National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Polk County:
Action Recommended
Make preparations per the instructions
Issued By
Tampa Bay/Ruskin – FL, US, National Weather Service
Affected Area
Polk County
Description
…TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT…
LOCATIONS AFFECTED – Lakeland – Winter Haven – Bartow
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: Flood Watch is in effect – 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 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 unfavorable for tornadoes
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected – The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. – PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest tornado situation. – ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None – Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes.
