[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS84 KCRP 251204
HLSCRP
TXZ229>234-239>247-252015-

Hurricane Harvey Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 20A
National Weather Service Corpus Christi TX  AL092017
704 AM CDT Fri Aug 25 2017

This product covers SOUTH TEXAS

**PREPARATIONS ALONG THE MIDDLE TEXAS COAST SHOULD BE RUSHED TO
COMPLETION THIS MORNING**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
      Aransas, Calhoun, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, and
      Victoria
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Duval and McMullen
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bee, Goliad, Jim Wells,
      and Live Oak

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 150 miles south-southeast of Port Oconnor TX or about 140
      miles southeast of Corpus Christi TX
    - 26.3N 95.8W
    - Storm Intensity 110 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 315 degrees at 10 mph

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

Hurricane Harvey is expected to continue to strengthen as it moves
toward the Texas Coast through Friday. Harvey is a strong Category
2 hurricane, with sustained winds of 110 mph. Harvey is expected to
reach Category 3 status prior to landfall. Tropical storm force winds
are expected to reach coastal areas of the Coastal Bend as early as
later this morning. Hurricane force winds will be possible as early as
this afternoon.

Heavy rainfall is expected through much of the area with rainfall
totals of 20 to 30 inches near, north and east of a line from near
Port Aransas to near Goliad. Outside that area, amounts of 10 to
20 inches are expected from near and east of a Loyola Beach to near
George West line. Lesser amounts are expected further west and
southwest. These numbers and locations are subject to change depending
on the exact location of landfall along the Texas coast, as well as
how long Harvey meanders over South Texas. These high rainfall amounts
will likely produce devastating and life threatening flash flooding.
The heaviest rains are expected to occur from late Friday afternoon
through Saturday night, and quite possibly into early next week
depending on how long Harvey remains over the area.

Peak Storm surge inundation is generally expected to be 6 to 12 feet
above ground level from near Mustang Island to Port O'Connor. South of
Mustang Island storm surge is generally expected to be 4 to 6 feet
above ground level. Impacts would be felt along the Barrier Islands
and into the inland bays and waterways. Isolated locations could see
slightly higher inundation.

Tornadoes and waterspouts are possible as rainbands move onshore early
this morning through Saturday, especially north and east of the center
of Harvey.

Mandatory evacuations have been issued for the following areas:
  - The city of Port Aransas
  - Aransas County
  - Refugio County
  - San Patricio County
  - Victoria County
  - Calhoun County
  - Eastern Kleberg County (Baffin Bay, Loyola
    Beach and Rivera Beach and areas east)

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System to close certain locations:
  - CLOSED: Robstown, Northside, Westside, Padre Island, Freer,
    Beeville, Dr. Hector P. Garcia, and Memorial Quick Care (Reopen
    Monday, August 28).
  - CLOSED: CHRISTUS Physician Group physician practices.
  - ABBREVIATED WORK SCHEDULE: Promptu Clinics will operate a shortened
    schedule on Friday, August 25.

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

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible devastating
impacts across the Middle Texas Coast and Barrier Islands. Potential
impacts in this area include:
    - Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly
      accentuated by powerful battering waves. Structural damage to
      buildings, with many washing away. Damage greatly compounded
      from considerable floating debris. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for an extended period.
    - Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or
      severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become
      stressed.
    - Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible.
    - Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted
      onshore and stranded.

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across essentially all of the Coastal Bend and Victoria
Crossroads area. 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 McMullen and Duval Counties.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across the Coastal Bend and Victoria Crossroads
area. 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. 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
limited to extensive impacts across the remainder of South Texas.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
areas near and east of a Corpus Christi to Beeville line. 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 SOUTH TEXAS, little to no impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
For those under evacuation orders, leave as soon as practical with a
destination in mind. Gas up your vehicle well ahead of time. Be sure
that you take all essential materials from your emergency supplies kit.
Let others know where you are going and when you intend to arrive.

If evacuating the area, stick to prescribed evacuation routes. Look
for additional traffic information on roadway smart signs and listen to
select radio channels for further travel instructions. Drivers should
not use cell phones while operating vehicles.

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.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to bring to completion all preparations to protect
life and property in accordance with your emergency plan.

Outside preparations should be wrapped up as soon as possible before
weather conditions completely deteriorate. Any remaining evacuations
and relocations should be expedited before the onset of tropical
storm force wind.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

If relocating to a nearby shelter or to the home of a family member or
friend, drive with extra caution, especially on secondary roads.
Remember, many bridges and causeways will be closed once higher winds
arrive. Also, if you encounter water covering the road, seek an
alternate route. Always obey official road signs for closures and
detours.

* 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 Corpus Christi TX around 1030 AM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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