Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSLCH

This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

**TROPICAL STORM BERTHA TRACKING WEST ALONG THE SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA COAST.**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 70 miles east of High Island TX or about 120 miles west of Morgan City LA - 29.6N 93.2W - Storm Intensity 45 mph - Movement West or 275 degrees at 10 mph

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

Bertha continues to maintain tropical storm force winds, albeit mostly over the Gulf waters tracking west below Cameron Parish. The storm is moving due west and will move along the coast or into southeast Texas tonight. Tropical storm warnings are in effect from Morgan City along the Louisiana coastline into coastal Southeast Texas. The remainder of the forecast remains mostly unchanged with 1 to 2 feet of surge possible and most of the heavy rainfall remaining offshore due to the sheared nature of the convection.

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

* WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across coastal portions of Louisiana. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having limited impacts. 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: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across immediate coastline. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having limited impacts. 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.

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

* 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 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.

During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather.

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.

* 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 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.