WTUS84 KLCH 142100 HLSLCH LAZ073-TXZ215-216-150500- Tropical Storm Nicholas Local Statement Advisory Number 11 National Weather Service Lake Charles LA AL142021 400 PM CDT Tue Sep 14 2021 This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas **LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS EXPECTED ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE DEEP SOUTH DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Storm Surge Warning has been cancelled for Jefferson - The Storm Surge Watch has been cancelled for West Cameron * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Jefferson, Orange, and West Cameron * STORM INFORMATION: - About 50 miles west of Sabine Pass TX or about 80 miles west of Cameron LA - 29.6N 94.6W - Storm Intensity 40 mph - Movement East-northeast or 70 degrees at 6 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ At 400 PM CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Nicholas was located by Doppler radars, satellites, and surface observations near latitude 29.6 North, longitude 94.6 West. Nicholas is moving toward the east- northeast near 6 mph and this general motion should continue through tonight. An eastward turn is expected over Louisiana by Wednesday. Little motion is anticipated on Thursday. NOAA Doppler weather radar and surface observations indicate that maximum sustained winds remain near 40 mph with higher gusts. Gradual weakening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Nicholas is forecast to become a tropical depression this evening and degenerate into a remnant low on Wednesday or by early Thursday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1003 mb (29.62 inches) based on nearby surface observations. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across Jefferson County. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having possible devastating impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the remainder of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having possible extensive impacts. * SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across the coastline from High Island to Cameron. Remain well away from life- threatening surge having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland along rivers and bayous that drain into the Gulf. - Sections of roads and parking lots near bodies of water may 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, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across Jefferson County and the Louisiana coastline from Sabine Pass to Cameron. Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts 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 Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Remain well braced against a tornado event having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings. Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all clear to return. Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all clear to return. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery- powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy. Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check- ins. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. * 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 ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Lake Charles LA around 11 PM, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$