Alert Details
HLSLIX This product covers Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS ISSUED FOR THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS INCLUDING ORLEANS, JEFFERSON, ST. CHARLES AND UPPER PLAQUEMINES PARISHES AS WELL AS LOWER TERREBONNE PARISH. NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Central Jefferson, Central Plaquemines, Central St. Charles, Lower St. Charles, Lower Terrebonne, Upper Jefferson, Upper Plaquemines, Upper St. Bernard, Upper St. Charles, and Western Orleans * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Jefferson, Central Plaquemines, Central St. Charles, Coastal Jefferson, Eastern Orleans, Lower Lafourche, Lower Plaquemines, Lower St. Bernard, Lower St. Charles, Lower Terrebonne, Southeast St. Tammany, Southern Hancock, Southern Harrison, Southern Jackson, Upper Jefferson, Upper Plaquemines, Upper St. Bernard, Upper St. Charles, and Western Orleans - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Northern Hancock, Northern Harrison, Northern Jackson, St. John The Baptist, Upper Lafourche, and Upper Terrebonne * STORM INFORMATION: - About 190 miles east-southeast of New Orleans LA or about 130 miles east-southeast of Gulfport MS - 29.4N 87.2W - Storm Intensity 60 mph - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 6 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Bertha is currently south of Pensacola, Florida and will continue to move west-northwest and may gradually weaken as it makes its approach to landfall on Wednesday. Bertha is forecast to bring the threat of tropical storm force wind gusts generally along and south of I-10, and coastal flooding of up to 2 to 4 feet above normally dry ground. The threat for locally heavy rainfall will be limited to coastal areas of southeast Louisiana though a few stray storms could still provide quick rainfall totals up to 1-2 inches further north to the I-10/12 corridor. Coastal Flood Warnings are in effect for coastal Mississippi and Southeast St. Tammany to the Mouth of the Mississippi River. Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect for north and west shores of Lake Pontchartrain and the Jefferson/Lafourche Parish Line to Morgan City, Louisiana. Tropical Storm Warnings are now in effect for the city of New Orleans as well as Lake Pontchartrain and Lakes Salvador and Catoaouatche. Along the coast, Tropical Storm Warnings are now in effect from the Bay/Gulf County Line in Florida border west to Morgan City, Louisiana. Additionally, Tropical Storm Watches remain in effect for St. John Parish, inland portions Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes, Lake Maurepas, as well as inland coastal Mississippi Counties of Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. Potential impacts in this area 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 Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi, little to no impact is anticipated. * SURGE: Prepare for coastal flooding having possible significant impacts across coastal Louisiana and Mississippi. Potential impacts in this area include: - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to buildings, mainly near the coast. - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents. - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. Elsewhere across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi, little to no impact is anticipated. * 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, 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. * TORNADOES: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. 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. If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. 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, in a valley, 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 orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. 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. Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for weathering the storm and your whereabouts. 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 charged. Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. 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 weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly. 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 , or sooner if conditions warrant.