Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSLCH

This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

**BERTHA MOVING WESTWARD SOUTH OF THE LOUISIANA COAST**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for East Cameron, Lower Iberia, Lower Jefferson, Lower St. Mary, Lower Vermilion, and West Cameron

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 110 miles east-southeast of Sabine Pass TX or about 90 miles southeast of Cameron LA - 29.0N 92.2W - Storm Intensity 45 mph - Movement West or 270 degrees at 13 mph

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

Bertha continues to maintain tropcial storm force winds, albiet mostly over the gulf waters. The storm is moving a bit south of due west and will move along the coast or just south of southwest Louisiana through the day. The forecast remains unchanged with 1 to 3 feet of surge possible and the heavy rainfall remaining offshore due to the sheared nature of the thunderstorms.

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

* WIND: Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across Right along the coast. Potential impacts in this area 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.

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

* SURGE: Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal areas and near lakes and bays. 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 Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

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 Lake Charles LA around 11 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.