[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS84 KEWX 270327
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TXZ173-189>194-205>209-220>225-271130-

Tropical Storm Harvey Local Statement Advisory Number 27
National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX  AL092017
1027 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 I-35 and I-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 70 miles south-southeast of Austin TX or about 70 miles
      east of San Antonio TX
    - 29.3N 97.3W
    - Storm Intensity 50 mph
    - Movement East-northeast or 60 degrees at 1 mph

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

The center of Harvey has stalled over Gonzales and DeWitt County and
remains a tropical storm with 50 mph maximum sustained winds and gusts
still reaching over 55 mph.

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. As of this update, a large area Flash Flood
Warning has been issued for a large area east of Interstate 35 with
water rescues and multiple road closures already occurring. We
estimate from radar that 4 to 10 inches of rain has already fallen in
these areas.

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 Interstate 35 and Interstate 37, 6 to 12 inches in
the Austin metro area, and 4 to 8 inches in the San Antonio metro
area. Isolated higher amounts are possible with a chance for near 25
inches east of Interstate 35 and Interstate 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
flash flood watch area. Remain well guarded against life-threatening
flood waters having additional 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, 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.

Elsewhere across SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Tropical Storm Watch area. Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind
having additional 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.

Elsewhere across SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across the extreme
eastern counties of the area. 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.


* 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 5 AM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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