[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS84 KLIX 060441
HLSLIX
LAZ037-039-040-049-050-056>072-MSZ077-080>082-061245-

Tropical Storm Nate Local Statement Advisory Number 7
National Weather Service New Orleans LA  AL162017
1141 PM CDT Thu Oct 5 2017

This product covers Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi

**Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches now in Effect**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for Hancock, Harrison,
      Jackson, Lower Jefferson, Lower Lafourche, Lower Plaquemines,
      Lower St. Bernard, Lower Terrebonne, Orleans, Southern
      Tangipahoa, St. Charles, St. John The Baptist, St. Tammany, and
      Upper St. Bernard

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Lower Jefferson, Lower Lafourche,
      Lower Plaquemines, Lower St. Bernard, Lower Terrebonne,
      Orleans, Southern Tangipahoa, St. Charles, St. John The
      Baptist, St. Tammany, and Upper St. Bernard
    - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Ascension, Assumption,
      Livingston, Northern Tangipahoa, Pearl River, St. James, Upper
      Jefferson, Upper Lafourche, Upper Plaquemines, Upper
      Terrebonne, and Washington

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 1040 miles south-southeast of New Orleans LA or about
      1040 miles south-southeast of Gulfport MS
    - 15.8N 84.7W
    - Storm Intensity 40 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 325 degrees at 12 mph

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

At 1000 PM CDT, Tropical Storm Nate is moving toward the northwest
near 12 mph and is expected to continue on this general heading through
Friday and then speeding up over the Gulf. Sustained winds remain near
40 mph. Hurricane and Storm Surge watches have now been issued for much
of the area.

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

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible extensive impacts
across coastal Louisiana and coastal Mississippi outside of hurricane
protection levees in this area include:
    - Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding
      accentuated by battering waves. Structural damage to buildings,
      with several washing away. Damage compounded by floating
      debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period.
    - Large sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads
      washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and
      barriers may become stressed.
    - Severe beach erosion with significant dune loss.
    - Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Many
      small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected anchorages with some lifted onshore and stranded.

Elsewhere across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi, little to
no impact is anticipated.

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across much of southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. Potential
impacts in this area include:
    - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
      window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
      damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
      Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for weeks.
    - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
      access routes impassable.
    - Large areas with power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi.
Potential impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, canals, bayous, and ditches may become
      swollen and overflow in spots.
    - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually
      vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water
      occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become
      near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge
      closures.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
WATCH PHASE - For those under evacuation orders, leave as soon as
practical with a destination in mind. Gas up your vehicle well ahead
of time. Be sure that you take all essential materials from your
emergency supplies kit. Let others know where you are going and when
you intend to arrive.

WATCH PHASE - If evacuating the area, stick to prescribed evacuation
routes. Look for additional traffic information on roadway smart signs
and listen to select radio channels for further travel instructions.
Drivers should not use cell phones while operating vehicles.

WATCH PHASE - For those not under evacuation orders, understand that
there are inherent risks to evacuation (such as traffic congestion,
accidents, and driving in bad weather), so evacuate only if necessary.
Help keep roadways open for those that are under evacuation orders.

WATCH PHASE - If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or water
hazards from tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, especially
if being officially recommended. Relocate to a predetermined shelter or
safe destination.

WATCH PHASE - If evacuating away from the area or relocating to a
nearby shelter, leave early before weather conditions become hazardous.


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary
actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be
underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency
Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties
which must be taken into account.

If you live in a place that is particularly vulnerable to high wind,
such as a mobile home, an upper floor of a high rise building, or on
a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. Take enough supplies for you
and your family for several days.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low lying or poor
drainage area,or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe
shelter on higher ground

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders
that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives
of others.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be conducted
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of
strong gusty winds and heavy rain can cause certain preparedness
activities to become unsafe.

Be sure to let friends and other family members know of your
intentions and whereabouts for surviving the storm. For emergency
purposes, have someone located away from the threatened area serve as
your point of contact. Share vital contact information with others.
Keep cell phones handy and well charged.

Be a Good Samaritan and check on those who may not be fully aware of
the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations.

Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings.
If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the
forecast.

* 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 New Orleans LA around 5 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.


$$
This weather bulletin was brought to you by:
www.nashvilleweather.net