[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Beta Local Statement Advisory Number 9
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL222020
446 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2020

This product covers Southeast Texas

**BETA NOW STATIONARY OVER THE NORTHWESTERN GULF OF MEXICO**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Fort Bend, Inland
      Brazoria, Inland Galveston, Inland Harris, Inland Jackson,
      Inland Matagorda, and Wharton
    - The Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge
      Warning for Brazoria Islands, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria,
      Coastal Galveston, Coastal Harris, Coastal Jackson, Coastal
      Matagorda, Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula, and
      Matagorda Islands

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Southern Liberty
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Fort Bend, Inland
      Brazoria, Inland Galveston, Inland Harris, Inland Jackson,
      Inland Matagorda, and Wharton
    - A Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, 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 240 miles southeast of Galveston TX or about 270 miles
      east-southeast of Port O'Connor TX
    - 26.6N 92.4W
    - Storm Intensity 60 mph
    - Movement Stationary

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

Ad of 4 PM CDT, Tropical Storm Beta remains nearly stationary in
the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. A slow northwestern motion of the
storm remains expected through tomorrow as the system approaches
the Texas coast. The current track from the National Hurricane
Center shows a landfall near Matagorda Bay on Tuesday. Tropical
storm force winds, heavy rain, and storm surge will precede Beta's
landfall.

We continue to anticipate a prolonged heavy rainfall and coastal
flooding event from Beta as it approaches the Texas coast and
turns northeastward. The system continues to pose the threat of
dangerous storm surge, as well as the possibility of flooding
rains and strong 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. Up to 20 inches of rainfall will be
possible along the coast, while inland locations may see 8-12
inches through the middle of the week.

Many local authorities have issued voluntary evacuation orders
for low-lying and flood-prone areas. If you are within an area
where an evacuation warning has been issued, please heed the advice
of your local officials. The storm surge and flash flooding impacts
of Beta will have the potential to be life-threatening.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts along and south of Interstate 10. Potential
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, and ditches may
      become dangerous rivers. 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.

Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limited to
significant impacts elsewhere across Southeast Texas.

* 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.
    - 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 Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts along
the Texas Coast. 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 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. If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind
and allow extra time to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit.
Gas up your vehicle ahead of time. Follow designated evacuation
routes. Seek traffic information on roadway signs, the radio, and
from official sources.

Many local authorities have now issued voluntary evacuation orders
for those living in low-lying and flood prone areas. Please check
with your local officials for evacuation information for your area.

* 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.

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 Houston/Galveston TX around 10 PM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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