Troubled waters: Disturbance in the Gulf opens ‘window of uncertainty’ in RGV
"There is a window of uncertainty where the storm is going to go," said
Invest 95L, a designation for tropical weather systems meriting inquiry, is entering the Gulf from the
"Right now, there are a lot of unknowns," said
While Goldsmith cautions it's too early to tell, current models forecast a depression on the high end to "an open wave," on the low end.
After parts of the
"If this storm comes in and impacts us, there's nowhere the water is going to go other than flow into our ditches or drainage system," Saldaña said of the soaked earth.
Flooding plagues some neighborhoods, evident by the sitting water last June requiring the evacuation of hundreds across the Valley.
But, that same system passing east over the Valley "could create enough wind shear and stretching to allow whatever's out there to come a bit farther north," Goldsmith said. "Atmospheric wind shear (is)... an enemy of tropical cyclone development."
That would be good news for
"But if it's just scattered to isolated showers and storms, that can be handled by our soil instead of having a big dump of rain," Goldsmith said.
Government officials aren't waiting for the forecast, including cities and precincts already distributing sandbags through the week.
Saldaña remembers how quickly things can change. Hurricane Harvey, which devastated the
"We were spared, but on Monday it was a direct hit," Saldaña said.
"I know we're way ahead of the game, but we're trying to be proactive instead of reactive because of the amount of water we've received in the last two days," Saldaña said. "Our systems are probably going to be a full capacity should we get impacted by this tropical storm."
Saldaña said they've begun building a resource list for high-profile vehicles.
"We want to be ready in case we have to rescue people out of our neighborhoods," he said, referring to the rain event in June that drenched the Valley and prompted President
Saldaña said they've already met with the
Being prepared
Saldaña suggested residents have three to seven days worth of food, water, clothing, cash and hygiene products. Also consider formula and diapers for small children, along with toys and color books to occupy kids, whether they'd evaluate or during a potential power loss.
Fill vehicles with fuel, and plan for pets and to secure their homes, he said. Pick up from your property any loose items that could become a projectile in high winds and trim tree limbs that could damage your roof, he suggested. Cover already leaky-roofs with tarps.
Goldsmith reminded this is why they stress hurricane preparedness in the spring.
"Remember, it is September," Goldsmith said. "We focus on September as a busy month and it's acting just like it should."
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