[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Beta Local Statement Advisory Number 10
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL222020
1041 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2020

This product covers Southeast Texas

**BETA WILL SLOWLY APPROACH THE TEXAS COASTLINE LATE MONDAY. STORM
SURGE THREAT ALREADY HAS BEGUN.**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* 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 230 miles southeast of Galveston TX or about 260 miles
      east-southeast of Matagorda TX
    - 26.8N 92.2W
    - Storm Intensity 60 mph
    - Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 2 mph

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

Tropical Storm Beta is currently located in the west-central Gulf of
Mexico where it is battling dry air and wind shear. It is expected
to slowly move westward towards the middle Texas coastline through the
next couple of days while maintaining tropical storm strength. It is
expected to make landfall by late Monday, then take a turn to the
northeast Tuesday through Thursday.

We continue to anticipate a prolonged heavy rainfall and coastal
flooding event from Beta with elevated tides already occuring
bringing coastal flooding. Coastal flooding will remain a threat
through midweek with the worst of the storm surge anticipated on Monday
and Tuesday. The first rainbands from Beta may reach the coast during the
day on Sunday, but the heaviest rain will not occur until Monday into
Tuesday. Up to 20 inches of rainfall will be possible along the coast,
while inland locations may see 8 to 12 inches through the middle of the
week. 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.

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
-----------------

* SURGE:
Protect against 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.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across most of Southeast Texas with the highest rain
totals expected 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.

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limited
to significant impacts across the Northern Brazos Valley and up
towards Houston County.

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across along the immediate coast, especially near the landfall
location which is expected to occur near Matagorda Bay. 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, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across most of Southeast Texas.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
along 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 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.

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.

* 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.

If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges
will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather
forecast before departing and drive with caution.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!

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

$$
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