Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSLIX

This product covers Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi

...HURRICANE ISAIAS CONTINUES TO INTENSIFY AND IS NOW A CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE...

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 390 miles south of New Orleans LA or about 410 miles south of Gulfport MS - 24.4N 89.3W - Storm Intensity 100 mph - Movement Northeast or 50 degrees at 12 mph

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

Hurricane Isaias is currently in the southern Gulf and will continue to strengthen as it moves toward the northern Gulf coast through Friday night. Hurricane Isaias is forecast to bring the threat of tropical storm force wind gusts, locally heavy rainfall, 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 from the Pearl River eastward to Ocean Springs in coastal Mississippi. Isaias is forecast to bring the threat of hurricane force wind gusts, locally heavy rainfall, and storm surge of 5 to 7 feet from Ocean Springs, MS eastward in coastal Mississippi. The most likely time for impacts will be Friday afternoon into Saturday morning.

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 dangerous wind having possible significant impacts for locations from Ocean Springs eastward in coastal Mississippi. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines.

Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the remainder of coastal Mississippi and extreme coastal southeast Louisiana.

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

* SURGE: Protect against life-threatening surge having possible extensive impacts across for coastal locations east of Ocean Springs in coastal Mississippi. Potential impacts in this area include: - Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by battering waves. Structural damage to buildings, with several washing away. Damage compounded by floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period. - Large sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Severe beach erosion with significant dune loss. - Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Many small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages with some lifted onshore and stranded.

Also, protect against locally hazardous surge having possible significant impacts across for coastal locations west of Ocean Springs in coastal Mississippi and for locations outside of the hurricane risk reduction system in southeast Louisiana from the Pearl River south to the mouth of the Mississippi.

* FLOODING RAIN: Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across for locations east of Ocean Springs in coastal Mississippi. 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 the remainder of coastal Mississippi.

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.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities.

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.

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