[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Tue Sep 14 16:00:21 CDT 2021

WTUS84 KLCH 142100
HLSLCH
LAZ073-TXZ215-216-150500-

Tropical Storm Nicholas Local Statement Advisory Number 11
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA  AL142021
400 PM CDT Tue Sep 14 2021

This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

**LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS EXPECTED ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE
DEEP SOUTH DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Storm Surge Warning has been cancelled for Jefferson
    - The Storm Surge Watch has been cancelled for West Cameron

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Jefferson, Orange,
      and West Cameron

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 50 miles west of Sabine Pass TX or about 80 miles west of
      Cameron LA
    - 29.6N 94.6W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement East-northeast or 70 degrees at 6 mph

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

At 400 PM CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Nicholas was located by
Doppler radars, satellites, and surface observations near latitude 29.6
North, longitude 94.6 West. Nicholas is moving toward the east-
northeast near 6 mph and this general motion should continue through
tonight. An eastward turn is expected over Louisiana by Wednesday.
Little motion is anticipated on Thursday.

NOAA Doppler weather radar and surface observations indicate that
maximum sustained winds remain near 40 mph with higher gusts. Gradual
weakening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Nicholas is
forecast to become a tropical depression this evening and degenerate
into a remnant low on Wednesday or by early Thursday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles from the
center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1003 mb (29.62
inches) based on nearby surface observations.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
Jefferson County. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood
waters having possible 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.

Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
the remainder of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Remain well
guarded against life-threatening flood waters having possible extensive
impacts.

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
the coastline from High Island to Cameron. Remain well away from life-
threatening surge having possible significant 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 along rivers and bayous that drain into the Gulf.
    - Sections of roads and parking lots near bodies of water may
      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, and piers.
      A few small craft broken away from moorings.

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

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Jefferson County and the Louisiana coastline from Sabine Pass to
Cameron. Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind having possible
significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
      uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
      shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
      bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

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

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across Southwest
Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Remain well braced against a tornado
event having possible limited impacts. If realized, these 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 Southwest Louisiana and 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.

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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-
powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.

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.

* 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 Lake Charles LA around 11 PM, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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