Updated at 1230 hours on 8/25/2017
Bexar County is currently under a Flash Flood Watch and Tropical Storm Warning. Hurricane Harvey has been upgraded to Category 2 and still expected to become a Category 3, making landfall between Corpus Christi and Port O’Connor this evening. A life-threatening and catastrophic heavy rainfall event is expected east of I-35 and I-37. Small shifts in the forecast track of Harvey, and where it stalls this weekend, could result in very large differences in rainfall totals.
Evacuations
200 Gembler Road is the reception center for every evacuee, regardless of their mode of transportation.
Volunteers
The American Red Cross Serving Greater San Antonio has issued an urgent request for volunteer shelter workers. Trainings are being offered from noon-2 p.m. at 3642 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78219. New and first-time volunteers are welcome, and anyone interested in volunteering who does not attend the training should contact 311.
Animal Care Services
Individuals evacuating to San Antonio with pets should continue to check in at 200 Gembler Road. An ACS tent at that location can assist displaced residents with checking pets into the emergency pet shelter.
Solid Waste
In anticipation of potentially dangerous weather conditions, the Solid Waste Management Department will close the following facilities on Saturday, Aug. 26 and Sunday, Aug. 27:
• Bitters Bulky Waste Collection and Brush Recycling Center, 1800 Wurzbach Parkway, 78216
• Frio City Road Bulky Waste Collection Center, 1531 Frio City Rd., 78226
• Culebra Bulky Waste Collection Center and Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center, 7030 Culebra Rd., 78238
• Rigsby Road Bulky Waste Collection Center, 2755 Rigsby Rd, 78222
• Nelson Gardens Brush Recycling Center, 8963 Nelson Rd., 78252
All Solid Waste facilities are anticipated to resume normal operating hours on Monday, Aug. 28. Call 311 for any inquiries.
Transportation & Capital Improvements
TCI has 80 first responders scheduled on 12-hour shifts, and an additional 120 staff on standby. TCI is placing barricades at low water crossings, checking all of our high water detection areas and drainage facilities. During the rain event, TCI will respond to malfunctioning signalized intersections and trees down blocking streets, due to high winds.
311
The public should call 311 for any questions or updates on City services. Out-of-town visitors should call 210-207-6000 to reach the 311 Call Center.
CPS Energy
CPS Energy is organizing to ensure the resiliency of the system and safety of our community. High winds pose the greatest risk of causing customer outages. Nearly 250 electric and gas employees from five locations around the city have been mobilized to restore service and keep the community safe. CPS is also working with its fuel suppliers to ensure adequate stock of coal and natural gas supplies for the power plants.
Street Closures
There are no street closures at this time. In addition to the City’s Emergency Street Closures (available on the City’s website home page, under Emergency Information) residents are able to subscribe to low water crossing notifications in their area that are experiencing high water. To sign up for these notifications, please visitwww.bexarflood.org.
Ready South Texas App http://readysouthtexasapp.com/
Technical issues with the Ready South Texas App have been resolved. Yesterday, the app’s servers were overloaded with downloads and temporarily prevented new users from downloading the app.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Even in relatively shallow water, tires can act as flotation devices lifting up even large vehicles and sending them downstream. A vehicle may stall out in just a few inches of water and a foot or two of water is enough to float a 3,000-pound car.
Driving through flooded roadways not only puts your life at risk and anyone in your vehicle, but also the lives of our first responders. Driving around a barricade when there is water on the road carries a maximum penalty of $2,000 and 180 days in jail and if a rescue is required, everyone in the vehicle may be charged a fee of $640.
