[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS84 KLCH 190932
HLSLCH
LAZ027>033-041>045-052>055-073-074-TXZ180-201-215-216-259>262-191745-

Tropical Storm Beta Local Statement Advisory Number 7
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA  AL222020
432 AM CDT Sat Sep 19 2020

This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

...BETA FORECAST TO STRENGTHEN AS IT SLOWLY APPROACHES THE TEXAS
COAST...

...STORM SURGE WATCHES ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF THE COAST...

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for East Cameron,
      Jefferson, and West Cameron

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Iberia, St. Mary, and
      Vermilion
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect for
      East Cameron, Jefferson, and West Cameron

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 270 miles south of Cameron LA or about 300 miles
      south-southeast of Beaumont TX
    - 26.0N 92.5W
    - Storm Intensity 60 mph
    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 8 mph

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

Tropical Storm Beta continues to slowly strengthen in the west-central
Gulf of Mexico. A turn to the west is anticipated today and Beta is expected
to move towards the central Texas coast. Beta is expected to strengthen to
a hurricane by tomorrow afternoon and continue drifting along or near the
Texas coastline before turning back to the north and northeast. Beta is
expected to be a slow moving storm and will likely cause impacts across the
area through next weekend. Locally heavy rain, storm surge and increasing
winds will all be possible as the system moves slowly towards the southwest
Louisiana coast.

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

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across Jefferson County in Texas and Cameron Parish in Louisiana,
generally along and west of Calcasieu Lake. Potential impacts in
this area include:
    - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
      waves. Damage to non-elevated structures is possible.
    - Sections of escape routes and secondary roads become weakened
      or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
      numerous rip currents.
    - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, and piers. Several small
      craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected
      anchorages.

Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across the remainder of the coastal locations from east of
Cameron Parish to near Morgan City.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana, especially along
the coast. Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
      currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
      in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and
      ditches overflow.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
      inundation 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
      become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the remainder of the area, inland from the coast.

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Potential impacts include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
      uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
      shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
      bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across southeast
Texas and southwest Louisiana, mainly near the coast. 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.

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

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 check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.

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, plan to move to safe shelter.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.

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.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of
strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness
activities to become unsafe.

Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for
weathering the storm and your whereabouts. Have someone located away
from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital
contact information with others. Keep cell phones handy and charged.

Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.

* 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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