Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSHGX

This product covers Southeast Texas

**Bertha expected to weaken as it moves through Southeast Texas**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Bolivar Peninsula, Brazoria Islands, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria, Coastal Galveston, and Galveston Island

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 40 miles north of Galveston TX - 29.8N 94.7W - Storm Intensity 40 mph - Movement West-northwest or 290 degrees at 13 mph

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

Tropical Storm Bertha is currently moving westward through southeast Texas, roughtly around the I-10 corridor nearly Galveston bay. It's intensity has decreased, with peak winds upwards of 35 knots. Bertha will continue to weaken, becoming a post-tropical system as it moves westward tonight. No significant impacts to Southeast Texas are expected at this time. Winds of 15-25 knots with gusts to 35 knots will be possible, mainly along the coast and Gulf waters. Scattered showers and thunderstorms continue this evening. Heavy downpours are possible though the flooding rain threat is very low. A high risk rip currents will continue across the beaches and coast through Friday.

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

* WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across Southeast Texas. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the Southeast Texas coast. Remain well guarded against locally hazardous flood waters having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures.

Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS: There will be a high risk of rip currents across the upper Texas coastal beaches through Friday.

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

* EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

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.

* 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 Houston/Galveston TX around 7 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.