[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 31
National Weather Service Little Rock AR  AL132020
1059 AM CDT Thu Aug 27 2020

This product covers A large part of Arkansas

Tropical storm conditions will begin soon over southern Arkansas and
expand north through the afternoon. High winds, flooding rain, and
isolated tornadoes expected.

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Bradley, Calhoun,
      Clark, Cleveland, Dallas, Drew, Garland, Grant, Hot Spring,
      Jefferson, Lincoln, Lonoke, Ouachita, Pike, Pulaski, and Saline

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 200 miles south-southwest of Little Rock AR
    - 31.9N 93.1W
    - Storm Intensity 75 mph
    - Movement North or 5 degrees at 16 mph

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

Hurricane Laura is moving through northern Louisiana as of this
morning. While the storm will weaken over the next few hours, the onset
of tropical storm conditions are anticipated in southern Arkansas by
or before noon and conditions will deteriorate father north and east
through the afternoon. Sustained winds of 40-45 MPH and gusts of 50-60
MPH or higher are likely, as well as flooding rain and isolated
tornadoes.

Significant rainfall of four to six inches are expected near and east
of the center, with localized amounts in excess of eight inches
possible. As a result, flash flooding is expected, along with rises on
area rivers.

There will also be the potential for tornadoes in rain bands north and
east of the center of circulation, with the greatest likelihood over
central and eastern portions of the state this afternoon and tonight.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain will soon begin unfolding
across much of southern into central Arkansas. Remain well guarded
against life- threatening flood waters with extensive impacts possible
where the heaviest rain falls. The highest threat will reside across
south and southwestern Arkansas. If realized, these 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:
Potential impacts from the main wind event will begin unfolding across
southern Arkansas before noon, and then into central and eastern
Arkansas by mid-afternoon. Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind!
If realized, these impacts 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.

Elsewhere across A large part of Arkansas, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes will be most likely across eastern
Arkansas, although limited impacts are anticipated at this time. If
realized, these 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.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-
powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.

Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose
power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and
check-ins.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.

If you are prone to flooding, be prepared for the possibility of a
quick and dramatic rise in water levels.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the
safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body.


* 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 5 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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