GT Team Update on Tropical Storm Philippe

National Government

National Hurricane Center- Philippe Update
Tropical Storm Philippe Intermediate Advisory Number 5A
...PHILIPPE MOVING OVER THE STRAITS OF FLORIDA...HEAVY RAINS OCCURRING OVER CENTRAL CUBA AND SPREADING NORTHWARD ACROSS THE FLORIDA KEYS AND SOUTH FLORIDA...
 
SUMMARY OF 800 PM EDT...0000 UTC...INFORMATION
LOCATION...23.7N 82.5W
ABOUT 50 MI...80 KM N OF HAVANA CUBA
ABOUT 75 MI...120 KM SW OF KEY WEST FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...N OR 5 DEGREES AT 28 MPH...45 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1002 MB...29.59 INCHES
 
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
 
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...Cuban provinces of Isla de la Juventud, La Habana, Ciudad de la; Habana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, and Villa Clara; Northwestern Bahamas
 
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...Craig Key to Golden Beach; Central Bahamas
 
A Tropical Storm Warning mean s that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within the next 12-18 hours.
 
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case within 24 hours.
 
Interests in the Cayman Islands should monitor the progress of this system.
 
For storm information specific to your area in the United States, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your local National Weather Service forecast office. For storm information specific to your area outside the United States, please monitor products issued by your national meteorological service.
 
DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
At 800 PM EDT (0000 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Philippe was located by surface observations, radar data, and satellite images near latitude 23.7 North, longitude 82.5 West.  Philippe is moving toward the north near 28 mph (45 km/h).  A turn toward the northeast is expected during the next several hours, followed by a faster motion toward the northeast on Sunday and Monday.  On the forecast track, the center of Philippe will move through the Straits of
Florida this evening, and move across the Florida Keys or the southern tip of the Florida peninsula overnight, and across the northwestern Bahamas Sunday morning.
 
Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.
 
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km) mainly to the east and southeast of the center.
 
The estimated minimum central pressure based on surface observations is 1002 mb (29.59 inches).
 
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND

RAINFALL: Philippe is expected to produce the following rainfall totals:
 
The Cayman Islands, western and central Cuba, northern Bahamas:  4 to 8 inches with isolated maximum totals of 10 inches through Sunday. These rainfall amounts may produce life threatening flash floods and mudslides.
 
South Florida, including the Keys: 2 to 4 inches with isolated maximum totals of 6 inches through Sunday. These rainfall totals may produce flash flooding, especially in urbanized areas.
 
WIND:  Tropical storm conditions are likely occurring in the warning area across Cuba. Tropical storm conditions are expected to occur in the warning area later tonight across the northwestern
Bahamas.  Tropical storm conditions are possible across the upper Florida Keys and southeast Florida overnight, and in the central Bahamas by Sunday morning.
 
TORNADOES:  A couple of brief tornadoes are possible across portions of South Florida and the Florida Keys this evening.

State Government

Florida 

Governor Urges Vigilance As Philippe Approaches

Governor Rick Scott urged Floridians to remain vigilant regarding Tropical Depression Eighteen (now Tropical Storm Philippe) and stay alert for potential flooding, heavy rain and tornadoes throughout the weekend.

The Governor received a weather briefing from the Florida Division of Emergency Management this afternoon and the state will continue to monitor any potential impacts.

Governor Scott said, “As we do with every storm, Floridians must remain vigilant and be prepared right now for any potential impacts from Tropical Depression Eighteen. It is critical that families pay attention to weather alerts, especially to local watches and warnings.

Updates will be available at @FLSERT on Twitter and families can visit FloridaDisaster.org for information on how to get an emergency preparedness plan. The state has been closely monitoring the development of this storm and remains in contact with local emergency management leaders. While there are currently no unmet needs, we will continue to actively monitor Tropical Depression Eighteen throughout the night and do all we can to keep families safe.”

As a result of Tropical Depression Eighteen, South Florida, including the Keys, can expect two to four inches of rain, with maximum totals of six inches through Sunday morning, that could also produce localized flash flooding. Tropical storm force wind conditions are possible across the upper Florida Keys and southeast Florida overnight. Brief, isolated tornadoes are also possible across southeastern Florida and the Florida Keys this afternoon and evening. A tropical storm watch is currently in effect from Craig Key to Golden Beach.  Below is a list of watches, warnings and advisories for Florida.

Please see here for other state and listing by county.

Click here for a full list of watches, warnings or advisories for Florida.

Citizens Is Under Binding Suspension
Binding has been suspended as a result of Tropical Depression 18 as of 11 a.m. ET, on October 28, 2017. 

Citizens’ Binding Suspension Rule: No application for new coverage or endorsement for increased coverage may be bound, written or issued, or monies received, regardless of effective date, when a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for any part of the State of Florida.