Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSLCH

This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

**Tropical Storm Edouard Expected To Strengthen Before Landfall On Tuesday**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge Warning and a Hurricane Watch have been issued for Lower Jefferson and West Cameron - The Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge Warning for East Cameron

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Lower Jefferson and West Cameron - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for East Cameron - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Lower Vermilion

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 170 miles east-southeast of High Island TX or about 120 miles southeast of Cameron LA - 28.6N 91.8W - Storm Intensity 40 mph - Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 7 mph

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

Tropical Storm Edouard continues to track west-northwest offshore of the central Louisiana Coast toward coastal Southeast Texas. The storm is located about 140 miles Southeast of Lake Charles, LA. Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect for Vermilion and Cameron Parishes including Calcasieu and Sabine Lakes as well as Jefferson County, Texas. To account for any intensification prior to landfall, a Hurricane Watch has been added for Jefferson County in Texas and western Cameron Parish, east of Calcasieu Pass in Louisiana. A Storm Surge Warning is now in effect from High Island, Tx to Cameron, LA accounting 3 to 5 feet, while east of Cameron to Vermilion / Cameron Parish line accounts for 1 to 3 feet. The forecast track remains largely unchanged with a landfall expected near or west of Sabine, TX. Flooding rainfall threat remain primarily along the coastal Parishes and counties west from the Lower Atchafalaya extending northwest across extreme Southwest Louisiana and into Southeast Texas as Edouard attempts to build / maintain convection on the northern semi-circle.

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

* SURGE: Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts across coastal Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Potential impacts in this area include: - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast. - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents. - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages.

Also, protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across South Central Louisiana.

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

* FLOODING RAIN: Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across far Southwest Louisiana into Southeast Texas. Potential impacts include: - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - 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.

Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across south-central Louisiana.

* WIND: Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed evacuation orders issued by the local authorities.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. 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 Lake Charles LA around 4 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.