[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Harvey Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 26A
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL092017
659 PM CDT Sat Aug 26 2017

This product covers Southeast Texas

**TROPICAL STORM HARVEY DRIFTING EAST-NORTHEASTWARD**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect
      for Chambers and Harris
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Austin, Colorado,
      Fort Bend, Liberty, Waller, and Wharton
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect
      for Brazoria, Galveston, Jackson, and Matagorda

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 90 miles west-northwest of Matagorda TX
    - 29.2N 97.4W
    - Storm Intensity 60 mph
    - Movement East-northeast or 060 degrees at 2 mph minimum central pressure

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

Tropical Storm Harvey is drifting very slowly to the northeast and is
still producing bands of very heavy rainfall early this evening.
Continued heavy rainfall and the flooding it causes remains the primary
threat to Southeast Texas. Numerous flash flood warnings have been issued
across the area today, and widespread flooding is possible into early week
at the least. Tornadoes have also occurred in the area through the day,
and will continue to be a threat tonight. Coastal flooding can be expected
at the shore where winds will continue to push water onshore. Tropical
storm strength winds are still a potential threat, primarily in the
southwestern portions of the area, towards Matagorda Bay. Storm surge will
be slow to recede through Sunday, particularly west of Freeport. Though there
are multiple hazards present in the area, the greatest threat to life and
property in the coming days are tied to the potential for extreme
rainfall amounts. This rain will lead to a prolonged, dangerous, and
potentially catastrophic flooding event well into next week.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
Southeast Texas. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood
waters having possible catastrophic 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, 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.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across Southeast
Texas. Remain well braced against a tornado event having additional
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.

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
The Upper Texas Coast, primarily west of Sargent. Remain well away
from life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts. If
realized, these impacts 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.

Potential impacts from the main surge event are also now unfolding
across the Upper Texas Coast east of Sargent. Remain well away from
locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
the Matagorda Bay area. Remain well sheltered from dangerous
wind having possible limited to 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.
    - Several shallow rooted trees snapped or uprooted. Several
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from 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.

Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding
across the southwestern portions of Southeast Texas. Remain well sheltered
from hazardous wind having possible limited impacts.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Do not return to evacuated areas until
hazardous winds diminish and flood waters abate.

RECOVERY PHASE - Do not return to evacuated areas until it is safe.
Listen for the all-clear signal from local authorities.

* 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.

During the peak of the storm, keep your shoes on and rain gear handy.
Boots and tennis shoes offer the best foot protection if you become
unexpectedly exposed to the elements.

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 a tornado warning is
issued. 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 Houston/Galveston TX around 10 PM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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