Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued July 21 at 10:13AM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA

HLSLCHn 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 INFORMATIONn---------------

• CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Lower Iberia, Lower St. Mary, and Lower Vermilio

• CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Lower Iberia, Lower St.nMary, and Lower Vermilio

• STORM INFORMATION About 420 miles east of Cameron LA or about 290 miles east of Morgan City LAn- 29.3N 86.3Wn- Storm Intensity 60 mphn- Movement North-northwest or 345 degrees at 3 mphn SITUATION OVERVIEWn----------------- Tropical Storm Bertha is currently located in the northeastern Gulfnand is slowly moving northwest. Some additional strengthening isnpossible as the storm tracks along the coast of central and southwest Louisiana. Bertha is forecasted to bring tropical storm force gustsnand locally heavy rainfall for areas south of I-10. Storm surge up ton3 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 IMPACTSn-----------------

• SURGE:nPrepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impactsnacross Vermilion Bay. Potential impacts in this areaninclude Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly alongnimmediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areasnfarther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspreadnwith surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places wherensurge water covers the road Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainlynin usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,nand piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to

o impact is anticipated.

• WIND:nPrepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across portions of southwest Louisiana.nPotential impacts in this area include Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchorednmobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped ornuprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees arenshallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urba

or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions o

bridges and other elevated roadways Scattered power and communications outages Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to

o impact is anticipated.

• FLOODING RAIN:nPrepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possiblenlimited impacts across portions of southwest Louisiana. Potentialnimpacts include Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.nSmall streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swolle

and overflow in spots Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usuallynvulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of waternoccurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainagenareas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become

ear-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridgenclosures Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to

o impact is anticipated.

• TORNADOES:nLittle to no impacts are anticipated at this timenacross Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONSn----------------------------------

• EVACUATIONS:nFollow the advice of local officials.

• OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:nNow is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency suppliesnkit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure yournhome or business When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on thenexact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damagingnwind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from thencenter of the storm Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local newsnoutlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changesnto the forecast.

• ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION For information on appropriate preparations see ready.govn- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.orgn- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.orgn NEXT UPDATEn---------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Lake Charles LA around 4 PM CDT, or sooner if conditionsnwarrant.