[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS84 KLCH 262130
HLSLCH
LAZ027>033-041>045-052>055-073-074-TXZ180-201-215-216-259>262-270530-

Hurricane Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 28
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA  AL132020
430 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

**WIND AND WATER LEVELS INCREASING AS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HURRICANE
LAURA TAKES AIM AT THE NORTHWEST GULF COAST**
**CATASTROPHIC STORM SURGE, EXTREME WINDS, AND FLASH FLOODING
EXPECTED ALONG THE NORTHWEST GULF COAST TONIGHT**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
      Acadia, Calcasieu, East Cameron, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis,
      Orange, Vermilion, and West Cameron
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Allen, Beauregard,
      Evangeline, Hardin, Northern Jasper, Northern Newton, Rapides,
      Southern Jasper, Southern Newton, Tyler, and Vernon
    - A Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, and Hurricane
      Watch are in effect for Iberia, Lower St. Martin, and St. Mary
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Avoyelles, Lafayette,
      St. Landry, and Upper St. Martin

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 130 miles south-southeast of Cameron LA or about 160
      miles southwest of Morgan City LA
    - 27.9N 92.8W
    - Storm Intensity 145 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 320 degrees at 15 mph

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

At 400 PM CDT (2100 UTC), the center of Hurricane Laura
was located near latitude 27.9 North, longitude 92.8 West. Laura is
moving toward the northwest near 15 mph (24 km/h) and a turn toward the
north-northwest and north is expected tonight, and a northward motion
should continue on Thursday. On the forecast track, Laura will approach
the Upper Texas and southwest Louisiana coasts this evening and move
inland within that area tonight.

Laura is an extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane with maximum
sustained winds of 145 mph. Laura will arrive as a major category 4
hurricane at landfall overnight. Maximum storm surge values will be
expected between 15 to 20 feet. This will result in life threatening
inundation. Evacuate immediately if you are within an area where this
extreme surge may occur. Also a significant surge will occur up the
lower Neches, Sabine, Calcasieu, Mermentau, and Vermilion River basins.

Heavy rain producing bands of showers and isolated thunderstorms will
move inland across the Louisiana coastline early this evening as Laura
continues its northwest approach, then expand northward overnight as
Laura moves inland. A high to extreme risk of flash flooding will
result. Isolated to several tornadoes will also be possible across the
area.

Tropical storm force winds are expected to spread across southwest
Louisiana this evening and southeast Texas later tonight. Hurricane
force winds, especially in frequent gusts, will be likely beginning
late tonight across southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas continuing
into Thursday morning up into upper southeast Texas and west central
Louisiana.

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

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across southwest Louisiana and southeast 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 and access routes
      impassable.
    - Widespread power and communications outages.

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible catastrophic
impacts across lower southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas.
Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly
      accentuated by powerful battering waves. Structural damage to
      buildings, with many washing away. Damage greatly compounded
      from considerable floating debris. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for an extended period.
    - Escape routes and secondary roads washed out or severely
      flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed
      or overtopped.
    - Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible.
    - Massive damage to marinas, docks, and piers. Numerous small
      craft broken away from moorings with many lifted onshore and
      stranded.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas.
Potential 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.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas. Potential
impacts include:
    - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
      of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
    - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
      homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
      uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
      Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

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.

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.

* 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.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

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

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

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!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

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 Lake Charles LA around 11 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

Castillo
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