[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement
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emwin at nashvilleweather.net
Tue Aug 25 22:35:16 CDT 2020
WTUS84 KHGX 260335
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Hurricane Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 25
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX AL132020
1035 PM CDT Tue Aug 25 2020
This product covers Southeast Texas
**LAURA GETTING BETTER ORGANIZED. EXPECTED TO MAKE LANDFALL NEAR
TX/LA BORDER WEDNESDAY NIGHT AS A MAJOR HURRICANE**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Fort Bend, Grimes,
Houston, Inland Brazoria, Inland Harris, Madison, Montgomery,
San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, and Waller
- A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect
for Brazoria Islands
- A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
Chambers, Coastal Galveston, Coastal Harris, Galveston Island
and Bolivar Peninsula, and Southern Liberty
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Inland Galveston, Northern
Liberty, and Polk
- A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect
for Coastal Brazoria
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 430 miles southeast of Galveston TX
- 25.2N 89.5W
- Storm Intensity 90 mph
- Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 17 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Hurricane Laura continues its trek through the southern Gulf of
Mexico and has begun to get better organized. As of 10 pm CDT, Laura
now has maximum sustained winds of 90 mph with a continued movement
towards the west-northwest at around 17 mph. Additional strengthening
is expected as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to
reach major hurricane strength with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph
at landfall. Laura is expected to make landfall Wednesday night near the
Texas/Lousiana border. Although, tropical storm force winds may reach
portions of southeast Texas as early as Wednesday afternoon. The
strongest winds and heaviest rains occuring overnight Wednesday into
Thursday morning. Laura will bring a threat of high winds, storm surge,
and heavy rainfall.
Hurricane Warnings remain in effect for the Galveston Bay area, as well as
Liberty and Polk counties. A tropical storm warning covers much of the rest
of Southeast Texas east of the Brazos River. A storm surge warning is in
effect along the coast from San Luis Pass up through High Island and
continues further north along the Texas coastline into Lousiana. A coastal
flood advisory is in effect around the Matagorda Bay area.
Specific impacts will be strongly dependent on the exact track and
intensity of the storm when it makes landfall. Stay alert to the
latest forecast information!
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible extensive
impacts across the Bolivar Peninsula. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding
accentuated by battering waves. Structural damage to buildings,
with several washing away. Damage compounded by floating
debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period.
- Large sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads
washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and
barriers may become stressed.
- Severe beach erosion with significant dune loss.
- Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Many
small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
unprotected anchorages with some lifted onshore and stranded.
Also, protect against life-threatening surge having possible
significant impacts across rest of the Galveston Bay area.
Also, protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across the rest of the Southeast Texas Gulf Coast to Matagorda
Bay.
Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.
* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across the eastern Galveston Bay area. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof
and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage
greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations
may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
- Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access
routes impassable.
- Widespread power and communications outages.
Also, protect against life-threatening wind having possible limited
to extensive impacts across the western Galveston Bay area and down
the Texas Gulf Coast to Matagorda Bay.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across the Galveston Bay area and Pineywoods. Potential
impacts include:
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may
become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with
underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limited
to significant impacts across the rest of Southeast Texas.
Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including
possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.
For those not under evacuation orders, assess
the risk from wind, falling trees, and flooding at your location. If
you decide to move, relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do
not relocate, help keep roadways open for those under evacuation
orders.
If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind
and allow extra time to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit.
Gas up your vehicle ahead of time.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.
Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and
hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge
zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find
yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed
evacuation orders issued by the local authorities.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.
* 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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