[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS84 KJAN 270947
HLSJAN
ARZ074-075-LAZ007>009-015-016-023>026-MSZ018-019-025>066-072>074-271800-

Hurricane Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 30
National Weather Service Jackson MS  AL132020
447 AM CDT Thu Aug 27 2020

This product covers Central Mississippi, Northeast Louisiana, and extreme Southeast Arkansas

**Major Hurricane Laura Made Landfall Across Coastal Louisiana**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Chicot, East
      Carroll, Madison LA, Tensas, and West Carroll

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Ashley, Catahoula,
      Chicot, Concordia, East Carroll, Franklin LA, Madison LA,
      Morehouse, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 230 miles west-southwest of Jackson MS
    - 30.5N 93.4W
    - Storm Intensity 120 mph
    - Movement North or 355 degrees at 15 mph

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

Laura has made landfall along the southwest Louisiana coast. The
center of Laura is forecast to move over northwestern Louisiana today,
across Arkansas tonight, and over the mid-Mississippi Valley on
Friday. Laura made landfall as a major hurricane and is forecast to
weaken as it moves farther inland. This will bring tropical storm
force winds into our Louisiana parishes and extreme southeast Arkansas
counties this morning. Tornadoes and damaging wind gusts will be
possible over portions of northeast Louisiana, extreme southeast
Arkansas and western Mississippi through today. Inland flooding will
also be possible over portions of northeast Louisiana and extreme
southeast Arkansas through today.

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

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across northeast Louisiana and southeast 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.

Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across western Mississippi.

Elsewhere across Central Mississippi, Northeast Louisiana, and
extreme Southeast Arkansas, little to no impact is anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across Central Mississippi, Northeast Louisiana, and extreme
Southeast 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 small boats
      pulled from moorings.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against heavy rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across northeast Louisana and extreme southeast Arkansas. Potential
impacts include:
    - Rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
    - Localized flash flooding at underpasses, low-lying spots, and
      poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving
      water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving
      conditions may become hazardous.


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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

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.

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 Jackson MS around 10am CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

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