[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS84 KLCH 271818
HLSLCH
LAZ027>033-041>045-052>055-073-074-TXZ180-201-215-216-259>262-280230-

Tropical Storm Laura Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 31A
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA  AL132020
118 PM CDT Thu Aug 27 2020

This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

**TROPICAL STORM LAURA CONTINUES NORTHWARD OVER NORTH LOUISIANA**

**HIGH WATER LEVELS PERSIST ALONG PORTIONS OF THE LOUISIANA COAST**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Hurricane Warning has been cancelled for Tyler
    - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Acadia,
      Calcasieu, East Cameron, Hardin, Iberia, Jefferson, Jefferson
      Davis, Lafayette, Lower St. Martin, Orange, Southern Jasper,
      Southern Newton, St. Landry, St. Mary, Upper St. Martin,
      Vermilion, and West Cameron
    - The Hurricane Warning has been cancelled and a Tropical Storm
      Warning has been issued for Allen, Beauregard, Evangeline,
      Northern Jasper, Northern Newton, Rapides, and Vernon

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Acadia, Calcasieu, East
      Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lower St. Martin,
      Orange, St. Mary, Vermilion, and West Cameron
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Allen, Avoyelles,
      Beauregard, Evangeline, Northern Jasper, Northern Newton,
      Rapides, and Vernon

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 220 miles north of Cameron LA or about 240 miles
      north-northwest of Morgan City LA
    - 32.9N 92.8W
    - Storm Intensity 65 mph
    - Movement North or 10 degrees at 15 mph


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

At 100 PM CDT (1800 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Laura was
located inland over northern Louisiana near latitude 32.9 North,
longitude 92.8 West. Laura is moving toward the north near 15 mph
(24 km/h) and this motion should continue through this afternoon.
A northeastward to east-northeastward motion is expected tonight
and Friday.

Laura is currently a tropical storm. Storm surge will continue to
diminish through the afternoon.

Residual bands of heavy rain will continue to move across portions of
southwest Louisiana this afternoon. There is generally a low to
moderate risk of flash flooding. Isolated tornadoes will also be
possible across the area.

Some lingering tropical storm force winds are possible across portions
of Central Louisiana through this afternoon. |

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

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event continue across the lower
Southwest Louisiana coastline. Remain well away from areas still
experiencing surge. Ongoing impacts include:
    - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
      waves. Damage to non-elevated structures is possible.
    - Sections of escape routes and secondary roads become weakened
      or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
      numerous rip currents.
    - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, and piers. Several small
      craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected
      anchorages.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event continue across Central
Louisiana. Remain well sheltered from damaging wind having additional
extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts 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 and access routes
      impassable.
    - Large areas with power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
portions of Southwest Louisiana. Remain well guarded against life-
threatening flood waters having additional extensive impacts. If
realized, these 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, and ditches may
      become dangerous rivers. 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.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still possible across portions of
Southwest Louisiana. Remain well braced against a tornado event having
additional 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

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.

If you are prone to flooding, be prepared for the possibility of a
quick and dramatic rise in water levels.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the
safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body.

* 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 5 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

Hallman
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