[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS84 KLZK 262144
HLSLZK
ARZ052-053-062-066-067-270545-

Hurricane Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 28
National Weather Service Little Rock AR  AL132020
444 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

This product covers A large part of Arkansas

LAURA FORECAST TO MAKE LANDFALL AS A MAJOR HURRICANE...WIDESPREAD
IMPACTS LIKELY ACROSS MUCH OF ARKANSAS THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, INCLUDING
TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS AND SIGNIFICANT FLOODING

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
      Warning for Calhoun, Clark, Dallas, Ouachita, and Pike

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Calhoun, Clark,
      Dallas, Ouachita, and Pike

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 470 miles south of Little Rock AR
    - 27.9N 92.8W
    - Storm Intensity 145 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 320 degrees at 15 mph

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

Hurricane Laura remains a powerful category 4 hurricane with landfall
still expected near the Louisiana/Texas border after midnight tonight.
Significant impacts are expected as the storm moves north through
Arkansas Thursday and Friday. Strong winds, significant rainfall,
flooding, and isolated tornadoes are likely. The potential for
high-end, life-threatening flooding is increasing across southwestern
Arkansas with the worst conditions likely Thursday into Thursday
night.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across much of southwestern and central Arkansas.
Significant, life-threatening flooding is likely in southwestern
Arkansas. 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, arroyos, and
      ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas,
      destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while
      increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. 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.

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across southwestern and central Arkansas. Potential impacts in this
area include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
      experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
      homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across A large part of Arkansas. Potential impacts include:
    - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
      toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
      large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
      knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and boats pulled
      from moorings.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
None.

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that
are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of
others.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
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.

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 Little Rock AR around 11 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

Cooper
This weather bulletin was brought to you by:
www.nashvilleweather.net