[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Harvey Local Statement Advisory Number 39
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL092017
1047 PM CDT Tue Aug 29 2017

This product covers Southeast Texas

**HARVEY STILL PRODUCING HEAVY RAINS OVER FAR EAST TEXAS AND
SOUTHWESTERN LOUISIANA**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Jackson and
      Matagorda

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 70 miles east-southeast of Galveston TX
    - 29.0N 93.6W
    - Storm Intensity 50 mph
    - Movement Northeast or 35 degrees at 6 mph

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

Though the heaviest rain has shifted out of our area (finally),
light to moderate rain continues to fall over the far eastern counties
and catastrophic flooding around the Houston metro remains. Water
rescues and evacuations are still ongoing across the area. So far, the
Cedar Bayou gauge at FM 1942 reported a storm total of 51.88 inches of
rain. If correct, this would be a new Texas and CONUS rainfall event
record, besting the 48 inches at Medina, TX in 1978 due to Tropical
Storm Amelia. It is also near the US record. Given the completely
saturated ground, any current and future rainfall will exacerbate
conditions and hinder the recession of flood waters. Elevated tides
will further hinder the recession of coastal flood waters, and the
higher tides will likely last into midweek. The effect of this
historic river and bayou flooding will remain ongoing long after the
rains end. The potential for tropical storm force winds will also
shift up the coastline while slowly decreasing down the coast towards
Matagorda Bay. Fortunately, the tornado threat has shifted east of our
area. Of the remaining threats in the area, the greatest threat to
life and property continues to be the ongoing catastrophic flooding
event.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
far eastern portions of SE Texas. Remain well guarded against dangerous
flood waters having additional catastrophic impacts.
If realized, these impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
      currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
      in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and
      ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
      inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
      storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
      become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

Catastrophic impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding
elsewhere across SE Texas. Remain well guarded against hazardous flood
waters having additional limited to devastating impacts.


* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Southeast Texas, primarily in and around Galveston Bay. 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.

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

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
the Upper Texas Coast in and around Galveston Bay. Remain well away
from locally hazardous surge having additional 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.

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.

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.

* 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 430 AM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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