Tropical Cyclone Statement issued June 17 at 11:41AM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA

HLSLCHn This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas

• *TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR DEVELOPS NEAR THE MIDDLE TEXAS COAST. TROPICAL STORM WARNING EXTENDED SOUTHWARD* NEW INFORMATIONn---------------

• CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS None

• CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for East Cameron, Lower Iberia, Lower Jefferson, Lower St. Mary, Lower Vermilion, and West Camero

• STORM INFORMATION About 160 miles west-southwest of Lake Charles LA or about 120nmiles southwest of Beaumont TXn- 28.8N 95.5Wn- Storm Intensity 45 mphn- Movement Northeast or 45 degrees at 9 mphn SITUATION OVERVIEWn----------------- Observations have indicated tropical storm force winds in some ofnthe bands of the low pressure area moving up the Texas gulf coast.nAs a result, the National Hurricane Center has upgraded PTC 1 to Tropical Storm Arthur with maximum sustained winds near 40 MPH. The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warningnfor Jefferson county as tropical storm force winds will be possiblenalong the immediate coastline as the bands of Arthur move inlandnthis afternoon and tonight. No other changes have been made to thenwarnings already in effect. Long duration heavy rainfall from Arthurnwill exacerbate flooding across southeast Texas as well asnsouthwest, central and south central Louisiana today and Thursday.nRainfall totals of one half to 3 inches are expected with locallynhigher amounts of 2 to 8 inches possible within tropical rain bands.nThe highest totals are expected in South Central Louisiana. Coastalnflooding with surge values of 2-4 feet are expected this afternoon.nWind gusts of 25-50 MPH can be expected along the southwest andnsouth central Louisiana coasts with wind gusts up to 25 MPH inland POTENTIAL IMPACTSn-----------------

• FLOODING RAIN:nProtect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possiblenextensive impacts across south central Louisiana. Potentialnimpacts include Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks i

multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches maynbecome dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers maynbecome stressed Flood waters can enter many structures within multiplencommunities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washednaway. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.nStreets and parking lots become rivers of moving water withnunderpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.nMany road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limitednto significant impacts across southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana.

• SURGE:nProtect against life-threatening surge having possible significantnimpacts across southeast Texas, southwest and south central Louisiana.nPotential impacts in this area include Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated bynwaves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads becomenweakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable lownspots Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and

umerous rip currents Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.nSeveral small craft broken away from moorings, especially i

unprotected anchorages Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to

o impact is anticipated.

• WIND:nLittle to no impacts are anticipated at this timenacross Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas.

• TORNADOES:nProtect against a tornado event having possible limited impactsnacross Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Potential impactsninclude The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the executio

of emergency plans during tropical events A few places may experience tornado damage, along with powernand communications disruptions Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneysntoppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,nlarge tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted treesnknocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and boats pullednfrom moorings PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONSn----------------------------------

• EVACUATIONS:nFollow the advice of local officials.

• OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-pronenarea, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a floodednroadway. Remember, turn around don't drown Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outletsnfor official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changesnto the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weathernwarnings.

• ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION For information on appropriate preparations see ready.govn- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.orgn- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.orgn NEXT UPDATEn---------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Lake Charles LA around 4 PM CDT, or sooner if conditionsnwarrant.