NOTICE TO OPERATORS: Tropical Storm Nicholas

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is tracking Tropical Storm Nicolas in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain and flooding along the Texas coast. Six to ten inches of rain is expected from Matagorda Bay to Port Arthur, with locally higher amounts of up to 15 inches possible for Galveston and Texas City. Tropical storm force wind, one-minute sustained wind of 39 mph or greater, has the highest probability from Freeport to Matagorda Bay. The NHC is forecasting winds of approximately 70 mph when Nicholas makes landfall in the Matagorda Bay area. The storm is expected to make landfall late tonight and move just east of Austin by Tuesday afternoon, with heavier rain east of I-35. The storm center is expected to be east of Texas by Wednesday morning.

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) advises all operators under the RRC’s jurisdiction in areas of potential impact to take the following actions: 

• Monitor local, state and national weather reports for updates on potential severe weather impacts, including the National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center and Texas Division of Emergency Management;
• Heed all watches, warnings, and orders issued by local emergency officials;
• Secure all personnel, equipment, and facilities to prevent injury or damage; and,
• Monitor operations for potential impacts, as safety permits. 

To view the full notice, visit the RRC website.