[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Harvey Local Statement Advisory Number 30
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL092017
423 PM CDT Sun Aug 27 2017

This product covers Southeast Texas

**UNPRECEDENTED AND CATASTROPHIC FLOODING OCCURING OVER SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Brazoria

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Brazoria
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Jackson and Matagorda

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 70 miles west-northwest of Matagorda TX or about 60 miles
      northwest of Port O'Connor TX
    - 29.0N 97.0W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement Southeast or 140 degrees at 2 mph

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

A tropical storm watch has been added for Brazoria and the adjacent
near short waters as Harvey begins to loop around off the coast over
the next 48 hours. This forecast track will only add to the devastating
rainfall and prolong flooding conditions.

A catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding event is
unfolding across Southeast Texas this morning. Many Flash Flood
Emergencies have already been issued for the Houston Metro area
overnight, some of which remain in effect this morning. Bands of heavy
rainfall will continue to drop devastating amounts of ADDITIONAL
rainfall across the area over the next several days. Tornadoes have
also been occurring across Southeast Texas over the last day or so and
will continue through the next several days. Coastal flooding may be
an ongoing issue along the coast where winds will continue to push
water onshore, particularly south of Sargent. Elevated tides will
cause the recession of coastal flood waters to be slow, likely lasting
into the first part of the week. Wind gusts to tropical storm force
are still ongoing, primarily in the southwestern portions of the area
towards Matagorda Bay. Though there are currently multiple hazards
present across the area, the greatest threat to life and property
remains the ongoing extreme rainfall and subsequent prolonged and
catastrophic flash flooding.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across all of Southeast Texas. 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.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
Southeast Texas. 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.

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
Southeast Texas. Potential impacts include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
      uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
      shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
      bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across the upper Texas Coast. Potential impacts in this area
include:
    - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
      immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
      farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
    - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
      with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
      surge water covers the road.
    - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
      in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
    - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Do not return to evacuated areas until it is safe.
Listen for the all-clear signal from local authorities.
Stay put stay safe!

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary
actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be
underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency
Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.

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.

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders
that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives
of others.

Be sure to let friends and other family members know of your
intentions and whereabouts for surviving the storm. For emergency
purposes, have someone located away from the threatened area serve as
your point of contact. Share vital contact information with others.
Keep cell phones handy and well charged.

Be a Good Samaritan and check on those who may not be fully aware of
the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations.

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 Houston/Galveston TX around 10 PM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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