LOCAL NEWS

Tropical Storm Nicholas: How much rain, flooding is expected for South Texas?

Staff reports
Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Tropical storm Nicholas is expected to bring heavy rainfall, high winds and coastal flooding to South Texas and Louisiana coasts over the next few days.

Due to the expected rain and flooding Beach Access Road 4 was closed Sunday morning while beaches remained open, according to a Nueces County news release.

The Parks and Recreation Department also removed lifeguard stands, portable restrooms, and trash cans from the gulf-facing beaches and bay beaches. 

“The rains are expected to bring flooding, and I urge all to monitor conditions carefully and take precautions as necessary,” said County Judge Barbara Canales said. “While we are taking immediate action on the beach, heavy, extended rainfall is possible, and flooding is possible throughout the county. Conditions may change quickly; take action now to protect your property and loved ones.”

Both Nueces and Kleberg counties were put under a Tropical Storm Warning. Kingsville ISD announced all classes would be canceled for Monday, Sept. 13. Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid ordered the closure of all Kleberg County offices on Monday. The FEMA Dome at H.M. King High School will open at noon Monday for anyone seeking shelter during the storm. 

All Aransas County ISD also will be closed on Monday along with several other area school districts.

The Padre Island National Seashore closed its north and south beaches for driving and camping ahead of the storm.

Storm surge is seen near the harbor ahead of Tropical Storm Nicholas, Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, in Corpus Christi, Texas. A storm surge warning is in effect in Corpus Christi for the next couple of days.

The City of Corpus Christi's departments also rallied to prepare for the inclement weather, according to a city news release. Crews positioned barricades near the Marina, North Beach, Flour Bluff, and Las Colonias near La Volla Creek. High-water rescue vehicles were put in place to respond to possible emergencies, crews cleared storm drains and prepared  street construction sites and low line roadways, which are prone to flooding.

Tropical Storm Nicholas is expected to bring heavy rainfall and coastal flooding to South Texas.

The storm is forecasted to approach the Texas coast late Monday and early Tuesday and could reach hurricane intensity if it remains over water. Hurricane conditions are possible from Port Aransas to Sargent late Monday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.  Some areas could see as high as 65 mph winds inland and 10 to 15 inches of rain through Tuesday. 

More:Heavy rain headed for the Corpus Christi area this weekend, early next week

On Saturday night, Gov. Greg Abbott put resources on standby along the Gulf Coast, from Beaumont to the Rio Grande Valley in anticipation of flooding. 

“We will continue to closely monitor this storm and take all necessary precautions to keep Texans safe. I encourage Texans to follow the guidance and warnings of their local officials and be mindful of potential heavy rain and flooding," Abbott said in a statement.

What resources are available?

Senior Centers will open at 8 a.m. Monday, September 13. Meals will be available, or residents can take a meal to go. Frozen meals will also be provided to take for Tuesday, Sept. 14,  because meals will not be provided at senior centers on Tuesday.  

Home Delivered Meals Program clients will receive a week’s supply of shelf-stable meals to be delivered Sunday, Sept. 12, instead of daily meal delivery for this week. 

Corpus Christi Animal Care Services is prepared to respond to animals in need due to the weather. Officers will respond to service requests for animals in standing water or in need of rescue. Call 361-826-CITY (2489) for assistance.  

The city’s Customer Call Center will be open from 3-7 p.m. Sunday. The Call Center is open  for normal business hours on Monday, Sept. 13. Residents can call 361-826-CITY (2489). 

Get the latest updates at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov and check Caller.com for developments and advisories. For the latest on Corpus Christi storm preparations, visit www.cctexas.com/beready.    

Track the storm:Tropical Storm Nicholas forms in the Gulf: See where it's headed, spaghetti models

What's new?

The National Weather Service has announced these advisories on Tropical Storm Nicholas as of 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12.

  • A Hurricane Watch, Tropical Storm Warning, and a Storm Surge Warning are in effect through Tuesday afternoon for the coastal counties north of Port Aransas.
  • A Tropical Storm Watch and a Storm Surge Watch is in effect through Tuesday afternoon for the Coastal Plains and Victoria Crossroads.
  • A Flash Flood Watch remains in in effect through Tuesday morning for the Coastal Bend and Victoria. Rainfall amounts of 4- 8" with locally higher amounts are possible.