Parts of Texas are under a Hurricane Watch as Tropical Storm Nicholas begins to gain strength off the coast. In response to the weather threats, Gov. Gregg Abbott has ordered the Texas State Operations Center to increase its readiness to Level II starting Monday at 9 a.m. CST.
A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the lower Texas coast. A Tropical Storm Warning from the lower and middle Texas Coast. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the upper Texas coast, according to meteorologist Dan Brounoff.
The SOC will operate at Level II to coordinate the state's response in support of local officials as the storm is expected to start impacting the coast on Tuesday morning.
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Winds are projected to be upwards of 65 mph. However, due to slow movement, flooding rain will be the main threat, as well as tornadoes east of the track of the storm.
In a press release, Abbott urged "Texans to prepare now, pay close attention to their local forecasts, and heed all warnings of local officials."
"The State Operations Center has increased its readiness and is prepared to assist local officials in their response to Tropical Storm Nicholas," said Governor Abbott. "As this storm approaches Texas, I urge our Southeast Texas and Gulf Coast communities to prepare now to protect themselves and their loved ones from the severe weather conditions that Tropical Storm Nicholas will bring."
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To be prepared for floods and severe weather, the press release added that residents should:
—Know the types of flood risks in your area. Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center for information here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
—Sign up for your community's warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
—Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: https://www.ready.gov/kit
—Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
—Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
—Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways, and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, Turn Around Don't Drown.
For more flood safety tips, visit gov.texas.gov/hurricane. Texans can also visit www.TexasFlood.org for resources and tips on how to stay safe during flood events.
