[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS84 KJAN 270350
HLSJAN
ARZ074-075-LAZ007>009-015-016-023>026-MSZ018-019-025>066-072>074-271200-

Hurricane Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 29
National Weather Service Jackson MS  AL132020
1050 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

This product covers Central Mississippi, Northeast Louisiana, and extreme Southeast Arkansas

**WIND INCREASING IN THE SOUTHWEST AS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HURRICANE
LAURA TAKES AIM AT THE NORTHWEST GULF COAST**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Ashley and
      Morehouse

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Ashley, Catahoula,
      Concordia, Franklin LA, Morehouse, and Richland

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 290 miles southwest of Jackson MS
    - 29.0N 93.2W
    - Storm Intensity 150 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 15 mph

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

Extremely dangerous Hurricane Laura has strengthened this evening
and is expected to make landfall by shortly after midnight in extreme
southwest Louisiana, and then move inland within that area tonight.
The center of Laura is forecast to move over northwestern Louisiana
Thursday, across Arkansas Thursday night, and over the mid-Mississippi
Valley on Friday. This will bring tropical storm force winds into portions
of southeast Arkanasas and northeast Louisiana by early Thursday morning.
Tornadoes and damaging wind gusts will be possible over northeast
Louisiana, extreme southeast Arkansas and western Mississippi late
tonight through Thursday. Inland flooding will also be possible over
portions of northeast Louisiana and extreme southeast Arkansas late
tonight through Thursday.

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

* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
west of the Mississippi River. 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 areas farther east to roughly along the Interstate 55 corridor.
Elsewhere across Central Mississippi, Northeast Louisiana, and
extreme Southeast Arkansas, little to no impact is anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against heavy rainfall having possible limited flooding
impacts across portions of northeast Louisiana and extreme southeast
Arkansas. Potential impacts include:
    - Localized flash flooding at underpasses, low-lying spots, and
      poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving
      water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving
      conditions may become hazardous.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across Central Mississippi, Northeast Louisiana, and extreme
Southeast 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 small boats
      pulled from moorings.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

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.

If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

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.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

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!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

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, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

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 Jackson MS around 4 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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