Corpus Christi Texas News

A seemingly relentless series of severe storms, likely with deadly tornadoes, are forecast to rip across parts of America’s Midwest and South over the next couple weeks, especially Friday, meteorologists said. An unusual weather pattern has set in, last week triggering the devastating tornado that hit Rolling Fork, Mississippi, and meteorologists fear this Friday will be one of the worst days, with much more to come. The National Weather Service said 16.8 million people live in the…

A long negotiation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency ended in a settlement with the city of Port Aransas that will send just over $7.4 million to build a new police station. The new facility will replace the one damaged in August 2017 during Hurricane Harvey. FEMA did not return requests for comment Thursday and no statement about the settlement was found on the agency’s website. The Wednesday announcement by Joanna P. Ragas of Del…

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The National Weather Services has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for Aransas, Kleberg, and Nueces Counties until 9:00 p.m. Tides will likely reach the dunes and possibly the beach access roads during the peak high tide around 12:30 p.m. A rip current risk remains in effect through Wednesday morning.   Lifeguards will use mobile units to patrol Gulf beaches. Visitors should observe and follow the flag warning system to be aware…

One hundred years ago, 3,500 people gathered in Rose Hill Cemetery to honor the unidentified victims of the horrific hurricane of 1919. The storm of 1919 was a devastating event in the city’s history. On Sept. 14, a hurricane made landfall 25 miles south of downtown Corpus Christi, bringing with it 115 mph winds and a 16-foot storm surge that inundated downtown and North Beach. People were swept into the water as their homes and…

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Hurricane Ian has drifted off to the eastern coast of the United States, and marine conditions across the Middle Texas Coast will gradually improve over the coming days. Locally, a Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect through 1:00 a.m. Saturday and a HIGH-Risk Rip Current Advisory will remain effective until 7:00 a.m. Saturday. Minor coastal flooding continues along the Gulf-facing beaches during high tide producing dangerous swimming conditions. Residents visiting the…

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Hurricane Ian has reemerged in the Atlantic Ocean and is expected to take a northward turn before reaching the Mid-Atlantic Coast. Locally, high swells are expected to continue resulting in minor coastal flooding with water possibly reaching the dunes. These conditions should continue through Saturday. Wave heights are expected to remain between five to nine feet today and tonight and subside to three to five feet by tomorrow afternoon. Swimmers should…

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This page recaps the news of Wednesday, Sept. 28. For the latest coverage of Hurricane Ian from Thursday, Sept. 29, see our live updates here. Editor’s note: Is your power out? Click here for a lite version of this page with a quicker load time. Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida’s southwestern coast Wednesday as one of the most powerful storms in U.S. history, tearing apart homes and buildings and leaving some residents stranded as storm surge flooded communities. …

Editor’s note: Is your power out? Click here for a lite version of this page with a quicker load time. Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida’s southwestern coast Wednesday as one of the most powerful storms in U.S. history, tearing apart homes and buildings and leaving some residents stranded as storm surge flooded communities.  The storm made landfall near Cayo Costa as a Category 4 storm Wednesday afternoon with maximum sustained winds measured at a stunning 150 mph — only…

Editor’s note: Is your power out? Click here for a lite version of this page with a quicker load time. Hurricane Ian was downgraded to a Category 3 storm Wednesday night after slamming into Florida’s southwestern coast and making landfall near Cayo Costa, the National Hurricane Center reported.  The “extremely dangerous” hurricane landed as a major Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds near 150 miles per hour Wednesday afternoon. It slowed to a Category 3 hurricane with 125 mph winds…

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Hurricane Ian made landfall on the west coast of Florida this afternoon with maximum sustained winds estimated at 150 mph, making it a strong Category 4 storm. Ian is the strongest hurricane to hit that area of Florida in decades. The storm’s impact will be felt in South Texas and the western Gulf of Mexico. The National Weather Service predicts the hurricane will produce waves as high as eight to 12…

Hurricane Ian made landfall Wednesday afternoon as a major Category 4 storm near Cayo Costa along the southwestern coast of Florida, the National Hurricane Center reported.  The “extremely dangerous” storm made landfall with maximum sustained winds near 150 miles per hour, according to the center.  More than 800,000 homes and businesses across Florida already were dark, according to the tracking website poweroutage.us. Power outages should be expected statewide, Florida Power & Light warned. AccuWeather projected landfall will occur…

Hurricane Ian strengthened into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm and roared to the brink of Category 5 status, its maximum sustained winds blasting at 155 mph as the west coast of Florida braced for landfall Wednesday afternoon. “It is going to have major, major impacts in terms of wind, in terms of rain, in terms of flooding,” Gov. Ron DeSantis warned in a briefing Wednesday. “So this is going to be a nasty, nasty day, two days.”  More than 230,000 homes and…

Hurricane Ian strengthened into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm and roared to the brink of Category 5 status, its maximum sustained winds blasting at 155 mph as the west coast of Florida braced for landfall Wednesday afternoon. “It is going to have major, major impacts in terms of wind, in terms of rain, in terms of flooding,” Gov. Ron DeSantis warned in a briefing Wednesday. “So this is going to be a nasty, nasty day, two days.”  Almost 200,000 homes and businesses…

Hurricane Ian strengthened into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm and roared to the brink of Category 5 status, its maximum sustained winds blasting at 155 mph as the west coast of Florida braced for landfall Wednesday afternoon. “It is going to have major, major impacts in terms of wind, in terms of rain, in terms of flooding,” Gov. Ron DeSantis warned in a briefing Wednesday. “So this is going to be a nasty, nasty day, two days.”  More than 140,000 homes and…

Those planning to hit the beach this week should watch out for longer swells, large waves and strong rip currents as Hurricane Ian moves into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Ian strengthened into a major hurricane Monday night as it continued its path to Florida’s Gulf Coast. The storm will bring increased risks for coastal flooding and rip currents through much of the week, according to the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi. Hurricane…

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The National Hurricane Center is expected to upgrade Hurricane Ian to a category four storm tonight, meaning it has the potential to bring winds up to 156 miles per hour to Florida’s west coast.  Meteorologists with the National Weather Service Office – Corpus Christi forecast that Hurricane Ian will cause hazardous conditions to Corpus Christi’s gulf beaches beginning Wednesday and continuing through the weekend. These threats include an elevated risk for…

“This is the most significant threat for the U.S. mainland we’ve had this hurricane season.” The system was located near the northeastern coast of South America on Thursday. T​he majority of computer forecast models curl the system northward into the Gulf of Mexico around the middle of next week. A developing tropical system could spin up into a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico by the middle of next week, forecasters warned Thursday. “This is…

Hurricane season 2022 had the quietest August for storms since 1997 News Sports Entertainment Life Money Tech Travel Opinion “It’s been eerily quiet out there,” Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach told USA TODAY. There are three separate systems developing in the Atlantic as the calendar turns to September, the National Hurricane Center said. The peak of the hurricane season is typically around September 15. For the first time since 1997, not a single…

The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, state Rep. Todd Hunter and other Coastal Bend officials are urging the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association not to increase rates at its upcoming board meeting. On Tuesday, nine Texas Windstorm Insurance Association board members will meet in Galveston to decide whether to increase insurance rates. “If you own a home, you have to buy three policies here,” said Hunter, a Republican from Corpus Christi. “You have to buy…

The potential tropical cyclone moving across the Caribbean Sea has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Bonnie and is expected to make landfall in South America. More:Hurricane season 2022: Here’s everything you’ll need to be prepared in South Texas Tropical Storm Bonnie, the first named system of the season, will likely make landfall Friday night causing heavy rains, flash flooding and mudslides in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, according to the National Hurricane Center. Bonnie is forecast to become…

An area of low pressure over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico could potentially become a tropical depression, bringing much-needed rain to the Texas coast. Hurricane season began June 1, and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration predicted another above-average Atlantic season.  More:Hurricane season 2022: Here’s everything you’ll need to be prepared in South Texas The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three disturbances that could become the first named system of the season: Bonnie.  Tropical depression, rainfall possible…

The Corpus Christi Public Works Department will partner with military volunteers from Naval Air Station Corpus Christi to offer free pre-filled sandbags to residents. There will be two events for residents to obtain sandbags. The first event will take place on Saturday, June 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (or until all sandbags have been distributed). On this date, residents can pick up sandbags at Waldron Field (3746 Waldron Road) or the City Service…

What:  Emergency Evacuation Training Exercise When:  Friday, June 17              2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Where: Corpus Christi Gym               3202 Cabaniss Parkway, 78415 Who:    City of Corpus Christi              Texas Division Emergency Management              Regional Transit Authority              Corpus Christi Independent School District              Salvation Army              American Red Cross              211 Texas              Functional Needs Support Team CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Representatives from the City of Corpus Christi, Texas Division of Emergency Management and local…

In preparation of hurricane season, the Texas Department of Transportation conducted a drill to install a section of the storm surge wall in Aransas Pass on Tuesday. Aransas Pass has a levee system on the east side of town as protection from rising water during a hurricane. Highway 361 creates an opening in the levee system. The TxDOT drill involves closing that gap with a surge wall barrier, a news release stated. More:Hurricane season 2022: Here’s…

  What: Emergency Evacuation Training Exercise  When: Friday, June 17, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Where: Corpus Christi Gym, 3202 Cabaniss Parkway, 78415    Who: City of Corpus Christi              Texas Division Emergency Management              Regional Transit Authority              Corpus Christi Independent School District              Salvation Army              American Red Cross              211 Texas              Functional Needs Support Team CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Representatives from the City of Corpus Christi, Texas Division of Emergency Management,…

This monthly Caller-Times series called Back to Business showcases businesses and leaders in the Corpus Christi area. Whether it has been a staple in the Sparkling City by the Sea for decades or just opened its door in the past few years, each business has its own special story. Is there a business you think should be included? Contact the Caller-Times to let us know. Send your ideas to newstips@caller.com. Hurricane Alley Waterpark Hurricane Alley Waterpark…

© Copyright Gannett 2022

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Today marks the beginning of the 2022 hurricane season. The City of Corpus Christi wants everyone to be ready and encourages residents to create an emergency plan.  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters are predicting above-average hurricane activity this year, making it the seventh consecutive above-average hurricane season. For the 2022 hurricane season, NOAA is forecasting a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or…

Hurricane season begins June 1, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above-average Atlantic season for the seventh consecutive year.  Here’s everything you need to know to be prepared for the weeks to come. What’s the forecast for hurricane season? The hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. With 70% confidence, NOAA is forecasting a range of 14 to 21 named storms. Six to 10 of those could become hurricanes, including three to six category 3, 4 or…

The wildfire that started near King Ranch Thursday afternoon has been contained. The fire, which spread to more than 200 acres, was 95% contained by Thursday night, according to the Texas Wildlife Incident Response System. An update stated the fire was 100% contained by noon on Friday. It’s still not yet clear how the fire started.  More:Kingsville Volunteer Fire Department battles wildfire at King Ranch Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid enlisted help from the Texas Department of Emergency…

Kingsville emergency crews responded to a wildfire at the King Ranch Thursday afternoon. Volunteer fire department crews responded to the fire around 1:30 p.m., a spokesperson for the department said. The fire is estimated to have spread over 100 acres, though it’s not yet clear how it started. Fire Chief Rick Salinas said crews are currently trying to control the fire and get ahead of it.  This is a developing story. Check caller.com for updates….

The Nueces County Commissioner Court voted Friday to extend its disaster declaration in response to the fires in the region and across the state. Commissioners disagreed over when the declaration should expire but ultimately voted to extend it to Sunday. Precinct 4 commissioner Brent Chesney and Precinct 1 commissioner Robert Hernandez said the declaration may not be needed, only agreeing to extend it through the weekend in line with a Friday National Weather Service Corpus Christi warning. The extension comes as…

With a wildfires burning up to 60,000 acres and prompting voluntary evacuation notices, some residents are concerned the Wings Over South Texas Air Show will be canceled or delayed. Rod Hafemeister, assistant public affairs officer at Naval Air Station Kingsville, said the show is still set to reach the skies. “We are monitoring it, but the wind is going in the other direction and its moving the fires further and further away every hour,” Hafemeister said. “We’re…

With a wildfires burning up to 60,000 acres and prompting voluntary evacuation notices, some residents are concerned the Wings Over South Texas Air Show will be canceled or delayed. Rod Hafemeister, assistant public affairs officer at Naval Air Station Kingsville, said the show is still set to reach the skies. “We are monitoring it, but the wind is going in the other direction and its moving the fires further and further away every hour,” Hafemeister said. “We’re…

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A wildfire broke out at King Ranch on Wednesday night and has overtaken 60,000 acres so far. As of Thursday morning, only 20% of the blaze has been contained and volunteer evacuations are underway.  No damage to homes has been reported yet, but residents in the area have reported smoke in the air and burnt debris falling from the sky. Here’s what we know about King Ranch. What is the historical significance of King Ranch? Richard…

A wildfire broke out at King Ranch on Wednesday night and has overtaken 60,000 acres so far. As of Thursday morning, only 20% of the blaze has been contained and volunteer evacuations are underway.  No damage to homes has been reported yet, but residents in the area have reported smoke in the air and burnt debris falling from the sky. Here’s what we know about King Ranch. What is the historical significance of King Ranch? Richard…

Those in the Coastal Bend area may smell smoke outside Friday morning due to two wildfires in the area. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Hayfield South fire in Kenedy County has burned at least 5,000 acres as of 9:30 a.m. The fire is 35% contained. A wind shift in the area caused the fire to grow with two active fire fronts last night, the agency shared on social media. Another fire, called…

Brooks County officials urged residents in south Falfurrias to evacuate due to a wildfire that affected at least 10 structures Friday afternoon. Brooks County Judge Eric Ramos went live on Facebook around 4:30 p.m. on Friday with an update on a large fire near County Road 300, 301, 302, and 303.  Ramos said there is a mandatory evacuation for those county roads and County Road 402. “If you live in that area, please, it’s time to leave…

Port Aransas Mayor Charles Bujan – who became nationally known as a stalwart champion of his city in the wake of Hurricane Harvey – died Wednesday, according to county and port officials. He was 77. Bujan had tight ties with the beachside city he loved, an island that his family had called home since 1885 – a point for him that was a matter of pride.  Already a pillar of Port Aransas, Bujan was introduced to…

When San Antonio residents struggle to get their hands on COVID-19 test, some show up to the emergency room for a diagnosis. Dr. Ralph Riviello, the chair of emergency medicine at University Hospital, said the number of people who arrive seeking a test has grown so much lately that the emergency room now has a nurse provider designated to screen and evaluate patients with COVID-like symptoms. The hospital staff helps whoever arrives, but Riviello said…

Heavy rain continued across the Coastal Bend on Thursday, leading to minor flooding in some areas. Showers and thunderstorms were moving southeast toward the coast Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi. South Texas is expected to receive 2 to 4 inches of rainfall with locally higher amounts. The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi said 2.26 inches of rain fell at the Corpus Christi International Airport on Thursday, including 1.97…

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Corpus Christi is in for another rainy day with scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms Friday. The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi said flooding is possible throughout the day, with a possible 2 to 4 inches of rain. Rain will continue throughout the weekend and into early next week. More:What to do during flash flooding at home or in your vehicle There is a low risk of rip currents Friday, but the NWS Corpus Christi…

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Tropical Storm Nicholas briefly strengthened into a hurricane Monday night, and is bringing intense rain and threats of flooding to Texas and Louisiana as it moves inland along the Gulf Coast. Nicholas is expected to remain a tropical storm for at least most of today, before it loses enough power to become a tropical depression. Tropical Storm Nicholas has maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, according to the 4 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane…

Tropical Storm Nicholas briefly became a hurricane Monday night before making landfall early Tuesday, prompting local school districts to close and the community to brace for substantial rain. According to the National Hurricane Center’s 4 a.m. advisory, the storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and is located 50 miles south southwest of Houston and is moving north northeast at 9 mph. Nicholas could bring rains of 8 to 16 inches across the coastal area. As the…