Tropical Storm Hanna formed in the Gulf of Mexico Thursday and is expected to strengthen and make landfall on Saturday, and everyone should be prepared.
City staff in Aransas Pass has already set-up barricades around town for those streets known to flood during heavy rain events.
Captain Lynn Pearce, Aransas Pass emergency management coordinator, says they’re taking all the steps they normally would for a big weather event.
“We are always preparing because we know living on the coast is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when so we try to prepare all the time," Pearce said. "When we get a threat like this one in the Gulf is right now, then we step that up,"
Between 3 and 6 inches of rain is expected, but there is the potential for more rain. Flash flooding is highly possible.
“Trim trees away from your house, make sure all your drains are clean and working. We need the debris picked up so it doesn’t wash into the drains and the ditches and cause problems," Pearce said. "Over the years, more development has occurred in the city; the runoff is faster and heavier. Pump Station Number 3 is really no longer adequate; we have to supplement with portable pumps."
A force of nature can't be stopped, but you can protect yourself and your family.
“We always need to be prepared," Pearce said. "With this storm, expect heavy rains, expect sustained winds of maybe 50 plus mph so we need to secure things.
"Once you have everything ready at your house, check on your neighbor, especially if they are older or disabled. We need to help each other out because that is how we get to the other side of these events in better shape than we went into them."
Code Enforcement is also communicating with residents here in Aransas Pass, reminding them to secure loose items and clear the gutters in front of their properties.
If possible, officials say do not drive during heavy thunderstorms. High winds and heavy rain can create dangerous driving conditions.
