HLSLCH

This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

**Tropical Storm Watches Issued for Potential Tropical Cyclone 1**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for East Cameron, Lower
Iberia, Lower Jefferson, Lower St. Mary, Lower Vermilion, and
West Cameron

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 360 miles southwest of Lake Charles LA or about 320 miles
southwest of Beaumont TX
- 27.0N 98.0W
- Storm Intensity 30 mph
- Movement Northeast or 45 degrees at 6 mph

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

An area of low pressure centered near the Mexico/Texas line is expected to move over the
western gulf tonight into tomorrow potentially developing into a weak tropical cyclone as
it does so. A tropical storm watch has been issued for coastal portions of southeast Texas
and southwest Louisiana and the adjacent coastal waters. Long duration heavy rainfall and
flash flooding will be the biggest potential hazard with this event. Rainfall totals of 10+
inches will be possible in some areas. Coastal flooding with surge values of 2-4 feet are
expected Wednesday. The potential tropical cyclone will move inland across southeast Texas
or southwest Louisiana Wednesday night into Thursday morning ending the chances for additional
intensification.

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

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Potential
impacts include:
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may
become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with
underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana.

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across coastal portions of southeast Texas, southwest and south central Louisiana.
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 Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to
no impact is anticipated.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
and communications disruptions.
- Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and boats pulled
from moorings.

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across coastal
portions of southeast Texas, southwest and south central 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 check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that
are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of
others.



Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.

* 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
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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.