[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Harvey Local Statement Advisory Number 26
National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX  AL092017
424 PM CDT Sat Aug 26 2017

This product covers SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS

**Tropical storm 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 Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Atascosa, Bastrop,
      Bexar, Caldwell, Comal, De Witt, Fayette, Gonzales, Guadalupe,
      Hays, Karnes, Lavaca, and Wilson

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 80 miles south of Austin TX or about 20 miles west of
      Cuero TX
    - 29.1N 97.6W
    - Storm Intensity 65 mph
    - Movement Stationary

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

The center of Harvey is stalled over DeWitt County and remains a
tropical storm. Confidence remains high in a life-threatening,
catastrophic rainfall event taking place across much of South Central
Texas along and east of Interstates 35 and 37. We estimate from radar
that three to eight inches of rain has already fallen along and east of
a line from Austin to Cuero.

Only minor changes have been made to the rainfall forecast with this
update. Through Wednesday, additional rainfall of 10 to 20 inches is
expected east of I-35 and I-37, eight to 12 inches in the Austin metro
area, and five to 10 inches in the San Antonio metro area. Isolated
higher amounts are possible with a chance for near 30 inches east of
I-35 and I-37.

Winds will gust to 40-50 mph this evening in the area under the
tropical storm warning. Elsewhere wind gusts will be 30-40 mph.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the
area 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
area under the tropical storm warning. Remain well sheltered from
dangerous wind having possible significant impacts. If realized, these
impacts 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.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across the area
east of Hwy 77. 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:
Now is the time to remain safely sheltered from the storm. Stay inside
and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you
lose electrical power. Locate your battery powered radio and flashlight
from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Keep these items close.

Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as possible.
If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for personal
emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications systems with
idle chatter.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos. Be wise and avoid becoming another statistic.

Be ready to move to the identified safe room if your home or shelter
begins to fail. Quickly move to an interior room on the lowest floor.
Put as many sturdy walls between you and the storm as you can.
Protect your head and body.

* 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 7 PM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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