[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 27
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL132020
1023 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

This product covers Southeast Texas

**LAURA CONTINUES TO RAPIDLY STRENGTHEN AND IS EXPECTED TO BECOME
AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect
      for Brazoria Islands and Coastal Brazoria
    - 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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 230 miles southeast of Galveston TX
    - 27.0N 92.0W
    - Storm Intensity 125 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 16 mph

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

Hurricane Laura has rapidly intensified in the central Gulf of Mexico
to a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 MPH. It
is expected to continue to move towards the northwestern
Gulf Coast through the day. Additional strengthening is expected as
it moves through the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to ultimately
strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane before landfall. The expected
forecast track remains fairly stable, with the expected landfall
occurring tonight just east of the Texas/Lousiana border.

Because of the size of the storm, tide levels are already elevated
above normal values, with inundation already beginning in the most
vulnerable locations. If you have been ordered to evacuate due to the
threat of storm surge, you need to leave now, before roads are covered
and evacuation routes are cut off. Tropical storm force winds can be
expected to begin reaching the Southeast Texas coast this evening. The
strongest winds and heaviest rains should occur overnight tonight into
Thursday morning.

Laura is a very dangerous storm for extreme southeastern Texas and
southwest Lousiana. It will bring life-threatening storm surge from
San Luis Pass, Texas to the Mouth of the Mississippi, widespread
damaging winds to the Texas/Louisiana border area, and heavy rainfall
around and east of the storm's center. Actions to protect life and
property should be rushed to completion this morning as conditions
will rapidly deteriorate later today.

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 Galveston Bay area.

Also, protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across the rest of the Southeast Texas coast.

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across extreme Southeastern Texas. 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 Galveston Bay area north into the
Pineywoods. More limited impact will be seen between this area
westward towards the Brazos River.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across extreme Southeast Texas. 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 Galveston Bay area northward into
the Pineywoods.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Let others know where you are going prior to
departure. Secure loose items and pets in the car, and avoid
distracted driving.

If evacuating, follow designated evacuation
routes. Seek traffic information on roadway signs, the radio, and
from official sources.

Do not enter evacuated areas until officials
have given the all clear to return.

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

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.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!

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 PM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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