Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued July 22 at 4:22PM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA

HLSLCHn This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

• *TROPICAL STORM BERTHA MOVING WEST OVER COASTAL SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA * NEW INFORMATIONn---------------

• CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for East Cameron, Lower Iberia, Lower St. Mary, and Lower Vermilio

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

  — A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Lower Jefferson and West Camero

• STORM INFORMATION About 240 miles east of Sabine Pass TX or about 80 miles eastnof Morgan City LAn- 29.8N 89.8Wn- Storm Intensity 45 mphn- Movement West or 270 degrees at 7 mphn SITUATION OVERVIEWn----------------- Tropical Storm Bertha has made landfall over St. Bernard Parish,neast of New Orleans. The storm is moving due west across Southeast Louisiana coast through Thursday. A slight southward jog is expectednwith the system then continuing to move along or near the Louisianancoastline. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect along coastal Louisiana to Cameron along the Calcasieu Pass. With the exception of Sabine Lake, all marine zones including lakes, bays and coastal watersnare under a Tropical Storm Warning. There is the potential for stormnsurge up to 3 feet between High Island, Texas and Morgan City,nLouisiana A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for west Cameron Parish,nlower Jefferson County, and Sabine Lake POTENTIAL IMPACTSn-----------------

• WIND:nProtect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts acrossncoastal portions of Louisiana south of I-10. Potential impacts in thisnarea 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 urban ornheavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridgesnand 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. Potential impacts i

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 Louisiana.nPotential 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 Now 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 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 makingn 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 10 PM CDT, or sooner if conditionsnwarrant.