22 Aug 2023 | 03:21 PM UTC
US: Tropical Storm Harold makes landfall over southern Texas early Aug. 22 /update 2
Tropical Storm Harold makes landfall over southern Texas, US, early Aug. 22. Severe weather expected in the region through Aug. 23.
Event
Tropical Storm Harold is in the process of making landfall over southern Texas as of early Aug. 22. Radar equipment indicates the center of the storm was passing over Padre Island around 10:00 CDT Aug. 22 and the system's center of circulation was approximately 55 km (35 miles) north of Port Mansfield, Texas.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken into a tropical depression as it tracks west-northwestward across southern Texas on Aug. 22. Harold is expected to weaken further into a remnant low as it continues to track west-northwestward over northern Coahuila State, Mexico, late Aug. 22-early Aug. 23, before dissipating as it approaches southwestern Texas. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur over the coming days.
As of Aug. 22, authorities have issued the following coastal watches and warnings:
Tropical Storm Warning: parts of Texas from the mouth of the Rio Grande northward to Port O'Connor
Tropical Storm Watch: parts of Texas from Port O'Connor northward to Sargent
Authorities will likely issue new warnings and update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming hours and days.
The system is forecast to produce rainfall totals of 5-10 cm (2-4 inches), with locally higher amounts of 15 cm (6 inches), across southern Texas through early Aug. 23. Rainfall totals of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches), with localized higher amounts of up to 25 cm (10 inches), are likely in parts of Mexico's northern Coahuila and northern Nuevo Leon states through Aug. 23. Scattered flash flooding is possible.
Tornadoes are possible across South Texas through the afternoon of Aug. 22. Storm surge of 0.3-0.9 meters (1-3 feet) is possible along the southern coast of Texas from the mouth of Rio Grande to Sargent, including Baffin Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and Matagorda Bay. The storm may also produce large swells off southern Texas through Aug. 22, which are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Kleberg County, Texas, has issued voluntary evacuation orders for low-lying areas of Riviera, Baffin Bay, and Loyola Beach. Naval Air Station Kingsville has evacuated the RV park on the installation.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
