[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS84 KHGX 221601
HLSHGX
TXZ163-164-176>179-195>200-210>214-226-227-235>238-300-313-335>338-436>438-230015-

Tropical Depression Beta Local Statement Advisory Number 20
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL222020
1101 AM CDT Tue Sep 22 2020

This product covers Southeast Texas

**BETA WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION OVER TEXAS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Coastal
      Jackson, Coastal Matagorda, Inland Brazoria, Inland Galveston,
      Inland Jackson, Inland Matagorda, Matagorda Islands, Southern
      Liberty, and Wharton
    - The Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning have been
      cancelled for Brazoria Islands, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria,
      Coastal Galveston, Coastal Harris, and Galveston Island and
      Bolivar Peninsula

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 120 miles west-southwest of Galveston TX or about 40
      miles north-northwest of Port O'Connor TX
    - 28.9N 96.7W
    - Storm Intensity 35 mph
    - Movement Northeast or 45 degrees at 2 mph

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

Beta, now a tropical depression, made landfall yesterday evening on
the southern end of the Matagorda Peninsula as a tropical storm
with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. It has since weakened to
a tropical depression with maximum winds of 35 mph. Despite this,
the system continues to pose a serious risk of flash flooding and
coastal flooding to SE Texas. Bands of heavy rainfall on the east
side of Beta's circulation continue to cause widespread street flooding
across the greater Houston area. An additional 5-10 inches of rainfall
with isolated totals of 15 inches remain expected to occur.

Flooding concerns along the coast will be compounded with elevated
tides due to persistent onshore winds. The Storm Surge Warning
has been replaced with a Coastal Flood Warning along the coast,
with impacts expected to continue through mid-week.


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

* WIND:
Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time
across Southeast Texas.

* SURGE:
Coastal flooding impacts continue along the coast north of Sargent
and around the Galveston Bay area. Remain well away from locally
hazardous surge having additional limited impacts. If realized,
these impacts 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.

Coastal flooding also continues around the Matagorda Bay area up to
Sargent. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having
possible limited impacts.

Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
Southeast Texas. Remain well guarded against life-threatening
flood waters having additional devastating impacts. If realized,
these impacts include:
    - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks
      in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,
      canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. Flood control
      systems and barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
      routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water
      with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very
      dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened
      or washed out.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time
across Southeast Texas.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose
power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and
check-ins.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is
harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.

* 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
-----------

As it pertains to this event...this will be the last local statement
issued by the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston TX
regarding the effects of tropical cyclone hazards upon the area.

$$
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