Storm Surge/Tide — Matagorda Islands, Texas

2021-09-13 to 2021-09-14 · Matagorda Islands, Texas

Event narrative

Coastal tide gauges measured and NWS storm survey confirmed generally 3 to 6 feet of surge above MHHW along the Gulf Coast and Galveston Bay. Storm survey found a few spots of higher surge with close to 8 feet above MHHW estimated at Sargent but this included the impacts of surf/wave action.

Wider weather episode

Nicholas formed on September 12 in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico, slowly advancing northeastward along the Middle Texas Coast. It eventually made landfall 10 miles west of Sargent just after midnight on September 14, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 75 mph. Heavy rain bands associated with Nicholas brought widespread rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches to the Southeast Texas Coast, while strong wind gusts resulted in tree and structural damage as well as widespread power outages across the area. Additionally, Nicholas's surge resulted in flooding along the coast, particularly around Matagorda Bay.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 987404. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.