Tropical Storm Beta: Storm expected to drop up to 10 inches of rain in Corpus Christi area

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Storm surge and flooding are the greatest threats to Corpus Christi in a hurricane. Wochit

Up to 10 inches of rainfall is expected along the coast as Tropical Storm Beta makes its way toward Texas. 

Meteorologist Juan Pena said National Weather Service data shows 10 inches of rainfall could be possible around the area. About 4 to 6 inches of rainfall is expected in areas west of Corpus Christi. 

Those estimates could change depending on the track of the storm, Pena said. 

Friday afternoon, the storm had maxium sustained winds of 40 mph. The storm was expected to strengthen through the weekend, the National Hurricane Center said.

Tropical storm force winds will extend about 105 miles out from the center of the storm. Storm surge will be likely for portions of the Gulf Coast Friday night or Saturday, the center said.

After a depression in the Atlantic intensified Friday into Tropical Storm Wilfred, the hurricane center advisory said “get out the Greek alphabet for the rest of 2020.”

All 21 storm names pre-approved for the season by the World Meteorological Organization have been used, so now it’s the Greek alphabet – Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon and Zeta. Subtropical Storm Alpha formed off the coast of Portugal Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Heavy rain and flooding is possible no matter which way Tropical Storm Beta travels. Flash flooding is also expected. 

Heavier rains are in the forecast Sunday and early next week, but that could change with the direction of the depression, Pena said. 

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible Friday in Jim Wells and Kleberg counties. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible Saturday across the Coastal Bend, Pena said. 

Rain chances increase Sunday morning and afternoon.

Beach closures ahead of storm

Vehicle access to South Beach at Padre Island National Seashore will close at 8 a.m. Saturday. The seashore is closing the beach due to coastal flooding caused by the tropical depression.

Minor coastal flooding has begun during high tide and is expected to become higher over the weekend, the seashore said in a news release.

Rangers will notify people and clear South Beach on Saturday morning. The closure will be lifted as conditions approve, the release.

Sand bag distribution

City of Kingsville Public Works crews will distribute sandbags to Kingsville residents at 1 p.m. Saturday at Kingsville Sanitation Department, 1300 E. Corral Avenue.

Proof of residency is required, and each household will be limited to 9 bags, city officials said in a news release.

Alexandria Rodriguez covers breaking news and crime in South Texas.Support local news by checking out our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe  

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