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Tropical Storm Harold Local Statement Advisory Number 4

National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL092023

426 AM CDT Tue Aug 22 2023



This product covers Southeast Texas



**HAROLD HEADED FOR THE SOUTH TEXAS COAST** 



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 240 miles south of Galveston TX

    - 25.8N 95.1W

    - Storm Intensity 45 mph

    - Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 18 mph



SITUATION OVERVIEW

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



Tropical Storm Harold, located about 240 miles south of Galveston 

Texas, is moving towards the west-northwest at around 18 mph and 

is expected to move inland over South Texas by midday today. The 

maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Some 

additional strengthening is possible before Tropical Storm Harold 

reaches the Texas coast.   



The primary threats will remain highest for marine interests on the 

Gulf of Mexico below Freeport. Those around the Matagorda Bay are 

still advised to be prepared for tropical storm conditions through 

late this morning and be ready for any last-minute, unanticipated 

changes to the forecast.





POTENTIAL IMPACTS

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



* WIND:

Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across Southeast 

Texas.



* SURGE:

Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts 

across the Matagorda Bay area. Potential impacts in this area 

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.



* TORNADOES:

Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across 

the Matagorda Bay area. Potential 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.



PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

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



* EVACUATIONS:

Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, 

including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so 

immediately. 



For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind, 

falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move, 

relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not relocate, 

help keep roadways open for those under evacuation orders. 



* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies 

kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your 

home or business.



When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the 

exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging 

wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the 

center of the storm. 



When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded 

as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of 

strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness 

activities to become unsafe.



Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news 

outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes 

to the forecast.



* 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 7 AM CDT, or sooner if 

conditions warrant.



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