storm Warning issued September 26 at 11:02AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer appears capable of producing a tornado.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for east central
Florida.

Tornado Warning issued September 26 at 9:21AM EDT until September 26 at 9:30AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

TORMLB

The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
North central St. Lucie County in east central Florida...
Eastern Indian River County in east central Florida...

* Until 930 AM EDT.

* At 905 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Vero Beach Highland, or near Vero Beach South,
moving north at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree
damage is likely.

* This dangerous storm will be near...
Vero Beach, Gifford, and Vero Beach South around 910 AM EDT.
Sebastian, Fellsmere, and Sebastian Highlands around 920 AM EDT.
Roseland around 930 AM EDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Orchid.

Tornado Warning issued September 26 at 9:06AM EDT until September 26 at 9:30AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 683 IN
EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN FLORIDA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 10 COUNTIES

IN EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

BREVARD               INDIAN RIVER          LAKE
MARTIN                OKEECHOBEE            ORANGE
OSCEOLA               SEMINOLE              ST. LUCIE
VOLUSIA

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALLANDALE, ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, APOPKA,
BASINGER, BASSWOOD ESTATES, BITHLO, CASSELBERRY, CELEBRATION,
CONWAY, COUNTRY HILLS ESTATES, DAYTONA BEACH, DEER PARK, DELTONA,
EAU GALLIE, EMERALDA, EUSTIS, FARMTON, FORT DRUM, FORT PIERCE,
FOUR SEASONS ESTATES, GROVENOR ESTATES, HOBE SOUND,
HOBE SOUND BEACH, HORIZON WEST, INDIANTOWN, JAYCEE BEACH,
JENSEN BEACH, KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, KISSIMMEE PRAIRIE PRESERVE,
LADY LAKE, LAGRANGE, LAKE ASHBY, LAKE DORA, LEESBURG, MELBOURNE,
MOUNT DORA, MULLET LAKE PARK, OKEECHOBEE, OSTEEN, OVIEDO,
PALM BAY, PALM CITY, PLAYALINDA BEACH, PORT ORANGE,
PORT SAINT LUCIE, PORT SALERNO, SANFORD, SEBASTIAN,
SEBASTIAN INLET, STUART, TAVARES, TITUSVILLE, VERO BEACH,
VERO BEACH SOUTH, VERO LAKE ESTATES, WEKIVA SPRINGS,
AND WINTER SPRINGS.

Tornado Watch issued September 26 at 6:42AM EDT until September 26 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents.
For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 6 to 8 feet
in the surf zone.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin, and
Brevard Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through Friday evening.
For the High Surf Advisory, until 11 AM EDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best
swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

High Surf Advisory issued September 26 at 6:09AM EDT until September 27 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

Rip Current Statement issued September 26 at 6:09AM EDT until September 27 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Large breaking waves of 6 to 8 feet in the surf zone.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin, and
Brevard Counties.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM EDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
localized beach erosion.

High Surf Advisory issued September 26 at 5:55AM EDT until September 27 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

**HURRICANE HELENE WILL CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN AS IT LIFTS NORTHWARD
WITH CONDITIONS DETERIORATING ACROSS THE AREA TODAY**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Indian River,
Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Inland
Indian River, Inland Martin, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland
Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland
Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard
Barrier Islands, Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola,
Seminole, Southern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Lake

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 410 miles southwest of Leesburg FL
- 24.2N 86.2W
- Storm Intensity 90 mph
- Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 12 mph

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

Hurricane Helene is located around 350 miles southwest of Tampa,
across the southeast Gulf of Mexico as of 5 AM. Helene will continue
to strengthen while moving north and northeast across the Gulf of
Mexico today and is forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane
along the Florida Big Bend coast this evening.

Tropical storm force winds are forecast to encompass a large area to
the east of Helene's center, which includes the entire Florida
Peninsula. Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect for all of east
central Florida, as well as the adjacent Atlantic waters. Frequent
tropical storm force gusts will be possible across the area today into
this evening. The potential for gusts up to 60 to 65 mph will exist,
particularly northwest of I-4, along the Atlantic coast and in
vicinity of Lake Okeechobee.

In addition to strong wind gusts, a few to several tornadoes embedded
in rain bands are possible through this afternoon. Outer rain bands
have begun to impact the local area, and will increase in frequency
over the next 12 hours as the system makes its closest approach to
east central Florida early this afternoon.

Locally higher rainfall totals will result from rain bands repeatedly
moving over the same locations. Generally, 1 to 3 inches of total
rainfall is forecast area-wide, with locally higher amounts possible
through tonight. These rainfall amounts will be capable of producing
flooding in low-lying and urban areas, especially in areas which have
already received heavy rainfall this month. A Flood Watch is in effect
across all of east central Florida through early morning Friday.

Along the coast, increasing, battering surf today through tonight will
cause dangerous beach conditions, including numerous life-threatening
rip currents and a powerful longshore current. A High Surf Advisory is
in effect at area beaches and will continue through 11 AM Friday. Wave
run-up to the dune line and sea walls will result in beach erosion,
especially during this afternoon's high tide, occurring between 3 PM
and 5 PM. Marine conditions will become dangerous and small craft
operators should remain in port. Visitors and residents should stay
off the beaches and out of the surf through tonight!

Preparation efforts should now be completed as conditions will
continue to worsen through the day. Do not let your guard down. This
will be a very large storm and impacts will be experienced far from
the center of the storm. Make sure your hurricane kit is fully stocked
and safety plan in place. As conditions deteriorate today, be sure to
have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Any eastward shifts in
the forecast track would increase the potential for additional impacts
locally, so continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National
Hurricane Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across East Central Florida. Potential impacts
include:
- 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, and
ditches overflow.
- Flood waters 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.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across across East Central Florida. Potential impacts
include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Increasing winds and battering surf today through tonight will produce
wave run-up to the dune line and sea walls, resulting in minor beach
erosion. This will also lead to numerous life-threatening rip currents
and a powerful longshore current at area beaches. A High Surf Advisory
is in effect today through Friday morning for these hazardous surf
conditions. Visitors and residents should stay off the beaches and out
of the surf today into tonight!

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

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!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

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 Melbourne FL around 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 26 at 5:48AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* STORM SURGE
- No storm surge inundation forecast

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little to no storm
surge flooding
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding.
Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip
currents are possible.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations for storm surge flooding
are needed.
- ACT: Follow the instructions of local officials. Monitor
forecasts.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from storm surge flooding.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: 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
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and
bridge closures.

* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is favorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes
- The tornado threat has increased from the previous
assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.
- PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats
should prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous
weather arrives.
- ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

Tropical Storm Warning issued September 26 at 5:13AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be
completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind
damage.
- ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: 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
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and
bridge closures.

* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is favorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes
- The tornado threat has increased from the previous
assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.
- PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
arrives.
- ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

**CONDITIONS WILL DETERIORATE LATE TONIGHT INTO THURSDAY AS HELENE
MOVES NORTHWARD**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Indian River,
Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Inland
Indian River, Inland Martin, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland
Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland
Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard
Barrier Islands, Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola,
Seminole, Southern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Lake

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 490 miles southwest of Leesburg FL
- 23.1N 86.6W
- Storm Intensity 85 mph
- Movement North or 360 degrees at 9 mph

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

Hurricane Helene is located around 425 miles southwest of Tampa,
across the southeast Gulf of Mexico as of 11 PM. Helene is forecast
to strengthen into a Major Hurricane while moving north and northeast
across the Gulf of Mexico tonight and tomorrow. Landfall is forecast
along the Florida Big Bend coast Thursday evening as a Category 4
storm.

Tropical storm force winds are forecast to encompass a large area to
the east of Helene's center, which includes the entire Florida
Peninsula. Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect for all of east
central Florida, as well as the adjacent Atlantic waters. Frequent
tropical storm force gusts will be possible across the area Thursday
into Thursday evening. The potential for gusts up to 60 to 65 mph will
exist, particularly northwest of I-4, along the Atlantic coast and in
vicinity of Lake Okeechobee.

In addition to strong wind gusts, a few to several tornadoes embedded
in rain bands are possible beginning late tonight and lasting through
Thursday afternoon. Outer rain bands have begun to impact the local
area, and will increase in frequency over the next 24 hours as the
system makes its closest approach to east central Florida early
tomorrow afternoon.

Locally higher rainfall totals will result from rain bands repeatedly
moving over the same locations. Generally, 1 to 3 inches of total
rainfall is forecast area-wide, with locally higher amounts possible
through Thursday night. These rainfall amounts will be capable of
producing flooding in low-lying and urban areas, especially in areas
which have already received heavy rainfall this month. A Flood Watch
is in effect across all of east central Florida through early morning
Friday.

Along the coast, increasing, battering surf from late tonight through
Thursday night will cause dangerous beach conditions. Run-up to the
dune line and sea walls will result in beach erosion. Impacts will be
greatest during the Thursday afternoon high tide, occurring between
3 PM and 5 PM. Marine conditions will become dangerous and small craft
operators should remain in port. A High Surf Advisory is in effect at
area beaches and will continue through 11 AM Friday.

Preparation efforts should now be completed as conditions will worsen
late tonight into the day Thursday. Do not let your guard down. This
will be a very large storm and impacts will be experienced far from
the center of the storm. Make sure your hurricane kit is fully stocked
and safety plan in place. As conditions deteriorate tonight and
tomorrow morning, be sure to have multiple ways to receive weather
alerts that will wake you up. Any eastward shifts in the forecast
track would increase the potential for additional impacts locally, so
continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane
Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across east central Florida. Potential impacts
include:
- 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, and
ditches overflow.
- Flood waters 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.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across most of east central Florida. Potential impacts
include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the Treasure Coast and vicinity of Lake Okeechobee.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Increasing winds and battering surf from late tonight through Thursday
night will produce dangerous beach conditions, with run-up to the dune
line and sea walls resulting in beach erosion.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

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!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

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 Melbourne FL around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 25 at 11:42PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be
completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind
damage.
- ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: 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
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief 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.

Tropical Storm Warning issued September 25 at 11:10PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* STORM SURGE
- No storm surge inundation forecast

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little to no storm
surge flooding
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding.
Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip
currents are possible.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations for storm surge flooding
are needed.
- ACT: Follow the instructions of local officials. Monitor
forecasts.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from storm surge flooding.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: 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
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief 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.

At 1014 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Port Saint Lucie to Port Salerno to
Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Movement was northwest at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Port Saint Lucie, Jupiter, Walton, Fort Pierce, and Stuart.

Special Weather Statement issued September 25 at 10:15PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

**OUTER RAINBANDS ARRIVING FROM HELENE**
**PREPARATIONS SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION PRIOR TO SUNSET**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Indian River,
Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Inland
Indian River, Inland Martin, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland
Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland
Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard
Barrier Islands, Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola,
Seminole, Southern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Lake

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 520 miles southwest of Leesburg FL
- 22.5N 86.6W
- Storm Intensity 85 mph
- Movement North or 355 degrees at 12 mph

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

Hurricane Helene is located about 460 miles southwest of Tampa as of 5 PM,
emerging shortly into the Gulf of Mexico. Helene is forecast to strengthen
into a Major Hurricane while moving north and northeast across the Gulf of
Mexico tonight and tomorrow. Landfall is forecast along the FL Big
Bend to the eastern Panhandle Thursday evening as a strong Category
3 or Category 4 storm.

Tropical storm force winds are likely to encompass a large area to the
east of Helene's center, which includes the entire Florida Peninsula.
Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect for all of east central
Florida, as well as the adjacent Atlantic waters. Frequent tropical
storm force gusts will be possible across the area Thursday into
Thursday evening. The potential for gusts up to 60-65 mph will exist,
particularly northwest of I-4, along the Atlantic coast and in
vicinity of Lake Okeechobee.

In addition to strong wind gusts, a few to several tornadoes embedded
in rain bands are possible beginning late tonight and lasting through
Thursday afternoon. Outer rain bands have begun to impact the local
area late this afternoon, and will increase in frequency over the next
24 hours as the system makes its closest approach to east central
Florida early tomorrow afternoon.

Locally higher rainfall totals will result from rain bands repeatedly
moving over the same locations. Generally, 1 to 4 inches of total
rainfall is forecast area-wide, with locally higher amounts of up to
6 inches possible through late Thursday. These rainfall amounts will
be capable of producing flooding in low-lying and urban areas,
especially in areas which have already received heavy rainfall this
month.

Along the coast, increasing, battering surf from late tonight through
Thursday night will cause dangerous beach conditions. Run-up to the
dune line and sea walls will result in beach erosion. Impacts will be
greatest during the Thursday afternoon high tide, occurring between
3 PM and 5 PM. Marine conditions will become dangerous and small craft
operators should remain in port. A High Surf Advisory wil be effective
beginning at 10 PM tonight.

Preparation efforts should be rushed to completion by sunset this
evening. Do not let your guard down. This will be a very large storm
and impacts will be experienced far from the center of the storm. Make
sure your hurricane kit is fully stocked and safety plan in place. As
conditions deteriorate tonight and tomorrow morning, be sure to have
multiple ways to receive weather alerts that will wake you up. Any
eastward shifts in the forecast track would increase the potential for
additional impacts locally, so continue to monitor the latest
forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and National Weather
Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across east central Florida. Potential
impacts include:
- 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, and
ditches overflow.
- Flood waters 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.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across most of east central Florida. Potential impacts
include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the Treasure Coast and vicinity of Lake Okeechobee.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

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!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

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 Melbourne FL around 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 25 at 5:17PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 55 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* STORM SURGE
- No storm surge inundation forecast

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little to no storm
surge flooding
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding.
Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip
currents are possible.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations for storm surge flooding
are needed.
- ACT: Follow the instructions of local officials. Monitor
forecasts.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from storm surge flooding.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: 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
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief 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.

Tropical Storm Warning issued September 25 at 5:03PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 55 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief 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.

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous, life
threatening rip currents, rough surf, and a developing longshore
current. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4
to 9 feet expected in the surf zone.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Coastal Indian River, Coastal Saint
Lucie, Coastal Martin, and Coastal Brevard Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, until 8 PM EDT this
evening. For the High Surf Advisory, from 10 PM this evening
to 11 AM EDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best
swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

Rip Current Statement issued September 25 at 2:18PM EDT until September 25 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

High Surf Advisory issued September 25 at 2:18PM EDT until September 27 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE...East central Florida, including the following areas,
Indian River, Martin, Saint Lucie, Volusia, Brevard, Lake,
Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.

* WHEN...Through Friday morning.

* IMPACTS...Excessive rainfall from Hurricane Helene may result in
flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and
flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and
urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Hurricane Helene will bring repeated rounds of heavy rainfall
to east central Florida through Thursday night, leading to
the potential for urban, rural and low-land flooding.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Flood Watch issued September 25 at 1:40PM EDT until September 27 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

At 1203 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Fort Pierce North, or over Indrio, moving northwest at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Port Saint Lucie, Walton, Fort Pierce, Sebastian, and Vero Beach.

Special Weather Statement issued September 25 at 12:03PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

**TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS EXPECTED ON THURSDAY**
**PREPARATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETED TODAY**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Indian River,
Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Inland
Indian River, Inland Martin, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland
Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland
Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard
Barrier Islands, Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola,
Seminole, Southern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Lake

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 570 miles southwest of Orlando FL
- 21.6N 86.3W
- Storm Intensity 80 mph
- Movement North-northwest or 330 degrees at 10 mph

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

Hurricane Helene is located around 45 miles northeast of Cancun late
this morning and is forecast to move northward into the Gulf of
Mexico later today. Helene is expected to continue to strengthen
into a Major Hurricane while moving north-northeastward across the
eastern Gulf of Mexico through Thursday. The storm is forecast to
make landfall near Florida's eastern Panhandle or Big Bend on
Thursday evening.

Tropical storm force winds are expected to encompass a large area to
the east of Helene's center. Tropical Storm Warnings remain in
effect for all of east central Florida, as well as the adjacent
Atlantic waters. Frequent tropical storm force gusts will be
possible across the area Thursday into Thursday evening. The
potential for gusts up to 60 mph will exist, particularly northwest
of I-4, along the east central Florida coast, near the intracoastal
waterways, and in vicinity of Lake Okeechobee.

In addition to strong wind gusts, a few to several tornadoes embedded
in rain bands are possible late tonight through Thursday.

Outer rain bands are forecast to develop and move northward today
with increasing frequency, especially as the system makes its
closest approach from tonight into Thursday. Locally higher rainfall
totals will result from rain bands repeatedly moving over the same
locations. Generally, 1 to 3 inches of total rainfall are forecast
area-wide, with locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches possible
through Thursday. These rainfall amounts will be capable of
producing flooding in low-lying and urban areas, especially in areas
which have already received heavy rainfall this month.

Along the coast, increasing, battering surf from late tonight
through Thursday night will cause dangerous beach conditions. Run-up
to the dune line and sea walls will result in beach erosion. Impacts
will be greatest during the Thursday afternoon high tide, occurring
between 3 PM and 5 PM. Marine conditions will become dangerous
and small craft operators should remain in port.

Do not let your guard down. This will be a very large storm and
impacts will be experienced far from the center of the storm.
Efforts to protect life and property should now be underway and be
completed by this afternoon. Make sure you have a hurricane kit and
plan in place. Any eastward shifts in the forecast track would
increase the potential for additional impacts locally, so continue
to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center
and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across much of East Central Florida. Potential impacts
include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the Treasure Coast and near Lake Okeechobee.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across inland portions of east central Florida.
Potential impacts include:
- 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, and
ditches overflow.
- Flood waters 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.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the remainder of east central Florida.

* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts mainly across Volusia County. Potential impacts in this area
include:
- 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.

Elsewhere across East Central Florida, little to no impact is
anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county in which it resides.
Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for
instructions from local authorities.

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 Melbourne FL around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 25 at 11:15AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- 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
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief 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.

Tropical Storm Warning issued September 25 at 11:04AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* STORM SURGE
- No storm surge inundation forecast

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little to no storm
surge flooding
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding.
Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip
currents are possible.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations for storm surge flooding
are needed.
- ACT: Follow the instructions of local officials. Monitor
forecasts.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from storm surge flooding.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally
higher amounts

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief 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.

* WHAT...Dangerous, life threatening rip currents, rough surf, and
a developing longshore current.

* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Coastal Indian River, Coastal Saint
Lucie, Coastal Martin, and Coastal Brevard Counties.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water. Longshore currents can push
swimmers into deeper water unexpectedly, making them more
susceptible to dangerous rip currents.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Beach and surf conditions will remain
dangerous through at least Thursday due to Tropical Cyclone
Helene.

Rip Current Statement issued September 25 at 8:05AM EDT until September 25 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

**TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS EXPECTED ON THURSDAY**
**PREPARATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETED TODAY**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Indian River,
Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Inland
Indian River, Inland Martin, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland
Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland
Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard
Barrier Islands, Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola,
Seminole, Southern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Lake

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 620 miles south-southwest of Leesburg FL
- 20.7N 86.2W
- Storm Intensity 65 mph
- Movement Northwest or 325 degrees at 9 mph

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

Tropical Storm Helene is located just east of Cozumel this morning
and is forecast to move northward into the Gulf Of Mexico by this
evening. The storm is organizing and is expected to become a hurricane
today. Helene is expected to continue north-northeastward, with
increasing forward speed, across the eastern Gulf Of Mexico through
Thursday.

Tropical moisture quickly returns to east central Florida today.
Developing outer rain bands are forecast to develop and move
northwestward. Multiple rounds of rainfall are expected, especially as
the system makes its closest approach from tonight into Thursday.
Locally higher rainfall totals will result from rain bands repeatedly
moving over the same locations.

Generally, 1 to 3 inches of total rainfall are forecast areawide with
locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches possible. These rainfall
amounts, along with instances of higher rainfall rates, will be
capable of producing flooding in low-lying and urban areas, especially
in areas which have already received heavy rainfall this month.
Ponding of water on roadways may also lead to hazardous driving
conditions. Any future adjustments in the track of this system may
result in changes to the current rainfall forecast.

Helene is forecast to quickly intensify into a major hurricane prior
to landfall near Florida's eastern Panhandle or Big Bend on Thursday
evening. The area of tropical storm force winds is expected to
encompass a large area to the east of its center. Tropical Storm
Warnings remain in effect for all of east central Florida as well as
the adjacent Atlantic waters. Frequent tropical storm force gusts will
be possible across the area during Thursday into Thursday evening as
Helene makes its closest approach to the area. The potential for gusts
up to 60 mph will exist, particularly northwest of I-4, along the east
central Florida coast, near the intracoastal waterways, and in
vicinity of Lake Okeechobee.

In addition to strong wind gusts, there is a potential for several
tornadoes embedded in rain bands late tonight through Thursday.

From late tonight through Thursday night, battering surf, numerous
life-threatening rip currents, and a longshore current will cause
dangerous beach conditions. Run-up to the dune line and sea walls will
result in minor to moderate beach erosion. Impacts will be greatest
during the Thursday afternoon high tide, occurring between 3 PM and 5
PM. Marine conditions will become dangerous, and small craft operators
should remain in port.

Do not let your guard down. This will be a very large storm, and
impacts will be experienced far from the center of the storm. Efforts
to protect life and property should now be underway and be completed
by this afternoon. Make sure you have a hurricane kit and plan in
place.

As Tropical Storm Helene becomes better organized today, additional
changes to the forecast are possible. Any eastward shifts in the
forecast track would increase the potential for additional impacts
locally, so continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National
Hurricane Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across much of East Central Florida. Potential impacts
include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the Treasure Coast and near Lake Okeechobee.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across inland portions of east central Florida.
Potential impacts include:
- 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, and
ditches overflow.
- Flood waters 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.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the remainder of east central Florida.

* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts mainly across Volusia County. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- 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.

Elsewhere across East Central Florida, little to no impact is
anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

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 Melbourne FL around 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 25 at 5:18AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

Tropical Storm Warning issued September 25 at 5:04AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 55 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* STORM SURGE
- No storm surge inundation forecast

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little to no storm
surge flooding
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding.
Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip
currents are possible.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations for storm surge flooding
are needed.
- ACT: Follow the instructions of local officials. Monitor
forecasts.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from storm surge flooding.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally
higher amounts

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief 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.

HLSMLB

This product covers East Central Florida

**TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS NOW IN PLACE FOR ALL OF EAST CENTRAL
FLORIDA**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
Warning for Coastal Indian River, Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint
Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Inland Indian River, Inland Martin,
Inland Northern Brevard, Inland Saint Lucie, Inland Southern
Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, Mainland
Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, Okeechobee,
and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Indian River,
Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Inland
Indian River, Inland Martin, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland
Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Mainland
Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard
Barrier Islands, Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola,
Seminole, Southern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Lake

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 650 miles south-southwest of Leesburg FL
- 19.9N 85.5W
- Storm Intensity 60 mph
- Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 10 mph

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

Tropical Storm Helene continues to organize and strengthen over the
northwest Caribbean Sea this evening and is forecast to move northwest
toward the Yucatan Channel through tonight. The system is expected to
strengthen to a hurricane early Wednesday near the Yucatan channel and
emerge into the southeast Gulf of Mexico through Wednesday afternoon.

Tropical moisture will quickly increase beginning Wednesday across
east central Florida. Developing outer rain bands are forecast to move
northward on Wednesday. Multiple rounds of rainfall are expected,
especially as the system makes its closest approach from Wednesday
night into Thursday. Locally higher rainfall totals will result from
rain bands repeatedly moving over the same locations.

Generally, 1 to 4 inches of total rainfall are forecast areawide with
locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches possible. These rainfall
amounts, along with instances of higher rainfall rates, will be
capable of producing flooding in low-lying and urban areas, especially
in areas which have already received heavy rainfall this month.
Ponding of water on roadways may also lead to hazardous driving
conditions. Any future adjustments in the track of this system may
result in changes to the current rainfall forecast.

Continued strengthening is forecast as the storm moves northward
toward a landfall near Florida's Big Bend into Thursday evening. It is
forecast to become a major hurricane prior to landfall, and the area
of tropical storm force winds is expected to encompass a large area,
especially on the eastern side of the system. Tropical Storm Warnings
are now in effect for all of east central Florida as well as the
adjacent Atlantic waters. Frequent tropical storm force gusts will be
possible across the area during Thursday into Thursday evening as
Helene makes its closest approach to the area. The potential for gusts
up to 60 mph will exist, particularly northwest of I-4, along the east
central Florida coast, near the intracoastal waterways, and in
vicinity of Lake Okeechobee.

In addition to strong wind gusts, a few tornadoes embedded in rain
bands are possible, Wednesday night through Thursday, as the system
moves quickly northward.

Along the coast, battering surf from Wednesday night into Thursday
night will cause dangerous beach conditions. Run-up to the dune line
or sea walls will result in beach erosion. Impacts will be greatest
during the Thursday afternoon high tide, occurring between 3 PM and
5 PM.

Do not let your guard down. This will be a very large storm, and
impacts will be experienced far from the center of the storm. Efforts
to protect life and property should now be underway and be completed
by Wednesday afternoon, as conditions will worsen into Wednesday night
and Thursday. Make sure you have a hurricane kit and plan in place.

As Tropical Storm Helene becomes better organized through Wednesday,
additional changes to the forecast are possible. Any eastward shifts
in the forecast track would increase the potential for additional
impacts locally, so continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the
National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne,
Florida.

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

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across inland portions of east central Florida.
Potential impacts include:
- 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, and
ditches overflow.
- Flood waters 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.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the remainder of east central Florida.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across East Central Florida. Potential impacts include:
- 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

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 Melbourne FL around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 24 at 11:25PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

The Tropical Storm Watch has been replaced. Please see the latest information from NWS Melbourne FL on this developing situation.

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are
expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tropical storm force winds remain
possible
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 45 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally
higher amounts

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief 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.

Tropical Storm Warning issued September 24 at 11:05PM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are
expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tropical storm force winds remain
possible
- Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 45 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* STORM SURGE
- No storm surge inundation forecast

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little to no storm
surge flooding
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding.
Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip
currents are possible.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations for storm surge flooding
are needed.
- ACT: Follow the instructions of local officials. Monitor
forecasts.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from storm surge flooding.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: 2-4 inches, with locally higher
amounts

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief 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.

Indian River County, FL (FLC061)

Indian River County, FL (FLC061)

Monitored by NWS Melbourne, FL

10 Active Alerts

Tropical Cyclone Statement

Hurricane Watch

Hurricane Watch

High Surf Advisory

Rip Current Statement

Tropical Cyclone Statement

Hurricane Watch

Hurricane Watch

Rip Current Statement

Flood Watch