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
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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.