Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSLIX

This product covers Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi

...HURRICANE ISAIAS HAS STRENGTHENED TO A CATEGORY THREE. CENTER OF ISAIAS WILL REACH THE WESTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE COAST THIS EVENING...

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for Southern Jackson - A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Northern Jackson - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Eastern Orleans, Lower Plaquemines, Lower St. Bernard, Southeast St. Tammany, Southern Hancock, and Southern Harrison - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Northern Hancock and Northern Harrison

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 200 miles east-southeast of New Orleans LA or about 150 miles east-southeast of Gulfport MS - 29.2N 87.0W - Storm Intensity 115 mph - Movement North or 10 degrees at 17 mph

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

Hurricane Isaias is a dangerous category 3 hurricane this afternoon and will make landfall in the Florida Panhandle this evening. Hurricane Isaias will continue to bring tropical storm force wind gusts and storm surge of 3 to 5 feet to coastal portions of southeast Louisiana from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Pearl River, excluding Lake Pontchatrain, and all of coastal Mississippi. The most likely time for impacts will this afternoon into tonight.

Storm Surge Warnings are in effect from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Alabama and Mississippi state line. Hurricane warnings are in effect from Ocean Springs to the Alabama and Mississippi state line. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect from the Jefferson and Plaquemine Parish line in southeast Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. A Tropical Storm Warning has also been issued for inland Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock Counties. The Hurricane Watch for inland Jackson County, MS also continues.

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

* WIND: Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts for locations from Bay Saint Louis eastward in coastal Mississippi. 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 Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi, little to no impact is anticipated.

* SURGE: Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts for all coastal locations in coastal Mississippi and for coastal locations outside of the hurricane risk reduction system in southeast Louisiana from the Pearl River south to the mouth of the Mississippi. 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.

Elsewhere across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi, little to no impact is anticipated.

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.

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.

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.

* 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 New Orleans LA around 11 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.