 |
 |
|
|
For immediate release: July 21, 2008 (5 p.m.)
South Padre Island remains under a Hurricane Watch with Tropical Storm Dolly still expected to make landfall between Brownsville and Port O’Connor as early as Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Cameron County officials issued a mandatory relocation of high-profile vehicles in the Laguna Madre area by 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Sustained winds of at least 35 mph are expected as soon as Tuesday evening from South Padre Island to Brownsville. Hurricane force winds, which consist of a maximum of about 95 mph, are expected to hit the coastline at about 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. Pinkerton declared a local state of disaster at 4:20 p.m. today, implementing the Town’s Emergency Management Plan. The state of disaster shall continue for a period of not more than seven days of the date hereof, unless the same is continued by consent of the Aldermen of the Town of South Padre Island.
“Increased winds are concern, and the community is encouraged to bring items susceptible to flight, indoors,” Pinkerton said. “Anyone feeling uncomfortable with the expected storm is encouraged to relocate.”
According to state officials, traffic may be barred access to the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge as early as Tuesday evening. However, the bridge currently remains open.
Heavy rains of up to 8 inches are predicted throughout the Rio Grande Valley Wednesday morning. Scattered thunderstorms are expected by noon Tuesday.
State emergency officials are encouraging Texas residents to fuel up vehicles and adhere to local officials’ warnings.
The South Padre Island Fire Department continues to issue hurricane re-entry stickers for those returning to the Island after a major storm event. Stickers may be obtained at the fire department located behind City Hall at 4501 Padre Blvd. Stickers will no longer be distributed after 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Empty sandbags are also available at the South Padre Island Public Works maintenance building located at 4501 Padre Blvd. Five empty bags per resident and 10 per business are available.
South Padre Island officials are asking that residents and tourists have their medications refilled and up-to-date, keep cash on hand and prepare necessary supplies.
Those with special needs are urged to contact the Police Department at (956) 761-5454 to be added to a special-needs list in the event of severe weather.
Melissa A. Zamora
Deputy Emergency Management Public Information Officer
Town of South Padre Island
www.spiemergency.com
(956) 761-3005
(956) 433-1231 (cell)
|
|
|