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For immediate release: Sept. 21, 2005-PM Update
Hurricane Rita is now predicted to make landfall along the Texas coast sometime early Saturday at a Category 5.
Current projections would place landfall in Matagorda County.
According to the National Weather Service, a tropical storm watch and inland tropical storm watch is forecasted for Cameron, Willacy and Hidalgo counties at landfall.
“We’re more confident than 24 hours ago in the forecast,” said an NWS expert.
SPI officials urge residents to remain very watchful, since the storm can adjust either north or south rather quickly. Individual preparations should be under way.
“A decision on any potential for voluntary or mandatory evacuation will be made early Thursday afternoon to as late as noon Friday,” said SPI Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr.
The South Padre Island Fire Department will discontinue distribution of vehicle identification stickers as of 10 p.m. today. The fire department is located behind City Hall at 4501 Padre Boulevard.
Town of South Padre Island Aldermen meetings scheduled for today have been canceled.
SPI 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.
Storm updates are available on the South Padre Island Emergency Management Web site at www.townspi.com, and click on the Emergency Management link.
For additional information, call Melissa Zamora, Town of South Padre Island deputy public information officer, (956) 761-3005 or (956) 433-1231 or Dan Quandt, public information officer, (956) 761-3005 or (956) 433-9720.
Melissa A. Zamora
Communications Coordinator
Town of South Padre Island
(956) 761-3005
(956) 433-1231 (cell)
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