Southeast Texas coast braces for Tropical Storm Cindy

HOUSTON – Tropical Storm Cindy churned through the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, and officials and residents along the southeast Texas coastline spent the day preparing.

People who live along the coast were already reporting higher-than-average tides, resulting in some of the island roads becoming flooded. Viewers shared pictures of wind-driven waves crashing into the seawalls.

PHOTOS: Tropical Storm Cindy moves in

Ray Standley, who lives in the Banana Bend area, said living along the San Jacinto River means living with the possibility of flooding. However, after experiencing 4 feet of water under some of the homes in the area during last year’s Tax Day floods, he said he’s not overly concerned about Cindy.

“It’s not looking like we’re going to get a whole lot out of it,” Standley said. “We’re not too worried about it, but … we’re prepared.”

VIDEO: Harris County officials talk storm preps

Sabine Pass

Before Cindy made landfall, much like the residents across Sabine Pass, those in the shrimping business took cover.

"The condition right now is very rough, you know," Liem Huyna said. "I talk to some of my friends and that's the most important thing to do, is get in."

Huyna said ever since Cindy popped up the Gulf, careful planning was underway to make sure they were safe and their livelihood wasn't impacted too badly.

"That's life, that's the job. People have to do what they have to do, you know," he said.

By nightfall, the rain was falling pretty hard. The wind was gusting anywhere between 40 and 50 miles an hour.

VIDEO: Heavy rain, wind in Sabine Pass as storm moves closer

Not too far from the shrimp docks, longtime homeowners also took cover, not knowing how bad things will get overnight.

"Well I'm worried," Anna Bonura said. "They're saying it's going to come in with 55-mile-an-hour winds. But it's still 90 miles out."

With water levels starting to rise and even above some streets, many in Sabine Pass said they're still optimistic Cindy's visit won't get too bad.

They're keeping an eye to the sky with the hopes by Thursday morning things will be all clear.

"It's just like another rainy day, that's what it looks like right now," Bonura said.

Harris County

Harris County flood control officials said high winds are causing tides to run about 2 feet above normal.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said most of the heavy rain will hit the area overnight. He urged drivers to watch out for high water. He said the county’s high-water rescue teams are on standby.

Emmett said all county offices are scheduled to be open Thursday.

Galveston County

Galveston officials are currently watching what happens in the Gulf.

A Galveston County Red Cross shelter has been opened at the Crystal Beach Volunteer Fire Department station at 930 Noble Carl Drive.

The City of Galveston Office of Emergency Management said even though there's been hardly any rainfall, there is minor flooding because of the high tide.

Jaree Hefner, a spokesperson for the City of Galveston OEM, said they're expecting a high tide around 4 a.m. on Thursday.

VIDEO: Galveston bracing for storm

She said Galveston fire and police officials have high-water vehicles ready if they're needed.

The public works department has also had workers clear debris from drains to prepare for the influx of water.

The city is requesting that people do not drive through flooded roadways, and if they do, to go slowly.

They're worried not only about people's safety, but the wakes created when cars go through the flooded areas.

The Galveston County OEM said it's mainly concerned about Highway 87 in High Island on the peninsula.

A spokesperson for the county OEM said as the tides continue to rise and more debris builds on the roadway, Highway 87 may become impassable.

That means people would have to use the ferry, which will stop service if winds reach 45 to 50 mph or if the tides reach 5 feet.

Track the tropics any time by visiting the Hurricane Headquarters page of Click2Houston.com or by downloading the KPRC 2 Hurricane Tracker app on Apple or Android devices.


About the Authors:

Galveston-born, award-winning journalist, dog owner, foodie & occasional golfer.