[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Harvey Local Statement Advisory Number 32
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL092017
428 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 20 miles west of Matagorda TX
    - 28.6N 96.3W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement Southeast or 130 degrees at 3 mph

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

The life-threatening flooding event around the Houston metro
continues through tonight, as water rescues are still occurring in the
area. Though comparatively less rainfall has fallen across the area
tonight than last night, this speaks more to the unfathomable amount
of rainfall last night. Per observations, a widespread 3 to 7 inches
of rain has still fallen in the past six hours across much of the
area, with more to the east of the Houston metro around I-10. Given
the completely saturated ground, this amount of rainfall and future
expected heavy rainfall will keep the flooding threat at the forefront
of this storm. Tornadoes have also been occurring, and while their
rate has slowed overnight, this 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 drifts
back towards the Gulf, the potential for tropical storm force winds
will also extend up the coastline. Ultimately, of the multiple hazards
present with this storm, the greatest threat to life and property
remains the ongoing extreme rainfall and its consequent prolonged and
catastrophic flash flooding event.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding in and
near the Houston metro area. 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.

Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
Southeast Texas. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood
waters having additional significant to extensive impacts.

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
the Upper Texas Coast. Remain well away from locally hazardous
surge having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts 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.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
the immediate Upper Texas Coast. 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
across the rest of Southeast Texas. Remain well sheltered from
hazardous wind having additional limited impacts.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across Southeast Texas,
primarily around the Houston metro and eastward. 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.

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

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 10 AM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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