029 WTUS84 KLCH 271121 HLSLCH LAZ052>055-271600- Tropical Storm Zeta Local Statement Advisory Number 11 National Weather Service Lake Charles LA AL282020 621 AM CDT Tue Oct 27 2020 This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas **STORM SURGE WARNINGS ISSUED FOR THE SOUTH-CENTRAL LOUISIANA COAST** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge Warning for Iberia, St. Mary, and Vermilion * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect for Iberia, St. Mary, and Vermilion - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Lower St. Martin * STORM INFORMATION: - About 620 miles south-southeast of Morgan City LA - 21.0N 88.4W - Storm Intensity 70 mph - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Zeta is expected to move off the Yucatan Peninsula later this morning, then strengthen back to hurricane status over the southern Gulf of Mexico by the afternoon. Zeta is then expected to make a turn to the north and north-northeast late tonight and early Wednesday, approaching the south-central and southeast Louisiana coast Wednesday evening as a Category 1 hurricane. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts across the lower Acadiana coast. Potential impacts in this area include: - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to non-elevated structures is possible. - Sections of 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, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across south-central Louisiana. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. 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. 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 complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed evacuation orders issued by the local authorities. Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown! Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * 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 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ 25