[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Wed Aug 26 04:37:57 CDT 2020

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Hurricane Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 26
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL132020
437 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

This product covers Southeast Texas

**LAURA RAPIDLY INTENSIFYING IN THE CENTRAL GULF, EXPECTED TO MAKE
LANDFALL NEAR TX/LA BORDER TONIGHT**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge
      Warning for Brazoria Islands

* 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 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 Brazoria Islands and Coastal Brazoria

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 330 miles southeast of Galveston TX
    - 26.1N 90.7W
    - Storm Intensity 110 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 15 mph

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

Hurricane Laura has rapidly intensified in the central Gulf of Mexico to
a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110 MPH, just one
MPH short of reaching major hurricane status. It is expected to continue to
move northwestward towards northwestern Gulf Coast through the day today.
Additional strengthening is expected as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico
and is expected to ultimately strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane with
maximum sustained winds of 130 mph by this afternoon. Not much change in the
expected track compared to previous advisories, with the expected landfall
occurring tonight near the Texas/Lousiana border. Although, tropical storm
force winds may reach portions of southeast Texas as early as this afternoon.
The strongest winds and heaviest rains occuring overnight tonight into
Thursday morning.

Laura is a very dangerous storm for eastern Texas and into Lousiana. It will
bring life-threatening storm surge from San Luis Pass, Texas to the Mouth of
the Mississippi, widespread damaging winds, and heavy rainfall. Actions to
protect life and property should be rushed to completion as conditions will
rapidly deteriorate tonight.

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 Freeport 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 the 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 across the rest of Southeast Texas.

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 you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges
will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather
forecast before departing and drive with caution.

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.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

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 10 AM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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