Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSLCH

This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

**TROPICAL STORM BERTHA MOVING WEST OVER COASTAL SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA **

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for East Cameron, Lower Iberia, Lower St. Mary, and Lower Vermilion

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

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 240 miles east of Sabine Pass TX or about 80 miles east of Morgan City LA - 29.8N 89.8W - Storm Intensity 45 mph - Movement West or 270 degrees at 7 mph

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

Tropical Storm Bertha has made landfall over St. Bernard Parish, east of New Orleans. The storm is moving due west across Southeast Louisiana coast through Thursday. A slight southward jog is expected with the system then continuing to move along or near the Louisiana coastline. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect along coastal Louisiana to Cameron along the Calcasieu Pass. With the exception of Sabine Lake, all marine zones including lakes, bays and coastal waters are under a Tropical Storm Warning. There is the potential for storm surge up to 3 feet between High Island, Texas and Morgan City, Louisiana.

A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for west Cameron Parish, lower Jefferson County, and Sabine Lake.

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

* WIND: Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across coastal portions of Louisiana south of I-10. 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 immediate coastal portions of Louisiana. 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.

* FLOODING RAIN: Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across south central and coastal portions of Louisiana. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures.

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

* TORNADOES: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas.

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

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 10 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.