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For immediate release: Sept. 10, 2008 (11 a.m.)
Hurricane Ike is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 Hurricane Saturday morning between Corpus Christi and Freeport, according to the National Weather Service.
“Although it appears, at present, that South Padre Island will miss this storm, the Emergency Management Team will continue to watch Ike very closely,” said South Padre Island Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. “Still, the community should always be prepared in the event of a storm.”
According to the NWS, winds reaching 35 mph are predicted to arrive at South Padre Island’s coastline mid-afternoon Friday. Northern SPI could see wind gusts of up to 50 mph. Waves could reach 4-6 feet late Thursday with a storm surge of 2-3 feet on Friday in addition to the normal 2-3 foot tide in conjunction with the full moon.
SPI officials have taken additional precautions in preparation for the storm. Beach umbrellas, trash cans and signage have been removed from Island beaches. Beach access points that allow for Town vehicle access have been sand-bermed to protect against potential flooding.
The South Padre Island Fire Department is continuing 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 the former City Hall Building at 4501 Padre Blvd. Stickers will no longer be distributed after 5 p.m. today.
Empty sandbags are also available at the South Padre Island Public Works maintenance building located behind 4501 Padre Blvd. Five empty bags per resident and 10 per business are available until 4 p.m. Thursday.
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 call 2-1-1, or contact the Police Department at (956) 761-5454 to be added to a special-needs list in the event of severe weather.
Storm updates are available on the South Padre Island Emergency Management Web site at www.spiemergency.com.
Melissa A. Zamora
Deputy Emergency Management Public Information Officer
Town of South Padre Island
www.spiemergency.com
(956) 761-3005
(956) 433-1231 (cell)
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