[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Laura Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 29A
National Weather Service Little Rock AR  AL132020
349 AM CDT Thu Aug 27 2020

This product covers A large part of Arkansas

**Tropical storm conditions will be possible as what's left of Laura
moves into southwest and central Arkansas later today and tonight.
Widespread impacts are likely.**

---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Garland, Grant,
      Hot Spring, Jefferson, Lincoln, Lonoke, Pulaski, and Saline

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Bradley, Calhoun,
      Clark, Cleveland, Dallas, Drew, Garland, Grant, Hot Spring,
      Jefferson, Lincoln, Lonoke, Ouachita, Pike, Pulaski, and Saline

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 350 miles south of Little Rock AR
    - 29.8N 93.3W
    - Storm Intensity 150 mph
    - Movement North or 350 degrees at 15 mph

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

Hurricane Laura made landfall early this morning on the western
Louisiana coast. The system will move into southwest Arkansas this
afternoon and evening, and through central Arkansas tonight. Even as
the system weakens, tropical storm conditions will still be possible,
with sustained winds approaching 40-45 MPH, and gusts of 50 MPH or
higher.

Significant rainfall of four to six inches are expected near and east
of the center, with localized amounts in excess of eight inches
possible. As a result, flash flooding is expected, along with rises on
area rivers.

There will also be the potential for tornadoes in rain bands north and
east of the center of circulation, with the greatest likelihood over
central and eastern portions of the state this afternoon and tonight.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts,
especially across southwest Arkansas. 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, prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
across central Arkansas.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across southwest 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.

Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across central into northeast Arkansas.

* 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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
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 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 Little Rock AR around 11 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

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