Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued July 22 at 10:09PM CDT by NWS Houston/Galveston TX
HLSHGX
This product covers Southeast Texas
**Tropical Storm Bertha Continues Westward, No Significant Impacts for
Southeast Texas**
NEW INFORMATION
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* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
Warning for Bolivar Peninsula, Brazoria Islands, Chambers,
Coastal Brazoria, Coastal Galveston, and Galveston Island
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Bolivar Peninsula,
Brazoria Islands, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria, Coastal
Galveston, and Galveston Island
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 220 miles east of Galveston TX
- 29.4N 91.1W
- Storm Intensity 45 mph
- Movement West or 260 degrees at 12 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
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At 10 PM CDT, Tropical Storm Bertha was located near the southern
Louisiana coast. Bertha will continue to move westward along the
central Gulf Coast tonight and early Thursday. Bertha will be moving
through an unfavorable environment due to high wind shear, dry air, and
land interaction. It is forecast to make another landfall along the
Upper Texas Coast late Thursday morning or early afternoon as a weak
Tropical Storm or Tropical Depression. No significant impacts to
Southeast Texas are expected at this time with the highest
probabilities of tropical storm force winds remaining off the coast and
gusts to tropical storm force winds possible along the immediate
coast. Isolated showers and thunderstorms will be possible through
Thursday, but threat of flooding rain is low. There is also an
increased risk of strong rip currents likely through Friday.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
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* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across coastal
portions of Chambers, Galveston, and Brazoria counties.
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 Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.
* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across Bolivar Peninsula. 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:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across coastal portions of Southeast Texas. 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 Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
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* 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.
There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.
* 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 Houston/Galveston TX around 4 AM CDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.