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Tropical Storm Beta: Live updates on storm coverage for the Corpus Christi-area
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Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons are the same weather phenomenon; tropical cyclones. Wochit
Tropical Storm Beta is expected to make landfall in South Texas early next week, with expected power outages and flooding in the region.
The storm on Friday was located 347 miles southeast of Port Aransas, and was traveling northeast at 9 mph. The storm was generating 40 mph winds.
It is expected to produce 4 to 6 inches of rain Saturday night through Sunday morning in South Texas. Some isolated areas may get up to 10 inches.
Tyler Castillo, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Corpus Christi, said the tropical storm is expected to strengthen and become a Category 1 hurricane over the weekend.
Tropical Storm Beta:Here’s how to track the path of the latest storm
The storm could make landfall Sunday night into Monday morning, Castillo said.
“The center of the cone remains offshore, but the Coastal Bend should prepare for a tropical storm or Category 1 (hurricane) to make landfall early next week,” Castillo said.
At 4 p.m. Friday, the weather service issued a Coastal Flood Watch for the area from Saturday morning until Tuesday morning.
The watch states moderate to major coastal flooding is possible. More than 3 feet above ground inundation is also possible.
A coastal flood advisory is in effect for the Corpus Christi-area until 7 a.m. Saturday morning. Minor flooding is expected along middle Texas Coast beaches one foot above ground.
LIVE UPDATES:
4:44 p.m. Friday: The Port of Corpus Christi has increased its Hurricane Readiness Status to Port Condition 4 (Tropical Hazards expected within 72 hours), in accordance with its 2020 Hurricane Readiness Plan.
The Port Authority will continue to monitor possible impact scenarios for the developing Tropical Storm Beta in and around the Texas Coastal Bend region, according to a news release.
4:20 p.m. Friday: The city of Corpus Christi will offer free sand bags for pickup ahead of Tropical Storm Beta on Saturday.
The sand bag distribution will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Bill Witt Park, 6869 Yorktown Blvd. and the J.C. Elliott Transfer Station, Highway 286 and Ayers St.
Residents will received a maximum of 10 sandbags per vehicle, according to a news release sent by the city.
More: Tropical Storm Beta: Where Corpus Christi-area residents can pick up sand bags
What can residents expect?
Residents can expect up to 10 inches of rainfall across the Coastal Bend area over the weekend, National Weather Service reports.
About 4 to 6 inches of rainfall is expected in areas west of Corpus Christi, said Meteorologist Juan Pena.
Those estimates could change depending on the track of the storm, Pena said.
A coastal flood advisory is in effect for the Corpus Christi-area until 7 a.m. Saturday morning. Minor flooding is expected along middle Texas Coast beaches one foot above ground.
A coastal flood watch is also in effect for the coastal region until Tuesday morning.
Worried about flooding?What roads are prone to flooding in Corpus Christi?
What if the power goes out?
AEP Texas will have additional crews from other areas on standby to help restore power after the storm passes, said Omar Lopez, a spokesman for the company’s Gulf Region.
Lopez said the power company is monitoring the storm closely over the weekend.
During the storm, customers are asked not to call the AEP Customer Solutions Center except to report drowned power lines and other situations that could pose a safety threat. To report a fallen power line or utility poll, call 1-866-223-8508.
Residents can track progress on the restoration effort by visiting the outage area at www.aeptexas.com.
TROPICAL STORM COVERAGE:
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