HLSLCH

This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

**TROPICAL STORM BERTHA DEVELOPS SOUTH OF FLORIDA PANHANDLE. TROPICAL STORM WATCHES NOW IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA.**


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

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

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 420 miles east of Cameron LA or about 290 miles east of
Morgan City LA
- 29.3N 86.3W
- Storm Intensity 60 mph
- Movement North-northwest or 345 degrees at 3 mph

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

Tropical Storm Bertha is currently located in the northeastern Gulf
and is slowly moving northwest. Some additional strengthening is
possible as the storm tracks along the coast of central and southwest
Louisiana. Bertha is forecasted to bring tropical storm force gusts
and locally heavy rainfall for areas south of I-10. Storm surge up to
3 feet will be possible across from Morgan city to the
Vermilion/Cameron parish line.

A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for Morgan city to the
Vermilion/Cameron Parish line. A tropical storm watch is in effect for
Vermilion bay and the eastern coastal waters.

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

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across Vermilion Bay. 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.

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across portions of southwest 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.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across portions of southwest 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 check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.

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
-----------

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.

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 111 expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west
central Louisiana and southeast Texas.

* WHEN...From noon today to 7 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.