[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS84 KEWX 261211
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TXZ173-189>194-205>209-220>225-262015-

Hurricane Harvey Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 24A
National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX  AL092017
711 AM CDT Sat Aug 26 2017

This product covers SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS

 **Hurricane Harvey expected to bring a life-threatening and
  catastrophic heavy rainfall event east of Interstate 35 and
  Interstate 37**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for De Witt and Karnes
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Atascosa, Bastrop,
      Bexar, Caldwell, Comal, Fayette, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays,
      Lavaca, and Wilson

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 120 miles south-southeast of Austin TX or about 90 miles
      east-southeast of San Antonio TX
    - 28.7N 97.2W
    - Storm Intensity 80 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 6 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Harvey made landfall along the middle Texas coast as a category 4
hurricane but has since weakened to a category 2. Harvey is slowly
continuing inland, with the eye currently positioned over Goliad, TX.
Confidence remains high in a life-threatening, catastrophic rainfall
event taking place across much of South Central Texas along and east
Interstate 35.

With this update, a tornado watch has been issued for Lavaca, Fayette,
and Lee counties, well east of the I-35 corridor. Any tornadoes that
do occur in this area will likely be short-lived, but rapidly
developing. Multiple possible tornadoes have already been reported
with rain bands farther west.

Only minor changes have been made to the rainfall forecast with this
update. A range of 5 to 15 inches is possible along the Interstate
35 corridor due to the large drop off in rainfall amounts on the west
side of Harvey. The upper end of that estimate will likely be farther
north, including the city of Austin. East of the Interstate
35 corridor, we are still anticipating 10-20 inches with isolated
30 inch amounts in some locations.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
areas along and east of I-35 and I-37. Remain well guarded against
life-threatening flood waters having possible devastating impacts. If
realized, these 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, arroyos, 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.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across the
Hurricane and Tropical Storm warned area.Remain well sheltered from
life-threatening wind having possible devastating impacts. If
realized, these impacts 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.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding east of I-35.
Remain well braced against a tornado event having possible limited
impacts. If realized, these 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 CENTRAL TEXAS, little to no impact is
anticipated.

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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Keep cell phones well charged and handy. Also, cell phone chargers for
automobiles can be helpful after the storm. Locate your chargers and
keep them with your cell phone.

In emergencies it is best to remain calm. Stay informed and focused
on the situation at hand. Exercise patience with those you encounter.
Be a Good Samaritan and helpful to others.

Closely monitor NOAA Weather radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Be ready to adapt to 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 Austin/San Antonio TX around 11 AM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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