[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Beta Local Statement Advisory Number 8
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL222020
1040 AM CDT Sat Sep 19 2020

This product covers Southeast Texas

**BETA STARTING ITS WESTWARD TURN**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Brazoria Islands,
      Chambers, Coastal Brazoria, Coastal Galveston, Coastal Harris,
      Coastal Jackson, Coastal Matagorda, Galveston Island and
      Bolivar Peninsula, Matagorda Islands, and Southern Liberty

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Southern Liberty
    - A Tropical Storm Warning, Storm Surge Watch, and Hurricane
      Watch are in effect for Brazoria Islands, Chambers, Coastal
      Brazoria, Coastal Galveston, Coastal Harris, Coastal Jackson,
      Coastal Matagorda, Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula, and
      Matagorda Islands

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 230 miles southeast of Galveston TX
    - 26.6N 92.6W
    - Storm Intensity 60 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 315 degrees at 3 mph

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

As of 10 AM CDT, Tropical Storm Beta remains in the northwestern Gulf
of Mexico and continues to move slowly to the northwest. The latest
satellite imagery indicates that the system has taken a more westward
turn this morning. This motion is expected to continue through tomorrow
and into the early part of next week as it approaches the middle Texas
coast.

This has the potential to become a prolonged coastal flooding event
for the SE Texas coast. Beta continues to pose the threat of dangerous
storm surge, as well as the possibility of flooding rains and hurricane
force wind gusts. The combination of storm surge and heavy rainfall
along with high tides will elevate the risk of dangerous flooding along
the Barrier Islands and inner coastal locations through mid-week.

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

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across the Barrier Islands and coastal regions from Matagorda
Bay through Galveston Bay. Potential impacts in this area
include:
    - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
      immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
      farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
    - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
      with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
      surge water covers the road.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
      numerous rip currents.
    - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected anchorages.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across along and south of Interstate 10. 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.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
along the Texas Coast. Potential impacts in this area
include:
    - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
      window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
      damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
      Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for weeks.
    - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
      access routes impassable.
    - Large areas with power and communications outages.

Also, prepare for dangerous wind having possible limited to
significant impacts across most of Southeast Texas.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended
preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to
evacuate, do so immediately.

* Galveston County has issued a voluntary evacuation order for the
Bolivar Peninsula. Residents of this area who have medical needs
should consider finding alternate accommodations in case the area
becomes inaccessible due to floodwaters or if there is a loss
of electricity.

* The City of Galveston has issued a voluntary evacuation for
the West End of the city and for low-lying areas beginning at
10 AM today in anticipation of flooding from elevated tides
and flooding rains.


* 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 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.

* 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 Houston/Galveston TX around 4 PM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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