North Vermilion High

This product covers SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA AND SOUTHEAST TEXAS **CRISTOBAL CONTINUES MOVING NORTHWARD ACROSS THE SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL GULF OF MEXICO** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Iberia, Lower St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion * STORM INFORMATION: - About 460 miles south-southeast of Cameron LA or about 410 miles south of Morgan City LA - 23.8N 90.2W - Storm Intensity 45 mph - Movement North or 350 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ At 4 AM CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Cristobal was located near latitude 23.8 North, longitude 90.2 West. Cristobal is moving toward the north near 14 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of Cristobal will move over the central Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, and be near the northern Gulf of Mexico coast on Sunday. Cristobal`s center is then forecast to move inland across Louisiana late Sunday and Monday. Tropical storm force winds are likely within the Tropical Storm Warning over the coastal waters beginning Saturday night and possible within the Tropical Storm Watch along the coast early Sunday. There is the potential for heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over portions of south central Louisiana late Sunday into Monday. Coastal flooding from storm surge of 1 to 3 feet above the ground will also be possible by late Sunday into early Monday, mainly around the Vermilion and Atchafalaya Bays. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across south central Louisiana. Potential impacts include: - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across southwest and central Louisiana. * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across southern and central Louisiana. Potential impacts 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. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across south central Louisiana. 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 along rivers and bayous that drain into the Gulf. - Sections of roads and parking lots near bodies of water may 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, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. Elsewhere across southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across south central Louisiana. 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 southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: WATCH/WARNING PHASE - Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. * 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. 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 Lake Charles LA around 11 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.