[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Sun Sep 20 10:21:16 CDT 2020

WTUS84 KHGX 201521
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TXZ163-164-176>179-195>200-210>214-226-227-235>238-300-313-335>338-436>438-202330-

Tropical Storm Beta Local Statement Advisory Number 12
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL222020
1021 AM CDT Sun Sep 20 2020

This product covers Southeast Texas

**BETA TRUDGING SLOWLY WEST-NORTHWESTWARD TOWARD THE TEXAS COAST**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Fort Bend, Inland
      Brazoria, Inland Galveston, Inland Harris, Inland Jackson,
      Inland Matagorda, Southern Liberty, and Wharton
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning 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 180 miles southeast of Galveston TX or about 220 miles
      east-southeast of Port O'Connor TX
    - 27.2N 93.0W
    - Storm Intensity 60 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 3 mph

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

Tropical Storm Beta continues to move west-northwestward through the
Gulf of Mexico this morning. It is expected to maintain this motion
over the next couple of days as it approaches the middle Texas coast
while maintaining tropical storm strength. Beta remains expected to
make landfall by late Monday, then take a turn to the northeast Tuesday
through Thursday. Arrival of tropical storm force winds is most likely
Monday morning, but could arrive as early as this evening.

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 have started to move onshore
today, but the heaviest rain will not occur until Monday into
Tuesday. Generally 8 to 12 inches of rain is expected with locally
higher amounts higher along the immediate coast. 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:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across the Barrier Islands and coastal regions from
Matagorda Bay through Galveston Bay. Potential impacts in
this area include:
    - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
      waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
    - Sections of near-shore 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, 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 life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across portions of Southeast Texas with the
highest rain totals expected along the coast. 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 significant
impacts across across the Northern Brazos Valley and up
towards Houston County..

* WIND:
Prepare for 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.

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

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.

Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and
hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge
zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find
yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed
evacuation orders issued by the local authorities.

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 , or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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