Full Notification

TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED FOR POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE IN GULF OF MEXICO**

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 460 miles east-southeast of Port O'Connor TX
- 25.0N 89.9W
- Storm Intensity 30 mph
- Movement West or 275 degrees at 16 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
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The National Hurricane Center has initiated advisories on Potential
Tropical Cyclone 9 in the Gulf of Mexico, just more than 450 miles
east-southeast of Port O'Connor. Tropical Storm watches and warnings
have been issued, including a tropical storm watch in the Matagorda Bay
area from Sargent to Port O'Connor. This storm is moving at about 15
mph towards the Texas Coast, and is expected to become a tropical storm
before making landfall tomorrow. Though the forecast track is well
south of our area, impacts of tropical cyclones can extend far from the
center of the storm. To guard against this and any uncertainty in the
formation process of this potential storm, those in the watch area are
advised to be prepared for tropical storm conditions.


POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the
Matagorda Bay area. 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 Texas, little to no impact is anticipated.

* SURGE:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time
across Southeast Texas.

* 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.
 

Instructions:

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