Harvey Continues To Bring Strong Rains, Officials Warn Residents To Stay Alert To Weather, Driving Situations

Harvey Continues to Bring Strong Rains Over Nights and Officials Warn Residents to Stay Alert to Weather, Driving Situations

With additional road closures throughout Hays County and City jurisdictions, emergency management and first response officials continue to remind residents that the unusual weather conditions caused by #harvey allow for late afternoon warming and heavier rains overnight.

“Overnight Saturday was relatively calm, with a few water rescues scattered throughout the county,” Kharley Smith, Emergency Management Coordinator for Hays County, said. She said expects heavy rain to return Sunday afternoon and overnight Sunday. “Residents and visitors should remain alert and drive only if necessary, and then with caution. Gusty winds continue to make flying debris an issue, and many roadways may have debris along with water over the road.”

The San Marcos Activity Center and city parks, as well as Hays County parks and recycling centers, remain closed until further notice.

City of San Marcos Shelter, Utility Update

The City of San Marcos opened a shelter for those without power and concerned for their safety. One San Marcos residents and three people passing through the area from Houston used the shelter overnight. Everyone at the shelter has been relocated and the shelter is closed, but it is open to those needing shower facilities.

The City was forced to pull utility repair crews late last night due to dangerous wind conditions. Currently, approximately 500 homes, or two percent of the City of San Marcos utility customers are without power. The City has added additional contract crews to assist with utility repairs.

“The City of San Marcos has been very fortunate so far, but there is the potential for more severe weather later tonight and through mid-week,” said San Marcos Mayor John Thomaides. “This lull in the storm is a good time to restock and make sure you and your family are prepared for the possibility of flooding and extended power outages. Stock up on batteries, ice, flashlights and have all the supplies you for several days of severe weather and power outages.”

Citizens in Hays County with non-emergency disaster-related questions can call a city-county hotline at 512-754-2291. This number only provides information within Hays County and the City of San Marcos.

Officials are warning residents not to approach downed power lines, as they can still be electrified. Stay at least 35 feet away from a downed line, as it can cause shocks even without touching it. Call 9-1-1 to report downed lines.

Countywide emergency information: Sign up for emergency notifications at www.warncentraltexas.org. Watches, warnings, and location-specific evacuation information can be sent to your cell phone via voice, text and email.

Monitor the weather on local media or the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio office http://www.weather.gov/ewx/