[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS84 KBRO 252139
HLSBRO
TXZ248>257-351-353-260445-

Hurricane Hanna Local Statement Advisory Number 12
National Weather Service Brownsville TX  AL082020
439 PM CDT Sat Jul 25 2020

This product covers The Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas

**HANNA MAKING LANDFALL IN KENEDY COUNTY WITH WINDS OF 90 MPH**
**DANGEROUS TO CATASTROPHIC FLASH FLOODING EXPECTED**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 60 miles north-northeast of Brownsville TX or about 20
      miles northeast of Port Mansfield TX
    - 26.8N 97.2W
    - Storm Intensity 90 mph
    - Movement West-southwest or 255 degrees at 8 mph

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

The center of Hurricane Hanna is making landfall in central Kenedy
county with sustained winds of 90 mph and gusts around 100 mph. Hanna
remains on a west to southwest track at around 8 mph and is expected to
continues on this track moving across Deep South Texas tonight through
Sunday.

Rain bands with torrential downpours are moving inland and will become
more frequent and intense the rest of the afternoon and overnight.
Dangerous to potential catastrophic flash flooding is expected with
total rainfall accumulations through Monday morning of 6 to 12 inches
with locally 18+ inches possible. Hurricane force winds have been
reported near the center with gusts exceeding hurricane force for the
next several hours as Hanna moves inland. For the rest of Deep South
Texas, tropical storm force winds will be expected with some gusts in
squall approaching hurricane force tonight. The strong and gusty winds
will bring about scattered to numerous power outages. Storm surge
inundation of 2 to 4 feet is expected along the Kenedy county
coastline while 1 to 3 feet of inundation is expected further to the
south on either side of South Padre Island. Additionally, conditions
are favorable for the threat of isolated tornadoes across the majority
of the region through tonight.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the
coastal counties and moving steadily west across portions of Deep South
Texas. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having
possible devastating impacts.

If realized, these impacts include:
    - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks
      in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,
      canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In
      mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while
      increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
      control systems and barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
      routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water
      with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very
      dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened
      or washed out.

Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
the Lower and Middle Rio Grande Valley and the western Ranch lands.
Remain well guarded against life- threatening flood waters having
possible extensive impacts on business and homes.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Kenedy County and portions of Willacy County. Remain well sheltered
from life-threatening wind having 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, causeways, and
      access routes impassable.
    - Large areas with power and communications outages.

Potential impacts from the main wind event are to unfold across the
remainder of Deep South Texas and portions of the Rio Grande Valley
later this afternoon and tonight.

Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind having possible significant
impacts.

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
Kenedy County. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having
limited impacts.

If realized, these impacts 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:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across The Rio
Grande Valley and Deep South Texas. Remain well braced against a
tornado event having potential 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:

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


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-
powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.

During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your
shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best
foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather.

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.

Do not venture outside while in the eye of a hurricane as any
improvement in weather will only be temporary. Once the eye passes,
conditions will become life threatening as winds immediately return
to dangerous speeds, so remain safely sheltered from the storm.

Do not venture outside with blowing debris and flooding hazards
imminent until the storm passes and hazardous conditions wane.

If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch
or warning, 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 Brownsville TX around 1030 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
This weather bulletin was brought to you by:
www.nashvilleweather.net