Tropical storm warning issued for SPI

Tropical Storm Nicholas will affect the Lower Texas Coast. Currently, the models continue to show this system increasing in strength and is expected to bring heavy rain with moderate winds to South Padre Island tonight, Monday, September 13.

The National Weather Service has predicted four to six inches of rain and winds are expected to be between 39 miles per hour to 73 miles per hour (Tropical Storm Force Winds). This storm is expected to cause coastal flooding on South Padre Island. Community members are advised to use caution around areas prone to significant flooding during severe weather.

While this is a tropical storm warning, there is a possibility that this could change to a hurricane warning very quickly with little time to prepare.

Many use social media in the event of a disaster to let relatives and friends know they are safe. Social media provides the perfect platform to model preparedness actions for others. It is a great way to stay current with the City, state and national social media resources and warnings. Here are a few to make sure you are following:

www.myspi.org

https://www.facebook.com/SouthPadreTexas

http://www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast/local-chapters/harlingen

https://www.cameroncounty.us/emergency-management/

Awareness and preparation can reduce the impact of hurricane disasters. Families, individuals, and businesses know their vulnerability and the actions to take to prepare to reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

Here are a few tips to prepare:

Bottle water (1 gallon per person, per day).

Vehicle gas tanks should be full.

Cash (should power be lost, credit card/ATMs will not be functional).

Secure lawn and patio furniture, garbage bins, and other loose items.

Bring your pets indoors.

Do not drive through water-covered roadways.

Visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness for more preparedness information.

Sign up for Swift911, the City’s emergency notification system that sends out notifications directly to you via your home phone, cell phone, and/or email, by going to www.myspi.org.

Hurricane Season is from June to November.