Tropical Storm Nate Local Statement Advisory Number 8 National Weather Service New Orleans LA AL162017 448 AM CDT Fri Oct 6 2017 This product covers Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi **Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches now in Effect** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Lower Jefferson, Lower Lafourche, Lower Plaquemines, Lower St. Bernard, Lower Terrebonne, Orleans, Southern Tangipahoa, St. Charles, St. John The Baptist, St. Tammany, and Upper St. Bernard - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Ascension, Assumption, Livingston, Northern Tangipahoa, Pearl River, St. James, Upper Jefferson, Upper Lafourche, Upper Plaquemines, Upper Terrebonne, and Washington * STORM INFORMATION: - About 960 miles south-southeast of New Orleans LA or about 960 miles south-southeast of Gulfport MS - 16.9N 85.1W - Storm Intensity 45 mph - Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ At 400AM CDT, Tropical Storm Nate is moving toward the north-northwest near 14 mph and is expected to continue on this general heading through Friday and then speeding up over the Gulf. Maximum sustained winds are now 45 mph. Hurricane and Storm Surge watches have now been issued for much of the area. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible extensive impacts across coastal Louisiana and coastal Mississippi, outside of the hurricane protection levee system. Potential impacts in this area include: - Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by battering waves. Structural damage to buildings, with several washing away. Damage compounded by floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period. - Large sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Severe beach erosion with significant dune loss. - Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Many small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages with some lifted onshore and stranded. Elsewhere across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts across much of southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. Potential impacts in this area include: - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks. - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Large areas with power and communications outages. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, bayous, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: WATCH PHASE - For those under evacuation orders, leave as soon as practical with a destination in mind. Gas up your vehicle well ahead of time. Be sure that you take all essential materials from your emergency supplies kit. Let others know where you are going and when you intend to arrive. WATCH PHASE - If evacuating the area, stick to prescribed evacuation routes. Look for additional traffic information on roadway smart signs and listen to select radio channels for further travel instructions. Drivers should not use cell phones while operating vehicles. WATCH PHASE - For those not under evacuation orders, understand that there are inherent risks to evacuation (such as traffic congestion, accidents, and driving in bad weather), so evacuate only if necessary. Help keep roadways open for those that are under evacuation orders. WATCH PHASE - If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or water hazards from tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, especially if being officially recommended. Relocate to a predetermined shelter or safe destination. WATCH PHASE - If evacuating away from the area or relocating to a nearby shelter, leave early before weather conditions become hazardous. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency Supplies Kit is stocked and ready. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties which must be taken into account. If you live in a place that is particularly vulnerable to high wind, such as a mobile home, an upper floor of a high rise building, or on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. Take enough supplies for you and your family for several days. If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low lying or poor drainage area,or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. When securing your property, outside preparations should be conducted as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds and heavy rain can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe. Be sure to let friends and other family members know of your intentions and whereabouts for surviving the storm. For emergency purposes, have someone located away from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital contact information with others. Keep cell phones handy and well charged. Be a Good Samaritan and check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings. If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which you are located and where it is relative to current watches and warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to area visitors. Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other 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 New Orleans LA around 11 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ |