Katy Prepares for Tropical Storm Nicholas

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

September 13, 2021

By Natalie Cook Clark

Katy prepares for Tropical Storm Nicholas as the strengthening storm is projected to make landfill late tonight/early Tuesday morning. Authorities urge residents to prepare now as many recall the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

Nicolas is Still Building Strength

Tropical Storm Nicholas is strengthening off the Texas coast and its development into a category 1 hurricane hasn’t been ruled out. Either way, the strong storm capable of wind gusts of 70mph is projected to come right over the Katy-area.

Katyites Must Prepare

Katy residents have already reported longer lines at grocery stores and gas stations starting last night.

“City crews started last week on checking on all drainage systems and will continue through the duration of this event,” says Chris Harris, City of Katy Mayor Pro Tem.

Local authorities urge residents to prepare now as Katyites who lived through Harvey know what flooding can do. Even if your home is fine, flooding can keep you stuck at home and unable to get out for necessities.

13 million people were affected by Hurricane Harvey when it stalled out over the Greater Houston area late August of 2017. The storm was one of the most devastating natural disasters in Texas history.

The City of Katy provides a helpful checklist to help families prepare.

Clear Trash and Debris Now

“Be sure trash and other debris is not blocking stormwater system,” says Harris. “Many neighborhood streets are designed to hold accumulated storm water; residents should move their vehicles from the streets.”

Follow Katy ISD for Closures

Katy ISD has canceled school for Tuesday, September 14.

"Due to the inclement weather forecasted for later tonight and into tomorrow, all events after 6:00 p.m. today are canceled. All Katy ISD campuses and facilities will also be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, September 14," says Katy ISD in a statement.

Follow their website for more updates.

Stay informed and learn more about the City of Katy’s emergency notification system.

Barker Reservoir is Ready

When Katyites think of potential flooding, they remember Hurricane Harvey.

“Currently, the reservoir and all of WFDD’s channels are low and have full capacity available for the upcoming rainfall,” says Wendy Duncan, Director for Willow Fork Drainage District.

Tropical Storm Nicholas has slowed in its approach to the Texas coast, which allows time for it to strengthen and provide more rain as it comes ashore. Still, a Harvey-like stall of rain isn’t expected but everyone needs to prepare and continue to follow the development of this storm.

Planning for Tropical Storm Nicholas

Here are some simple, easy tips to help prepare your family:
Build an emergency kit. Know your first aid supplies.
Refill any important medication on time to avoid running out.
Make a family communications plan. Know where to go and meet during a disaster.
Know the routes you need to leave your home (evacuation routes).
Locate your local emergency shelters.
Closely watch/listen to the weather reports, listening every hour as the storm nears.
Put fuel in all vehicles and withdraw some cash from the bank. Gas stations and ATMs may be closed after a hurricane.
If authorities ask you to leave, do so quickly.
If you leave (evacuate), be alert to flooded or washed-out roads. Just a few inches of water can float a car. Think, Turn around, Don’t Drown.
Keep a photo I.D. that shows your home address. You will need it when asking police if it is okay for you to re-enter your area or home.
Secure your property.
Evacuate all pets to shelters and have vaccination records ready.