[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Wed Aug 23 16:28:23 CDT 2017

WTUS84 KBRO 232128
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Tropical Depression Harvey Local Statement Advisory Number 13
National Weather Service Brownsville TX  AL092017
428 PM CDT Wed Aug 23 2017

This product covers The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas

**HARVEY EXPECTED TO STRENGTHEN AS IT HEADS FOR THE TEXAS COAST**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Cameron and
      Coastal Willacy
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Kenedy

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 430 miles southeast of Brownsville TX or about 460 miles
      southeast of Port Mansfield TX
    - 21.6N 92.6W
    - Storm Intensity 35 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 320 degrees at 2 mph

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

Tropical Depression Harvey is forecast to continue to strengthen as
it approaches the Texas coast Thursday into Friday. Tropical storm
force winds could approach coastal areas in the lower Texas coast as
early as Thursday night into Friday morning.

Heavy rainfall is expected through much of the area with rainfall
totals of 2 to 3 inches, locally 4 inches along the coast. Lesser
amounts are expected further west. The heaviest rains will occur
Thursday night and Friday.

Storm surge inundation of up to 3 to 4 feet is possible along the
coast and bays of Kenedy county.

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

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts
across coastal Kenedy county and along the barrier island. 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.

Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across southern portions of the lower Texas coast.

Elsewhere across The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas, little
to no impact is anticipated.

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
coastal Kenedy county and along the barrier island. Potential impacts
in this area include:
    - 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.

Also, prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across the southern portions of the lower Texas coast.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across portions of Brooks and Kenedy counties. 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,
      arroyos, 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 lower Texas coast.

Elsewhere across The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas, little
to no impact is anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
portions of Kenedy county. 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.

Elsewhere across The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas, little
to no impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or water hazards from
tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, especially if being
officially recommended. Relocate to a predetermined shelter or safe
destination.

If evacuating away from the area or relocating to a nearby shelter,
leave early before weather conditions become hazardous.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary
actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be
underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency
Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.

If you live in a place that is particularly vulnerable to high wind,
such as a mobile home, an upper floor of a high rise building, or on a
boat, plan to move to safe shelter. Take enough supplies for you and
your family for several days.

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 canyon, or near an already swollen
river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders
that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives
of others.

Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings.
If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish 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 NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the
forecast.

Beach access points three through six on South Padre Island and Boca
Chica beach will be closed on Thursday until further notice.

* 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 Brownsville TX around 11 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

Castillo
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