####018004224####
WTUS84 KHGX 221500

HLSHGX

TXZ335-336-436-222300-



Tropical Storm Harold Local Statement Advisory Number 5

National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL092023

1000 AM CDT Tue Aug 22 2023



This product covers Southeast Texas



**HAROLD MAKES LANDFALL ON PADRE ISLAND TEXAS** 



NEW INFORMATION

---------------



* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

    - None



* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Jackson, 

      Coastal Matagorda, and Matagorda Islands



* STORM INFORMATION:

    - About 110 miles southwest of Port O'Connor TX

    - 27.1N 97.4W

    - Storm Intensity 50 mph

    - Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 21 mph



SITUATION OVERVIEW

------------------



Harold is currently making landfall on Padre Island, with maximum winds

of up to 50 mph near the center. In the Matagorda Bay area, farther from

the landfall point, some winds to tropical storm strength are possible

for the next several hours and the tropical storm watch remains in place.

The highest potential for tropical storm winds will continue to be over

the nearshore Gulf waters, where a tropical storm warning continues.



In addition to these gusty winds, strong rip currents are occurring on

Gulf-facing beaches across the Southeast Texas Gulf coast, and some minor 

flooding in particularly vulnerable spots around Matagorda Bay is also

possible. Finally, brief waterspouts and/or tornadoes are also possible

in stronger storms that push onshore on the outer edge of the storm.



POTENTIAL IMPACTS

-----------------



* TORNADOES:

Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across coastal

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 Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.



* SURGE:

Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across 

the Matagorda Bay area. Remain well away from locally hazardous 

surge having possible limited 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 near where higher surge waters move ashore.

    - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots 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, boardwalks, 

      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.



Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.



* WIND:

Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time 

across Southeast Texas.



PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

----------------------------------



* PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:



If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the 

safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body.



* 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 Houston/Galveston TX around 4 PM CDT, or sooner if 

conditions warrant.



$$