[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS84 KLCH 280927
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LAZ052>055-281600-

Hurricane Zeta Local Statement Advisory Number 15
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA  AL282020
427 AM CDT Wed Oct 28 2020

This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

**AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT REPORTS THAT ZETA IS
STRENGTHENING**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Iberia, Lower St.
      Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 320 miles south of Morgan City LA
    - 25.1N 91.8W
    - Storm Intensity 85 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 345 degrees at 17 mph

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

Hurricane Zeta continues to gradually strengthen as it moves
north and northwestward across the Gulf of Mexico. Zeta is forecast to
take a more northward turn this morning, followed by an acceleration
to the north-northeast by late morning. Landfall is expected along the
southeast Louisiana coast late this afternoon.

Tropical storm force winds are expected to enter the eastern portion
of the coastal waters beyond 20 nm east of Intracoastal City this
morning, then spread northward through the eastern sections of the
coastal waters during the day.

Some tropical storm force winds, mainly in gusts, will be possible for
the Lower Atchafalaya Basin this afternoon and early evening. Some
water level rises will be possible along the Vermilion and Atchafalaya
Bays during the day with the easterly flow ahead of Zeta.

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

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across Lower Acadiana. 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 and access routes
      impassable.
    - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
      in areas with above ground lines.

Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to
no impact is anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across Lower Acadiana. Potential impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen
      and overflow in spots.
    - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually
      vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water
      occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become
      near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge
      closures.

Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to
no impact is anticipated.

* SURGE:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across Southwest
Louisiana and Southeast Texas.

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.

* 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.

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

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 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

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