Tropical storm Nicholas: Here's when it will arrive in Texas
Texas officials are bracing for Tropical Storm Nicholas which is forecast to bring flooding rains and life-threatening surf to parts of the state as early as Sunday, September 12 night. High winds and heavy rains are expected to arrive at the middle and upper Texas coasts late Monday, September 13 night into Tuesday, September 14. Certain middle and upper coastal areas can see up to 20 inches of rain, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest public advisory. The surf is expected to pick up Sunday, September 12 night and remain rough until Tuesday, September 14 in parts of the northwest Gulf coast. “These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” the NHC said in its advisory.
“The State Operations Center has increased its readiness and is prepared to assist local officials in their response to Tropical Storm Nicholas,” Gov Greg Abbott announced Sunday, September 12, in anticipation of the incoming storm. “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,” the governor said.
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National Hurricane Centre tweeted, "1130 PM CDT Special Advisory: Hurricane Hunter aircraft and radar data indicate that the center of Tropical Storm #Nicholas has reformed farther north, and therefore a special advisory has been issued." The Centre has also posted key messages for Tropical Storm Nicholas in 4 pointers: "1. Periods of heavy rainfall are expected to impact portions of the Texas and Louisiana coasts through the middle of the week. Significant rainfall amounts are possible, potentially resulting in areas of considerable flash and urban flooding, especially in highly urbanized metropolitan areas. Isolated minor to moderate river flooding is also expected. 2. There is the danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation along the coast of Texas from Port Aransas to San Luis Pass. Residents in these areas should follow any advice given by local officials. 3. Nicholas is forecast to approach the middle Texas coast as a strong tropical storm late Monday and early Tuesday and could be near hurricane intensity if it moves to the right of the forecast track and remains over water longer. Tropical storm conditions are expected along portions of the middle Texas coast beginning Monday afternoon, with hurricane conditions possible from Port Aransas to Freeport late Monday and Monday night. 4. Tropical storm conditions are expected along portions of the northeastern coast of Mexico and the coast of south Texas beginning Monday morning."
Nicholas is the 14th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is currently at its peak, with five tropical disturbances being monitored across the Atlantic basin. Flash flood watches are now in effect from Brownsville, Texas, to Lake Charles, Louisiana. Between six and 10 inches of rain is forecast for Galveston, Texas, and Lake Charles, Louisiana.
-There is currently a Tropical Storm Watch in effect for several Houston-area counties. That includes Brazoria, Jackson, Matagorda, Austin, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Colorado, Fort Bend, Liberty and Wharton
Storm Surge Watch: Rio Grande to High Island.
A Flash Flood Watch until Tuesday night for Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Fort Bend, Matagorda, Liberty and Wharton counties.
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect from Port Aransas to San Luis Pass as well as in Aransas Bay, San Antonio Bay and Matagorda Bay.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the coast between Port Aransas and Freeport.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the mouth of the Rio Grande River to High Island as well as Barra el Mezquital to the U.S./Mexico border.
A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the mouth of the Rio Grande River to Port Aransas, and from San Luis Pass to Rutherford Beach Louisiana