Key Messages for Tropical Storm Cristobal - Advisory 8

1. Damaging and deadly flooding has already occurred in portions of Mexico and Central America, Cristobal is expected to produce additional extreme rainfall amounts through the end of the week. The heaviest additional rainfall is expected over far southern Mexico and portions of the Yucatan Peninsula, while also extending along the Pacific coast from Chiapas to Guatemala and El Salvador. This rainfall could cause widespread life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

2. Even though Cristobal has made landfall, tropical storm conditions will continue along and near the coast of Mexico through Thursday, especially over western Campeche, eastern Tabasco, and northern Chiapas states.

3. Cristobal is forecast to re-emerge over the southern Gulf of Mexico Friday or Friday night and move northward over the central and northern Gulf of Mexico over the weekend. There is a risk of storm surge, heavy rainfall, and wind impacts beginning over the weekend along portions of the U.S. Gulf Coast from Texas to the Florida Panhandle. While it is too soon to determine the exact location, timing, and magnitude of these impacts, interests in these areas should monitor the progress of Cristobal and ensure they have their hurricane plan in place.

For more information go to hurricanes.gov

NOW is the time to reach out to your members and constituents along the Gulf Coast, from Texas to the Florida Panhandle, and encourage them to prepare by sharing the following tips. A link to a more comprehensive list of preparedness tips can be found on HENTF’s website.

• Track the storm via the National Hurricane Center, www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

• Monitor information via your State Emergency Management Agency. For links to public safety websites for states, territories, and the District of Columbia, see www.dhs.gov/state-homeland-security-and-emergency-services.

• Make sure staff, volunteer, and board contact lists are up to date. Determine how you will communicate with one another before, during, and after the storm.

• For tips on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane, go to www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

• Keep this 24/7 hotline number handy: 202.661.8068. The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals, are available 24/7 to provide advice.

• Download FEMA fact sheets “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” and “Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms,” available at www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/113297.