Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSLCH

This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

**Tropical Storm Edouard Made Landfall Near Johnsons Bayou **

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Lower Vermilion

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for East Cameron, Hardin, Lower Jefferson, Northern Calcasieu, Northern Orange, Southern Calcasieu, Southern Jasper, Southern Newton, Southern Orange, Upper Jefferson, and West Cameron

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 20 miles north-northwest of Sabine Pass TX - 29.9N 94.0W - Storm Intensity 50 mph - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 7 mph

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

Tropical Storm Edouard officially made landfall near Johnsons Bayou, LA, at 220 PM. The system will continue to weaken as it moves inland. We received several reports of 50-60+ MPH wind gusts across our coastal areas, with the highest being a gust to 71 MPH at Texas Point shortly before landfall. The Hurricane Watch was dropped earlier and replaced with a Tropical Storm Warning, while the Storm Surge Warning was replaced with a Coastal Flood Warning for lower Jefferson and western Cameron Parishes, along with a Coastal Flood Advisory for southern Orange County, southern Calcasieu, and eastern Cameron Parishes. Given that the coastal threat has not entirely materialized and the system is now moving inland, it is possible that the remaining coastal flood products could be dropped over the next several hours.

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

* FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across SETX/SWLA.

If realized, these 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, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. 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: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across SETX/SWLA.

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.

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

* SURGE: Limited impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across SETX.

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

* TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas.

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 boats pulled from moorings.

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

* EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials.

* 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.

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