Tropical storm approaching coast, residents urged to prepare

Posted Monday, Aug. 4, 12:45 pm

Tropical Storm Edouard could be a hurricane by the time it makes landfall on the Texas Coast Tuesday morning. Currently posting maximum sustained winds of 45 mph with gusts as high was 55 mph, the storm is tracking toward Galveston at this time with landfall projected around 10 a.m. Tuesday.

But that’s no guarantee Wharton County will be spared the effects of wind and rain.

The current forecast posted by the Wharton County Office of Emergency Management calls for winds in the tropical storm range with possible gusts of up to 65 mph. Rainfall could total in the 3 to 5 inch range during the storm, according to current projections. Isolated areas could see as much as 10 inches although the storm is expected to move quickly.

Wharton County is currently under a flood and tropical storm wind watch.

Wharton County residents are urged to take basic precautions: making sure vehicles have a full tank of fuel, that each person has a one to two day supply of water, food, medications and other essentials and that outdoor furniture is secure.

Winds could play havoc with chairs and other lightweight patio items as well as break tree limbs. Winds in excess of 40 mph are expected in Wharton County starting around noon tomorrow in the Newgulf area and building in other areas throughout the day.

Power outages are a possibility, emergency officials warn.

“I don’t think we will have massive outages, but we can,” County Emergency Management Official Andy Kirkland said.

State officials are preparing for a Category 2 storm response (winds up to 110 mph) in case Edouard should strengthen.

No evacuations have been recommended Monday morning.

Officials are expected to meet again at 4 p.m. to address changes in Edouard and its track.

The National Hurricane Center provides these tips to help families prepare for a hurricane:

Your disaster kit

• Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for three to seven days.

• Food - at least enough for three to seven days.

– non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices

– food for infants or the elderly

– snack foods

– non-electric can opener

– cooking tools/fuel

– paper plates/plastic utensils

• Blankets / pillows, etc.

• Clothing - seasonal / rain gear / sturdy shoes

• First Aid kit / medicines / prescription drugs

• Special Items - for babies and the elderly

• Toiletries / hygiene items / moisture wipes

• Flashlight / batteries

• Radio - battery-operated and NOAA weather radio

• Cash - banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods

• Keys

• Toys, books and games

• Important documents - in a waterproof container: insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

• Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

• Vehicle fuel tanks filled

• Pet care items

– proper identification / immunization records / medications

– ample supply of food and water

– a carrier or cage

– muzzle and leash

What you can do before a storm

• When you hear hurricane, think inland flooding.

• In highly flood-prone areas, keep materials on hand like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves. Call your local emergency management agency to learn how to construct proper protective measures around your home.

• Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood, so you or your evacuation routes are not cut off.

• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio.

• Bring inside all loose objects from your yard, including potted plants, awnings and patio furniture. These items could become projectiles during high winds.

• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.

• Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.

• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.

• Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.

• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.

• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit.

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

• Keep abreast of road conditions through the news media.

• Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.

• Do not attempt to cross flowing water. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

• Develop a flood emergency action plan.

• Adjust refrigerator temperatures to coldest settings to reduce the potential for food to spoil if the power is temporarily lost.

• Make sure that you fill up your car with gas.

On the Net...

* Look for local updates at www.leader-news.com

* National Weather Service at www.srh.noaa.gov

* National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov

* Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov