[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Beta Local Statement Advisory Number 15
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL222020
416 AM CDT Mon Sep 21 2020

This product covers Southeast Texas

**TROPICAL STORM BETA WEAKENS SLIGHTLY WHILE MOVING WESTWARD TOWARDS THE
TEXAS COASTLINE. ELEVATED TIDES AND GUSTY WINDS ARE ONGOING.**


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 110 miles south of Galveston TX or about 80 miles
      southeast of Matagorda TX
    - 27.7N 95.1W
    - Storm Intensity 50 mph
    - Movement West or 270 degrees at 6 mph

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

Tropical Storm Beta continues to battle dry air and remains mostly
exposed on satellite, and has weakened slightly. It is now moving
westward towards the Texas coastline where it is expected to make landfall
tonight near Matagorda Bay. After making landfall, it is expected to
slow down yet again and then take a turn to the northeast Tuesday through
Thursday towards Lousiana. Tropical storm force winds are currently
being experienced over the Gulf Waters, and it expected to move inland
later today and continue through Tuesday morning.

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 through sunrise
this morning with persisting issues overnight tonight into Tuesday.
The first rainbands from Beta have already moved onshore, but the
heaviest rainfall will not occur until late tonight into Tuesday as
the center of Beta moves onshore. Generally 5 to 10 inches of rain is
expected with locally higher amounts of around 15 inches 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
midweek.

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 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:
Protect against 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.

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limited
to significant impacts north of Interstate 10.

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across 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
across Southeast Texas. 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.

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

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

Do not enter evacuated areas until officials
have given the all clear to return.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

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.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

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 10 AM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$
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