[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Hanna Local Statement Advisory Number 9
National Weather Service Brownsville TX  AL082020
1010 PM CDT Fri Jul 24 2020

This product covers The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas

**NOAA HURRICANE HUNTERS INDICATE THAT HANNA IS STRENGTHENING**
**EXPECTED TO MAKE LANDFALL AS A HURRICANE TOMORROW IN SOUTHERN TEXAS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Tropical Storm Warning has been upgraded to a Hurricane
      Warning for Brooks, Coastal Kenedy, and Inland Kenedy
    - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Inland Cameron,
      Southern Hidalgo, Starr, and Zapata

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Brooks, Coastal Kenedy,
      and Inland Kenedy
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Coastal Cameron,
      Coastal Willacy, Inland Cameron, Inland Willacy, Jim Hogg,
      Northern Hidalgo, Southern Hidalgo, Starr, and Zapata

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 180 miles east-northeast of Brownsville TX or about 170
      miles east-northeast of Port Mansfield TX
    - 27.1N 94.8W
    - Storm Intensity 65 mph
    - Movement West or 270 degrees at 8 mph

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

Tropical Storm Hanna continues to organize and strengthen over the
western Gulf of Mexico. Additional strengthening is expected while
Hanna moves west towards the lower to middle Texas coast. Hanna is
expected to strengthen into a Category 1 Hurricane prior to making
landfall during Saturday afternoon into early evening. A Hurricane
Warning is in effect from Port Mansfield north including Kenedy and
Brooks counties. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the rest of
Deep South Texas. Heavy rain and dangerous life threatening flash
flooding will be the largest threat. Total rainfall accumulations from
late tonight through Monday morning of 5 to 10 inches are expected
with locally 15+ inches. Hurricane force winds will be possible near
the center of circulation as Hanna moves across portions of the
northern ranchlands. Across the rest of Deep South Texas, tropical
storm force conditions are expected, including within squalls.
Scattered to numerous power outages will be possible. Additionally,
minor coastal flooding with storm surge of up to 1 to 3 feet of
inundation will be possible across either side of Padre Island,
especially from Port Mansfield north.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas.
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:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across portions of the northern and eastern ranchlands. 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 the rest of Deep South Texas.

* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
along the lower Texas coastline. Potential impacts in this area
include:
    - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
      immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
      farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
    - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
      with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
      surge water covers the road.
    - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
      in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
    - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

Elsewhere across The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas, little
to no impact is anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
areas along and east of highway 281/I-69C. 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.

Elsewhere across The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas, little
to no impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions,
including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so
immediately.

For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind,
falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move,
relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not relocate, help keep
roadways open for those under evacuation orders.

* 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.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

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 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 Brownsville TX around 4 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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