Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued July 22 at 4:24AM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA

HLSLCHn This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

• *BERTHA CONTINUES WESTWARD WITH TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS EXPECTEDnTO CONTINUE ALONG THE NORTHERN GULF COAST**

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

• CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS None

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

• STORM INFORMATION About 300 miles east of Cameron LA or about 170 miles east of Morgan City LAn- 29.4N 88.3Wn- Storm Intensity 50 mphn- Movement West or 270 degrees at 5 mphn SITUATION OVERVIEWn----------------- Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to move westward along or justnoff the southern Louisiana coast through Thursday. There is thenpotential for tropical storm wind gusts locally heavy rainfall forncoastal locations east of Cameron. There is the potential for stormnsurge 1 to 3 feet between Cameron and Morgan City A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Morgan city to Cameron. Antropical Storm watch is also in effect for the Vermilion and Atchafalaya Bays and the coastal waters east of Cameron POTENTIAL IMPACTSn-----------------

• WIND:nPrepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the coastalnparishes of southwest and south central Louisiana. Potential 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:nPrepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impactsnacross the coast of southwest and south central Louisiana. 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.

• FLOODING RAIN:nPrepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possiblenlimited impacts across portions of Southwest and Southcentral 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 PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONSn----------------------------------

• EVACUATIONS:nFollow the advice of local officials.

• OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders thatnare issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives ofnothers Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who arenunable to make personal preparations.

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 11 AM CDT, or sooner if conditionsnwarrant.