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Texas closes Padre Island National Seashore beaches ahead of Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian has caused some beaches to close out of precaution, according to officials.
Padre Island National SeashoreIf you’re thinking of heading to some beaches, think twice. Hurricane Ian caused some Texas beaches to close as a precaution. Padre Island National Seashore told MySA that its driving beaches will be closed until Friday, September 30. However, officials said it’s still unclear if they will open for the weekend as it depends on the weather.
Mustang Island State Park also closed its beach camping until Friday, according to a social media post from the park. Mustang Island stated to check its Facebook as conditions allow it to open.
According to the Associated Press, Hurricane Ian rapidly intensified as it neared landfall along Florida’s southwest coast on Wednesday morning, September 28. It gained top winds of 155 mph (250 kph), just shy of the most dangerous Category 5 status. Damaging winds and rain lashed the state, and the heavily populated Naples to Sarasota region was at the highest risk of a devastating storm surge, according to AP.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he deployed a team and resources to Florida to help with the hurricane rescue efforts. He said they sent 45 personnel, four boats, and two canines. The team, one of two statewide search and rescue groups under the Texas Division of Emergency Management, will be joined by power restoration crew members, management, and support staff from San Antonio’s CPS Energy in assistance efforts.
They’ll assist the Jacksonville Electric Authority in restoring power to affected customers following the storm.