Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSHGX

This product covers Southeast Texas

EDOUARD BECOMING BETTER ORGANIZED AS IT APPROACHES THE COAST NEAR THE TEXAS AND LOUISIANA BORDER.

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Southern Liberty

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Bolivar Peninsula, Chambers, and Southern Liberty

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 120 miles east of Galveston TX - 29.0N 92.8W - Storm Intensity 40 mph - Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 8 mph

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

Tropical Storm Edouard is showing signs of strengthening as it approaches the Upper Texas Coast. The system's outer rainbands are already reaching the coastline near High Island and Galveston. These rainbands will continue to push into our southeastern coastal counties this morning, before pushing farther inland this afternoon and evening. The system is forecast to become a strong tropical storm before moving ashore near Sabine, TX early this afternoon. The primary concern for our area will be heavy rainfall. The heaviest showers and thunderstorms could produce 3-4" per hour rainfall rates, which would result in flash flooding. Worth mentioning that residual tropical moisture could result in scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday as well.

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

* WIND: - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited but track dependent - Potential for some tree damage within the Tropical Storm Warning area, especially if the center deviates west of the track. - Scattered power and communications outages are possible.

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

* SURGE: No significant impacts from surge are expected.

* FLOODING RAIN: Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across southeast Texas. Potential impacts include: - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Streams and bayous may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots and where heavy rainbands occur. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

* TORNADOES: Tornado threat appears to be very low at this time.

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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!

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 Houston/Galveston TX around 10 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.