Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued July 22 at 10:03PM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA

HLSLCHn This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

• *Tropcial Storm Warnings Expanded into Southeast Texas**

NEW INFORMATIONn---------------

• CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Lower Jefferson and West Camero

• CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for East Cameron, Lower Iberia, Lower Jefferson, Lower St. Mary, Lower Vermilion, and West Camero

• STORM INFORMATION About 130 miles east-southeast of Cameron LA or about 20 milesnsouth-southeast of Morgan City LAn- 29.4N 91.1Wn- Storm Intensity 45 mphn- Movement West or 260 degrees at 12 mphn SITUATION OVERVIEWn----------------- Bertha continues to maintain tropcial storm force winds, albietnmostly over the gulf waters. The storm is moving a bit south of duenwest and will move along the coast or just south of southwest Louisiana through tonight and into southeast Texas late Thursday. Tropicalnstorm warning have been extended across the remainder of Cameron Parish and across southern Jefferson County. The warning also nownincludes Sabine Lake. The remainder of the forecast remains unchangednwith 1 to 3 feet of surge possible and most of the heavy rainfallnremaining offshore due to the sheared nature of the convection POTENTIAL IMPACTSn-----------------

• WIND:nProtect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts acrossncoastal portions of Louisiana and southeast Texas south of I-10.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.

• SURGE:nProtect against locally hazardous surge having possible limitednimpacts across immediate coastal portions of Louisiana and southeast Texas. Potential impacts in this area include 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.

• FLOODING RAIN:nProtect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possiblenlimited impacts across south central and coastal portions of Louisiananand southeast Texas. Potential impacts 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 complete all preparations to protect life andnproperty in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in ansafe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.nAllow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridgesnwill be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weathernforecast before departing and drive with caution If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelternrules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or havenpets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss ofnlife. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with anynorders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions arenunsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outletsnfor official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changesnto the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weathernwarnings.

• 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 AM CDT, or sooner if conditionsnwarrant.