[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Harvey Local Statement Advisory Number 36
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL092017
446 AM CDT Tue Aug 29 2017

This product covers Southeast Texas

**CONTINUED HEAVY RAINFALL TODAY IS EXPECTED TO WORSEN THE FLOOD
SITUATION IN FAR SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS AND SOUTHWESTERN LOUISIANA**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 80 miles south of Galveston TX
    - 28.1N 94.8W
    - Storm Intensity 45 mph
    - Movement East or 90 degrees at 3 mph

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

The catastrophic and life-threatening flooding event around the
Houston metro continues this morning with water rescues and evacuations
still ongoing across the area. A light to moderate rain continues to
fall this morning, with the heavier rates now confined to Chambers
County. Given the completely saturated ground, any amount current of
rainfall and future expected rainfall will exacerbate conditions and
hinder the recession of flood waters. Elevated tides will cause the
recession of coastal flood waters to be slow, likely lasting into
midweek. Historic flooding is likely on many area rivers and bayous,
and many evacuations are already underway. The effect of this historic
river and bayou flooding will remain ongoing long after the rains end.
As Harvey drifts just off the Upper Texas Coast, the potential for
tropical storm force winds will also extend up the coastline. A tornado
or two cannot be ruled out today, however the threat for tornadoes has
decreased substantially since yesterday. Ultimately, of the multiple
hazards present with this storm, the greatest threat to life and
property remains the ongoing prolonged and catastrophic flooding event.


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 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.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Southeast Texas. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having
possible limited impacts. If realized, these 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:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
Galveston Bay and 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.

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

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across coastal
portions of Galveston and Chambers counties. 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 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 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 1030 AM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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