Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued July 20 at 7:21PM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
HLSLIX
This product covers Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi
NOAA HURRICANE HUNTERS FIND THAT THE DEPRESSION HAS STRENGTHENED
INTO TROPICAL STORM BERTHA
NEW INFORMATION
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* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect for
Eastern Orleans, Lower Plaquemines, Lower St. Bernard,
Southeast St. Tammany, Southern Hancock, Southern Harrison, and
Southern Jackson
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 270 miles east-southeast of New Orleans LA or about 220
miles east-southeast of Gulfport MS
- 28.6N 86.0W
- Storm Intensity 40 mph
- Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 3 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Tropical Storm Bertha is currently south off the coast of the
Florida Peninsula and will gradually continue to move northwest.
Some slight additional strengthening is possible before reaching
the region sometime midweek. Bertha is forecast to bring the threat
of tropical storm force wind gusts, locally heavy rainfall south
of I-10, and storm surge. The coastal areas of Mississippi and
southeast Louisiana will have the greatest threat, especially
south of I-10.
Tropical storm watches remain in effect for the Mississippi coast and
southeast Louisiana east of the mouth of the Mississippi River. A
tropical storm watch also remains in effect for the coastal waters,
sounds east of the mouth of the Mississippi as well as for Lake
Borgne.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the
Louisiana and Mississippi coasts. 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 Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi, little to
no impact is anticipated.
* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts
across the Louisiana coast east of the mouth of the Mississippi River
and coastal Mississippi. 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 Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi, little to
no impact is anticipated.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts south of I-10, especially near the southeast Louisiana coast.
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.
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across coastal Mississippi and elsewhere in southeast
Louisiana along the I-10/I-12 corridor.
* TORNADOES:
Little to no tornado impacts are anticipated at this time across
Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of
strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness
activities to become unsafe.
Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.
If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.
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 New Orleans LA around 10pm, or sooner if conditions
warrant.