[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS84 KLZK 261528
HLSLZK
ARZ052-053-062-066-067-262330-

Hurricane Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 27
National Weather Service Little Rock AR  AL132020
1028 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

This product covers A large part of Arkansas

**LAURA FORECAST TO MAKE LANDFALL AS A MAJOR HURRICANE...WIDESPREAD
IMPACTS LIKELY ACROSS MUCH OF ARKANSAS THURSDAY AND FRIDAY**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Calhoun, Clark, Dallas,
      Ouachita, and Pike

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 530 miles south of Little Rock AR
    - 27.0N 92.0W
    - Storm Intensity 125 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 16 mph

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

Hurricane Laura continues to strengthen and become better organized
this morning. Further strengthening is likely with a forecast landfall
as a powerful major hurricane near the Louisiana/Texas border after
midnight tonight. Significant impacts are expected as the storm moves
north through Arkansas Thursday and Friday. Strong winds, significant
rainfall, flooding, and isolated tornadoes are likely.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for torrential rainfall and life-threatening flooding having
possible extensive impacts across a large portion of Arkansas, and in
particular southern and western Arkansas. 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, arroyos, and
      ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas,
      destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while
      increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. 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.

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across most
of Arkansas. Potential impacts in this area 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.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across A
large part of Arkansas. 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 boats pulled
      from moorings.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
None.

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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind
gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of
the storm.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, in a low-
lying or poor drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen
river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground if flooding is
imminent.

Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.


* 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 Little Rock AR around 5 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

Cooper
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