10/9/2020 4:33:00 AM until 10/9/2020 5:00:00 PM

This product covers Southeast Texas **MAJOR HURRICANE DELTA HEADED TOWARD SOUTHWESTERN LOUISIANA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Brazoria Islands, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria, Coastal Galveston, Coastal Harris, Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula, Inland Galveston, and Southern Liberty * STORM INFORMATION: - About 180 miles south-southeast of Galveston TX - 26.9N 93.7W - Storm Intensity 120 mph - Movement North or 350 degrees at 12 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Major Hurricane Delta will further move into the northwest Gulf waters today and weaken as a combination of cooler waters and an increase in shear causes it to weaken modestly before making landfall over Southwest Louisiana. This will also cause the wind field to expand, which has prompted the issuance of a tropical storm warning along the SE Texas coast. Furthermore, a hurricane warning remains in effect for the Gulf waters from 20 to 60 NM out from High Island to Freeport. This is primarily for the waters closer to 60 NM out from High Island, which may be clipped by the core of the expanding storm today. Due to the close approach of this storm, we will have to watch it carefully as it passes. Those in the watch area should complete preparations for the impacts of a tropical storm. Even those near the watch area will be well served to keep an eye on the latest information from the NHC and our office as the storm makes its crossing of the Gulf of Mexico in order to stay ahead of any unanticipated changes. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across the eastern Galveston Bay area. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the western Galveston Bay area, and along the Gulf coast to Sargent. Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * SURGE: Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across Galveston Bay and Gulf-facing coasts from High Island to Sargent. 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 Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across the eastern Galveston Bay area. Potential impacts include: - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across the western Galveston Bay area. Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind, falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move, relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not relocate, help keep roadways open for those under evacuation orders. * 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. If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities. 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 Houston/Galveston TX around 10 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.