As of 10 p.m. Saturday, Harvey remained a nearly stationary tropical storm, moving just a single mile per hour east-northeast.
9:17 p.m.: The City of Portland announced that they will discontinue water service due to a shortage in water delivery from the San Patricio Municipal Water District.
8:00 p.m.: Power to the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Facility in Corpus Christi has been restored according to Mayor Joe McComb, and the City is hoping to expedite the process of recalling the water boil advisory.
McComb said the precautionary water boil advisory that the City was placed under Friday was due to a power outage at the facility. Once the facility is up and running, water testing will begin and they expect to have results in by Sunday.
The mayor said the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality would then have to sign off on the test results. He hopes to get that process expedited so that water can be restored as soon as possible.
6:20 p.m. - Deputies are blocking traffic from entering the city limits of Port Aransas, where residents are asked not to return because of damage and debris.
4:27 p.m.: President Donald Trump plans to visit the Coastal Bend area early next week, according to a tweet from Congressman Blake Farenthold. He also tweeted that he spoke to Vice President Mike Pence who promised that South Texas will see the help it needs.
In my call with @VP he said @realDonaldTrump plans on visiting our area early next week. #HurricaneHarvey
— Blake Farenthold (@farenthold) August 26, 2017
Just spoke on the phone with @VP who promised he and @realDonaldTrump will provide South Texas with the help we need #HurricaneHarvey
— Blake Farenthold (@farenthold) August 26, 2017
More than 1,300 members of the Texas Military Department's Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Texas State Guard have been activated to assist first responders at the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott, according to the Texas Military Department.
More than 2,000 are expected to respond within the next 24-48 hours and additional personnel will be on standby to help as needed.Officials said UH-60 Blackhawk, UH-72 Lakota and CH-47 Chinook air crews are on standby in Austin, San Antonio and Grand Prairie to help with emergency search and rescue, water rescues and evacuations.
2:50 p.m. - Aransas County Judge Bill Mills Jr. confirms one person is dead and 12-14 people are injured in Rockport. The one death is from a house fire, according to Mills.
2:35 p.m. - Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb says there's no "prohibition" preventing people from returning to the city. There might be downed utilities and other debris in the road, but McComb said no one will stop people from coming back.
In terms of power outages, 60 percent of the city is without power.
McComb also said he's been told by the police chief there have been no reports of looting after the storm.
2:08 p.m. - Corpus Christi's H-E-B grocery on Alemeda/Robert has reopened
1:05 p.m. - "Turn around, don't drown. Don't risk your life," said Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott during a news conference, speaking of the flooding threat now Tropical Storm Harvey will bring to the state.
The governor has issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties -- 20 more than the previous declaration approved Friday by President Donald Trump. "It immediately triggers the implementation of FEMA, (their) assistance ... can begin the rebuilding process as soon as possible," Abbott said.
There are more than 1,300 service members activated to assist in clean-up efforts. Five-hundred more are expected later, Abbott said.
There are more than 338,000 outages across southeast Texas, and it could be several days before power is restored. The governor said wind speeds must decrease below a certain level before utility workers can safely respond.
Eighty troopers are being dispatched to the Corpus Christi area to assist in law enforcement efforts.
12:48 p.m. - Harvey has been downgraded to a 70 mph tropical storm and additional weakening is expected the longer it remains over land, according to the National Hurricane Center's 1 p.m. advisory.
The storm is 45 miles west-northwest of Victoria, and it is moving slowly -- north-northwest at 2 mph.
Forecasters mostly now are turning their attention from the wind to very heavy rain as some areas could pick up more than 20 inches during the next few days.
12:32 p.m. - School districts are calling off classes next week. There will be no school Monday, Aug. 28, for students in the Gregory-Portland Independent School District.
The start of fall classes at Del Mar College also is canceled Monday.
12:10 p.m. - 3 News wants to help connect the community with open gas stations, stores and other businesses. What's open in your area? Let us know on Facebook.
11:50 a.m. - Lowe's Home Improvement in Corpus Christi on Airline Road is open with water, supplies and wood.
11:36 a.m. - First photos show damage at Rockport Fulton High School. Click here to see photos of the high school and First Baptist Church in Rockport.
This used to be the gymnasium at Rockport Fulton High School #hurricaneharvey #khou11 pic.twitter.com/vjUwswPmkF
— Noel Brennan (@Noeltbrennan) August 26, 2017
11:27 a.m. - Charles Bujan, the mayor of Port Aransas, ask people not to return given the extensive damage. There are search and rescue operations underway, and "we don't need people to hinder us in that regard," Bujan said. Click to watch Mayor Bujan's update.
Pioneer Trailer Park is a "100-percent loss," Bujan said.
11:15 a.m. - Taft residents connected to the city's water system are asked to boil their water before use as a precaution.
10:57 a.m. - CCRTA has suspended all service until further notice. Will resume service when roads are clear.
10:41 a.m. - The highest wind gust measured from Hurricane Harvey was near Port Aransas at 132 mph at 9:42 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25. This occurred when Harvey's outer eyewall came ashore, according to the National Weather Service.
So far, Austwell (Refugio County) is reporting the highest rainfall total at 14.46 inches as of 8 a.m. Saturday.
10:31 a.m. - Road conditions already are limited along the Texas coast and more closures could come into the weekend as Harvey stalls across the region and dumps a heavy amount of rain. Check the map from TxDOT before considering travel.
9:45 a.m. - Hospital officials ask people not to visit their loved ones until operations return to normal. CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Memorial remains closed -- including its emergency department -- at this time, the release states.
9:28 a.m. - There is boil water advisory in effect for all Ingleside residents. People are asked to bring water to a boil and continue to boil it for two minutes before use.
9:19 a.m. - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, released the following statement:
"Our Texas communities affected by this severe hurricane continue to be in my prayers, as are the first responders and emergency personnel who are working around the clock. The threat posed by Harvey is extreme, and Texans should continue to heed the warnings of local officials and emergency personnel.
"My staff and I will remain in close contact with FEMA, the Governor’s office, and local officials in impacted areas as Texas continues to endure this dangerous storm. Thank you to all Texans who will be helping those in need in the days and weeks ahead."
9:14 a.m - Island in the Son Church in the 10000 block TX-361 near Mustang Island sustains heavy roof damage. Click/tap to watch video.
9 a.m. - Hurricane Harvey now is a marginal, Category 1 storm with 75 mph winds, according to the 9 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center. Its center is located 25 miles west of Victoria and is moving north-northwest at 6 mph.
The greatest threat for the Texas coast now is torrential rainfall measured in feet -- some areas could see in excess of 20 inches between Corpus Christi to Houston.
8:53 a.m. - ROAD UPDATE: I-37 at Navigation Blvd in Corpus Christi closed because of a sign down on the interstate. TxDOT has 250-300 employees accessing roads across south Texas.
8 a.m. - How long should food last in your fridge in a power outage? It depends -- no more than four hours in your refrigerator, no more than 48 hours in your freezer. It's even less time for perishable items.
7:30 a.m. - "Catastrophic" flooding is expected during the next several days as Hurricane Harvey parks itself over the Texas coast. Rainfall amounts could top 20 inches or more, according to a National Weather Service forecast.
In the meantime, Harvey is an 80 mph storm and is about 20 miles west-southwest of Victoria. It is moving north-northwest at 6 mph.
Early reports out of Rockport indicate the city has been hard hit as the storm made landfall. A better assessment of the damage will come with daylight.
6:35 a.m. - Corpus Christi residents are asked to reduce the use of their toilets and faucets. A power outage at the wastewater treatment plants has prompted this notice.
4 a.m. -The National Hurricane Center said Harvey, now a Category 1 hurricane, was slowly making its way inland over South Texas. Catastrophic flooding is expected over the next few days due to the heavy rainfall.
Harvey still has 100 mph winds and continues to move northwest at 6 mph. The National Weather Service said it is weakening and will be a tropical storm later today.
Hurricane Harvey had made its second landfall on the northeastern shore of Copano Bay at around 1 a.m. Saturday as a Category 3 hurricane, heading northwest at 6 mph. Hurricane and storm surge warnings remain in effect for all of the Middle Texas Coast, and flash flood watches are in effect for most of South Texas, as well as an extreme wind warning.
2:52 a.m. - According to the National Weather Service, a flash flood warning continues for Portland, Ingleside and Rockport until 6:45 a.m.
1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 - According to the National Weather Service, Harvey is now at 125 mph and is located five miles north of Rockport.
11:54 p.m. - Rockport City Manager Kevin Carruth tells 3 News that the roof at a single story senior housing complex collapsed and a number of those people were taken to the jail for assessment and treatment. A total of 10 people have been treated in total from tonight's storm damage. The Courthouse there has also been severely damaged as well. Carruth adds that the historic downtown area has also seen heavy damage. There are also reports of damage to vehicles and roofs, but overall, the City is holding up well. The Emergency Management Center has lost its telephone landline and internet.
11:20 p.m. - Aransas Pass PD: We've lost all connectivity outside of public safety radios. If you dial 911, you will be routed through Portland's 911 as long as that remains up.
Stay safe and shelter in place. We are not leaving and will be here when it blows over...
10:30 p.m. - Single-story duplex-style building reportedly has collapsed and trapped people in Rockport, according to City Manager Kevin Carruth.
10 p.m.: The City of Corpus Christi issued a precautionary water boil advisory due to conditions caused by Hurricane Harvey. Residents need to boil their water prior to consumption, washing your hands or face, brushing your teeth, etc.
The aim of the water boil is to prevent the consumption of harmful bacteria and other microbes. Children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable, and the city urges everyone to follow these instructions.
Once the storm has passed, the City will send crews to stabilize the system. They hope to lift the advisory as soon as possible.
9:45 p.m. - The eyewall stays north of Corpus Christi. Can still expect winds in excess of 90 mph.
9:20 p.m. - Check latest damage photos from across the area.
8:55 p.m. - President Donald Trump signs disaster proclamation.
8 p.m. - Hurricane Harvey still is a 130 mph Category 4 storm as of the National Hurricane Center's latest update. While the outer edge of the storm's eyewall is nearing Rockport, it is about 35 miles east from Corpus Christi.
It is moving northwest at 8 mph.
The storm is historic -- the last Category 4 storm to hit Texas was Carla in 1961.
7:20 p.m. - The outer edge of Category 4 Hurricane Harvey's eyewall is making its approach to the outer shoreline, according to the National Weather Service.
7:10 p.m. - AEP's online outage map shows at least 60,000 customers without power in an area from Corpus Christi to Rockport to Victoria.
6:40 p.m. - Hurricane Harvey is off shore by about 30 miles, approaching the Rockport area, according to meteorologist Alan Holt. The eyewall contains the highest, 130 mph wind -- Aranas and San Patricio counties will experience the worst shortly.
6 p.m. - Hurricane Harvey has intensified to a Category 4 storm with 130 mph maximum sustained winds, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center. It is 45 miles east of Corpus Christi and its movement has slowed -- it is moving northwest at 8 mph.
Minimum central pressure is 941 mb.
The last Category 4 hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. was Hurricane Charley in 2004, which hit Florida.
5:08 p.m. - Do not expect Corpus Christi police officers to quickly respond to emergencies. In a tweet, they say life-threatening calls will be dispatched if conditions allow.
4:56 p.m. - An extreme wind warning is in effect for southwestern Calhoun County, Aransas County, east central Nueces County, eastern San Patricio County and central Refugio County.
Winds from 115-145 mph are possible as Category 3 Hurricane Harvey approaches land. The National Weather Service warns of swaths of tornado-like damage.
"TAKE COVER NOW! Treat these imminent extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to the safe room in your shelter. Take action now to protect your life!"
4:50 p.m. - The Beach 96.5 FM will simulcast KIII's coverage of Hurricane Harvey if you cannot get us on TV or mobile app.
4:39 p.m. - About 26,100 people are without power, according to the AEP outage map.
4:36 p.m. - A tornado warning is in effect until 5 p.m. for parts of Aransas and Refugio counties as Hurricane Harvey's outer rain bands come ashore.
4:28 p.m. - Peak wind gusts as reported to the National Weather Service: Corpus Christi NAS 74 mph, 64 mph at Port Aransas, 60 mph at Rockport and 54 mph at Corpus Christi International Airport.
4 p.m. - Harvey continues to strengthen: the 4 p.m. National Hurricane Center update says the major hurricane now is a 125-mph storm, and it is 60 miles east-southeast of Corpus Christi. It is moving northwest at 10 mph.
Minimum central pressure is 941 mb.
3:25 p.m. - "Tackle each phase as it comes," Corpus Christi Police Chief Mike Markle said live during an interview on 3 News. Other communities will take note of the city's preparedness in advance of the storm.
"The world is watching," Markle said.
3 p.m. - The 3 p.m. National Hurricane Center advisory has Hurricane Harvey 70 miles east-southeast of Corpus Christi. It is a major hurricane with 120 mph maximum sustained winds.
Minimum central pressure now is 943 mb.
2:58 p.m. - In a tweet, the Corpus Christi Police Department wants to quash a social media rumor: there are no reports of looting in the city.
Social media rumors are not confirmed. Metrocom Dispatchers report absolutely no confirmed reports of looting anywhere in our city #Harvey pic.twitter.com/mqaXqbzYdd
— Corpus Christi PD (@CorpusChristiPD) August 25, 2017
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2:45 p.m. - More than 2,000 AEP personnel are in the area or shortly arriving to assist in power restoration after the storm.
People are asked not to call the outage emergency number unless there is a more serious situation, such as a fallen utility pole. That number is the following: 1-866-223-8508. People also can check the outage map for the latest information.
2 p.m. - Hurricane Harvey is now up to a Category 3 storm, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. Maximum sustained winds are pegged at 120 mph, with higher gusts. Minimum central pressure has fallen to 945 mb -- it is lower than earlier advisories, meaning the storm has strengthened.
The storm is 85 miles east-southeast of Corpus Christi.
A tornado watch is in effect until 2 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, for much of southeast Texas and the coast. Landfalling tropical cyclones carry a risk of tornadoes in their outer bands, and Harvey will be no exception. Landfalling tropical cyclones carry a risk of tornadoes in their outer bands, and Harvey will be no exception.
12:57 p.m. - Del Mar College will delay the first day of Fall classes until after the full impact of the storm can be determined. Classes were set to begin on Monday.
12:50 p.m. - A mandatory curfew will go into effect in Beeville at 9 p.m. tonight.
12:45 p.m. - Corpus Christi city leaders: Expect the possibility of power to be out for days following storm. Watch remarks here.
12:41 p.m. - Rockport Mayor: 'Get out while you can'. Watch remarks here.
12:00 p.m. - Corpus Christi ISD classes have been cancelled for Monday, August 28.
11 a.m. - As of 11 a.m. Friday the forecasted strength and trajectory of Hurricane Harvey have remained steady. The storm remains at Category 2 with sustained winds of 110 mph. It should make landfall late Friday night/early Saturday morning.
The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Service announced they will begin cutting back service at 11 a.m. due to wind speeds and will cease all service at 1 p.m.
All flights out of the Corpus Christi International Airport have been canceled for the rest of Friday.
8:24 a.m. - Tropical storm-force conditions are moving in to the barrier islands. Expect winds over 39 mph with bands of rain moving in. Rain intensity and frequency will gradually increase as they day goes.
7 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25: Hurricane Harvey is forecast to move into the Copano Bay area (Rockport-Fulton) late Friday night/early Saturday morning as a major Category 3 hurricane. The hurricane will track in such a way that the left side of the storm's eye wall could be directly over Corpus Christi as it passes by about 20 miles or so to the east before making landfall.Copano Bay area (Rockport-Fulton) late Friday night/early Saturday morning as a major Category 3 hurricane. The hurricane will track in such a way that the left side of the storm's eye wall could be directly over Corpus Christi as it passes by about 20 miles or so to the east before making landfall.
Corpus Christi could experience winds of over 100 mph as this happens. The storm surge could reach up to 12 feet. Flooding rains after landfall will be dangerous as totals will tally one or two feet through the weekend and beyond -- possibly more.
Hurricane force winds will extend out 40 miles or so away from the center of the storm. Corpus Christi should be prepared for hurricane force winds. The strongest winds will likely occur in Rockport-Fulton where damage will be very likely.
The highest storm surge will take place in San Antonio and Matagorda bays at 6-12 feet, maybe more. Prepare for around 6-9 feet in the Corpus Christi Bay area.
Rainfall will be driving and heavy. 1-3 feet of rain will be possible now through the weekend and early next week. Inland flooding is a major concern.
TRACK THE STORM: Hurricane Center
The Texas Department of Transportation confirmed that the Port Aransas Ferry System will shut down operations at 8 a.m. and a surge wall will be in place in Aransas Pass by 9 a.m. The only evacuation route from Port Aransas will be Highway 361 southbound to Corpus Christi.
- WATCH: The latest track information in this video.
EVACUATION OPTIONS:
There are still options for residents looking to evacuate from the storm.
The Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds is a staging area where residents can take a bus to San Antonio. Operations will resume 7 a.m. Friday and continue until weather deteriorates. Residents may park at the H-E-B store in Robstown and take the B-Bus route to the fairgrounds for evacuation. It is free of charge.
The Corpus Christi Natatorium is also another option to evacuate. The CCRTA is expected to run buses to the Natatorium on its routes at no charge. In a tweet, CCRTA said passengers can bring luggage and pets as long as they are on leashes or in carriers.
Operations at the Natatorium will resume 8 a.m. on Friday.
- WATCH: First buses from Corpus Christi area arrive in San Antonio.
Residents in unincorporated areas have one last chance to evacuate Friday beginning at 7 a.m. until Noon pending weather conditions. If you live in Nueces County including Bishop, Agua Dulce, Banquete, Driscoll, Petronila and Robstown you can evacuate to the following locations:
- Bishop Community Center
- Driscoll City Hall
- Agua Dulce Community Center
- Banquete Community Center
- Bluntzer School Square
- Robstown Transfer Station
- Petronila School
Any residents needing assistance should call 361-888-0513 beginning at 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. Friday.
There have been many questions and rumors swirling on social media about utility service in Corpus Christi. The city tweeted utilities will not be turned off in anticipation of the storm.
Trash, recycling and brush pickup has been cancelled for Friday.
All residents should be prepared for a dangerous flooding situation. Kiii meteorologist Alan Holt noted thay any locations within the forecast cone should be preparing as if the worst of the storm is heading in your direction. The center could potentially track anywhere within the cone.
Even a small shift in track will have major implications on how bad it could get in the Corpus Christi area. Given the current forecast cone, the area could see Hurricane force winds and a four to six-foot storm surge with flooding rains Friday through the weekend.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a State of Disaster for 30 counties in anticipation of Tropical Storm Harvey making landfall.
On Thursday afternoon, authorities issued mandatory evacuations for a number of Coastal Bend communities including Port Aransas, Aransas Pass, Rockport and Refugio.
City of Corpus Christi issued a voluntary evacuation order, according to the Regional Transportation Authority.
HEB STORE CLOSURES:
All Corpus Christi HEB stores closed briefly to restock and prepare for customers Friday and are opening their doors again at 6 a.m. Lines quickly formed as customers waited outside for the doors to open.
The following HEB grocery stores are closed until further notice:
- H-E-B Aransas Pass, 101 E. Goodnight
- H-E-B Ingleside, 2616 W. Hwy. 361
- H-E-B Port Lavaca, 101 Calhoun Plaza
- H-E-B Rockport, 1409 Bus. Hwy. 35 N.
- H-E-B Edna, 301 N. Wells
- H-E-B Sinton, 106 S. San Patricio
Be sure and download the Kiii 3 News App to get the latest updates about Hurricane Harvey right on your phone! Download it from the iTunes App Store here, or the Google Play store here.