[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS84 KBRO 191547
HLSBRO
TXZ248>257-351-353-200000-

Tropical Storm Beta Local Statement Advisory Number 8
National Weather Service Brownsville TX  AL222020
1047 AM CDT Sat Sep 19 2020

This product covers The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas

**BETA TURNING WEST AND FORECAST TO SLOWLY STRENGTHEN AS IT APPROACHES
 THE TEXAS COAST**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect for
      Coastal Kenedy
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Cameron,
      Coastal Willacy, and Inland Kenedy

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 300 miles east of Brownsville TX or about 300 miles east
      of Port Mansfield TX
    - 26.6N 92.6W
    - Storm Intensity 60 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 315 degrees at 3 mph

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

Tropical Storm Beta has slowed with little change in the intensity.
Beta is making a westward turn, and expected to slowly strengthen into
late Sunday night and Monday as it advances toward the middle Texas
coast as a strong tropical storm or hurricane. As Beta nears the middle
Texas coast, its anticipated to make another turn towards the north-
northeast, making landfall in east Texas and heading into Louisiana.
The exact track and intensity remains uncertain and some impacts from
Beta will be felt well outside of the cone of uncertainty. Storm surge
and coastal flooding continues to be a concern along the lower Texas
coast, especially to the north of Port Mansfield where 2 to 4 feet of
inundation will be possible. Across portions of Deep South Texas,
especially the coastal areas, expect the potential for outer bands to
produce locally heavy rainfall along with gusty winds to or in excess
of tropical storm force.

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

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
along the lower Texas coastline. 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.
    - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
      in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
    - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

Elsewhere across The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas, little
to no impact is anticipated.

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
portions of Kenedy County. 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, prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across portions of Deep South Texas, mainly Brooks, Jim Hogg, Hidalgo,
Willacy, and Cameron counties.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited
impacts along the lower Texas coast. Potential impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, 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 The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South 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.

* 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.

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.

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

* 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 Brownsville TX around 4 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

Hallman
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