National Weather Service map tracking expected path of Hurricane Harvey along the Texas Gulf Coast.
9 a.m. Saturday, August 26
Police officers and AEP repair crews are already out on the streets of Corpus Christi, working to assess damage and restore electricity to the more than 160,000 homes reportedly without power in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. The most powerful storm in the U.S. in a decade hit the city at about 9:45 p.m. Friday as a Category 4 with winds at 130 miles per hour.
By the time it made its second landfall at Copano Bay, it was downgraded to a Cat 3 with 125 mph winds. Harvey was downgraded to a Cat 1 by Saturday morning with winds at around 75 mph. Winds are expected to remain at tropical storm strength of around 40-70 mph for about four days. The entire area could get as much as 40 inches of rain by Wednesday, August 30.
Rockport also took a direct hit. Widespread damage has been reported as emergency officials announced they would wait to deploy help until later Saturday.
Farther inland, state officials set up 54 shelters from San Antonio to Dallas, preparing for about 41,000 evacuees.
COAST GUARD REPORT
The Coast Guard is urging Texas residents to stay in their secure locations while storm damage is assessed.
“Although the storm has passed and people may think the worst is over, there are still concerns of rain and flooding,” said Capt. Tony Hahn, commander, Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi, on Saturday morning. “We want everyone to stay safe and remain where they are while the Coast Guard begins to assess damage and disperse resources.”
A Sector Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter air crew and HC-144 Ocean Sentry were deployed Saturday morning to conduct patrols and assess damage with intent of opening the port in Brownsville..
Coast Guard Western River Flood Punt teams, which use shallow-draft vessels that are capable of responding in flooded urban areas, are en route to three staging areas in Texas and Louisiana.
