Live updates: Barker and Addicks reservoirs are empty ahead of Tropical Storm Nicholas

HOUSTON — Tropical Storm Nicholas has formed in the Gulf and is expected to impact Southeast Texas starting today.

Nicholas is forecasted to be a slow-moving storm that will produce very heavy rainfall for Texas and Louisiana coastal counties, as well as areas further inland, for the next several days.

PROJECTED TIMELINE: Tropical Storm Nicholas forms in Gulf of Mexico

Below are updates from KHOU 11 meteorologists Tim Pandajis, Addison Green, Chita Craft and David Paul. You can also watch updates from our team of meteorologists on our YouTube page.

We will also have updates from local officials and any closings/cancelations on this page.

6 p.m. — Jeff Lindner with the Harris County Flood Control District says the Addicks and Barker reservoirs are empty right now. 

5:07 p.m. — Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas State Operations Center to increase its readiness to Level II, or Escalated Response, beginning Monday at 9 a.m. in preparation for Tropical Storm Nicholas. It’s to coordinate the state’s response in support of local officials.    

3 p.m. —  According to the City of Houston, Lake Houston was scheduled to be lowered to 41.5 feet today at noon in anticipation of heavy rain from Tropical Storm Nicholas.  

2:12 p.m. — Texas-New Mexico Power, which delivers power to more than 130,000 homes and businesses in Brazoria and Galveston counties, is preparing for possible power outages due to Tropical Storm Nicholas, according to the company. 

TNMP warns customers should prepare for the possibility of outages lasting for 24-48 hours or even for many days. They have already sent addition crews to the area to assist with power restoration if needed.

1:48 p.m. — Tropical Storm Nicholas is expected to bring intense rain and possibly flooding to the Houston and Galveston area of the next three to four days. Some businesses in downtown Galveston have already started preparations.

1 p.m. —  Chief Meteorologist David Paul gave the latest from the 1 p.m. update on Tropical Storm Nicholas.

11:40 a.m. — Harris County Public Health has closed all COVID testing and vaccination sites Monday, Sept. 12 due to Tropical Storm Nicholas.

11:30 a.m. — Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has activated the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management to Level 3 – increased Readiness – in response to Tropical Storm Nicholas. 

10 a.m. — Tropical Storm Nicholas forms in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for the Southeast Texas coastline ahead of Nicholas’ impact.