[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Harvey Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 31A
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL092017
112 AM CDT Mon Aug 28 2017

This product covers Southeast Texas

**LIFE-THREATENING FLOODING CONTINUES OVER SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Brazoria, Chambers,
      Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Liberty, and Matagorda

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 30 miles west-northwest of Matagorda TX
    - 28.7N 96.4W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement East-southeast or 120 degrees at 3 mph

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

A catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding event continues
across Southeast Texas tonight. A Flash Flood Emergency is in place
for the Houston Metro area, with an additional new emergency for the
I-10 corridor east of the metro. Flash flood warnings cover the vast
majority of the rest of the area. Bands of heavy rainfall will
continue to drop significant additional rainfall over the next several
days. Tornadoes have also been occurring in these bands and that threat
will continue as well. 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.
As Harvey continues to drift across the area, the potential for
tropical storm force winds will also extend up the coastline. Of the
multiple hazards present across the area, the greatest threat to life
and property remains the ongoing extreme rainfall and its consequent
prolonged and catastrophic flash flooding.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
Southeast Texas, particularly in and east of the Houston metro.
Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having
additional 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, 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, south 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 north of Sargent. Remain well away from
locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts.

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

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Southeast Texas around Matagorda Bay. 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.

Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding
elsewhere in 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.

* 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 safe 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 4 AM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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