Hurricane Information - Including current conditions and preparation

Current information 8/24 - Posted 7:10 pm


Governor Abbott included Aransas County in his disaster proclamation yesterday because of the forecasted storm surges and the possibility of a change in course for Tropical Storm Laura.

National Weather Service Synopsis

•    Laura has the potential to become a major Category 3 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday
•    Additional watches may be needed farther south along the Texas coast if the track forecast shifts west tonight and Tuesday
•    Potential for storm surge and hazardous marine conditions in South Texas from Laura
•    Main impact from Marco expected to be a high risk of rip currents through this evening

Storm effects other than three-foot storm surge are forecasted for north and east of Rockport but forecast confidence is still low.  Any track shifting to the west could increase impacts on Aransas County.

Current Information 8/23 - Posted 8 PM

Please take note of today's National Weather Briefing for the Coastal Bend:

Tropical Storm Laura will strengthen to a hurricane and approach the Upper TX/LA coast by Wednesday... Hurricane Marco is expected to weaken before landfall Monday night or Tuesday along the LA/Upper TX coast...

Forecast
Tropical Storm Laura is expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico late Monday and strengthen into a hurricane late Tuesday or Tuesday night. Laura is forecast to strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane as it moves northwest across the Gulf of Mexico  At this time, landfall is forecast for the Upper TX/LA coast Wednesday or Wednesday night as a hurricane.  Uncertainty still remains in the forecast and any changes will change the potential for South Texas to be impacted by Laura. Now is the time to prepare for a potential hurricane.

South Texas Impacts Laura

Winds:  Tropical Storm force winds are possible beginning Wednesday and continuing through Thursday.

Rainfall:  1-2 inches of rain could fall near the coast with lower amounts inland, mostly Wednesday through Thursday. Any shift in the track will affect the amounts and locations of the heaviest rainfall.

Storm Tides, Flooding and Rip Currents:  With long period swells expected, coastal flooding is forecast to begin late Tuesday and continue through Thursday. A high rip current risk is expected tonight through Thursday. Wave heights over the coastal waters could reach 8 - 12 feet Wednesday through Thursday, then begin to subside by Friday. Wave heights and timing could change with intensity or track changes.

Current Information  8/21  - Posted 7 PM

Tropical Storm/Hurricane Update

Here is a synopsis of the presentation from this afternoon’s National Weather Service briefing.  The tracking has moved south, putting us within the cone, but there is a high degree of uncertainty.  The other key takeaways from the presentation are:

  • Tropical Depression 14 forecasted to become Tropical Storm Marco later today and move into the south-central Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm on Sunday.  
    • Changes in intensity as it moves across northwest Gulf, but still forecast to become Category I hurricane 
  • High uncertainty remains in forecast track!
    • Forecast will keep changing, especially over next 24-48 hours
    • Current forecast indicates storm could make landfall as a strong tropical storm along TX or LA coasts early to mid-next week
  • Main hazards for South Texas: increased swells, a high risk of rip currents, and increased tide levels leading to minor coastal flooding
    • Any track changes WILL result in changes to forecast hazards
  • Most likely chance of tropical storm winds would be Monday night or Tuesday

If you haven’t signed up for CodeRED, the emergency alert system, it’s not too late to do so on the City or County’s web sites.

Start preparing early … just in case.  Suggestions on emergency kits, possible evacuation routes, what to pack, family communications plans and more are available on the City’s web site using the keyword Hurricane Information in the Search bar OR clicking on the About tab on the top of the page.

The City of Rockport encourages its citizens to be safe when hurricane conditions threaten our area. Please review the drop-down tabs at left and familiarize yourself with this potentially life-saving information.

In the case of a possible tropical storm or hurricane, keep yourself informed through the broadcast media or the National Hurricane Center.

Register in the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) online at https://STEAR.dps.texas.gov or Dial 2-1-1 to register if you have a disability or medical needs or if you simply do not have transportation: Gulf coast residents in evacuation zones with a disability or medical needs -- who do not have friends or family to help -- or do not have transportation should register in STEAR in advance.