As a potential tropical storm approaches the Coastal Bend, Corpus Christi city leaders are taking proactive steps to ensure the community’s safety and preparedness. To this end, the city is mobilizing all available resources, implementing everything from 24-hour storm management operations to public safety advisories.
Around-the-Clock Tropical Storm Management
The City Public Works crews will initiate their 24-hour Storm Management Operations on Tuesday night. This approach aims to moderate the impact of the anticipated heavy rainfall. On Tuesday afternoon, crews cleaned inlets and drains on Mary Street near South Alameda Street, preparing for the storm’s potential impact.
Public Works Assistant Director Gabriel Hinojosa emphasized that stormwater preparation is year-round. “Stormwater is a year-round operation,” Hinojosa stated. “Just because it’s not raining doesn’t mean we’re not out there maintaining our ditches, inlets, and pipes. So we’re maintaining the system year-round for events such as this.”
Monitoring Flood-Prone Areas
Hinojosa’s team will focus on flood-prone areas such as North Beach and downtown Corpus Christi to ensure the city’s infrastructure is ready. He explained, “Leading up to it, you’ll see what we call our vac trucks, which’re big vacuum trucks. We’ll inspect inlets in known areas on which we have issues to ensure there are no obstructions, and if there are, we will fix them immediately.”
Fire Department’s Preparedness Plan on Tropical Storm
The Corpus Christi Fire Department is also gearing up for the potential storm. Additionally, Assistant Fire Chief Kenneth Erben explained that the department will adapt its hazard profile to manage emergency risks. He stated, “We’ll change our staffing and maybe rearrange our equipment throughout the city where we think it’ll do the greatest good.” Furthermore, Erben noted, “We typically have about six boats throughout the city, along with two more motorist boats that we will use for some flooding to get people to and from dry land.”
Safety Precautions from Nueces County Emergency Management
In addition to the city’s efforts, Nueces County Emergency Management has issued several safety precautions for residents who might find themselves outside during the hazardous conditions. These precautions include:
- Do not drive around barricades.
- Drive slower than usual to react to other traffic on the road.
- Use headlights to ensure visibility to other drivers and pedestrians.
- Follow the rule: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. If you encounter a flooded area, do not drive or walk across it.
City leaders and emergency services are working diligently to prepare and protect the community as Corpus Christi braces for a potential tropical storm. By maintaining infrastructure, adjusting emergency response plans, and issuing safety advisories, Corpus Christi is demonstrating a comprehensive approach to storm management.