Tropical Storm turned to Hurricane Nicholas has officially made landfall on Monday (September 13th) in Texas. The storm is already making a major impact.
According to DailyMail, Hurricane Nicholas has so far dumped 14 inches of rain at Galveston Beach. The storm already has a 4ft storm surge along the Gulf Coast. More than 500,000 people on the Gulf Coast are currently without power. But now it is reported that a total of 20 inches of rain is now being expected on the Gulf Coast. However, Weather officials are now expecting six to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) of rain that will be along the middle and upper Texas coast.
Hurricane Nicholas comes just weeks after Hurricane Ida ripped through Louisiana. The Category 4 Hurricane became the second most damaging and intense hurricane to strike Lousiana, behind 2005’s infamous Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Ida made its way up to New York City, where it caused severe flooding.
Last week, a total of 109 deaths are in relation to Hurricane Ida’s impact. Reports confirm that 94 of the victims were in the U.S. while 20 were in Venezuela. Hurricane Ida is now the cause of 42 indirect deaths.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott Signs Disaster Declaration
Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott announced on Monday that he has issued a state disaster declaration in response to Hurricane Nicholas for nearly 20 countries. The counties included in the declaration are; Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Neuce, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, and Victoria. The Governor further confirms that the state will be including additional countries as needs increase.
“Texans throughout the Gulf Coast should prepare now for the impact of [Hurricane] Nicholas, which is expected to bring severe rain and flooding to these communities,” Governor Abbott stated. The Governor also stated that the state of Texas is working closely with officials on the ground. It will also be providing resources and support to those in need. “But it is up to all Texans in the path of this storm to take precautions. Heed the guidance of officials. And remain vigilant as this severe weather moves through Texas.”
Over the weekend, Governor Abbott ordered the Texas State Operations Center to increase its readiness to Level II (Escalated Response). It began Monday morning at 9 a.m.
Govenor Abbott States that Hurricane Nicholas Will Not Pose a Threat to the State’s Power Grid
According to ABC Texas affiliate News 13, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has already set up 16 shelters. The shelters are extended from the Rio Grande Valley to East Texas. Governor Abbott also confirms that Hurricane Nicholas will not pose a threat to the Texas power grid.
He adds, “The Public Utility Commission is in contact with electric utilities along the projected path of [Hurricane] Nicholas, and utilities have begun that public safety messaging to their customers.”
