Storm Surge/Tide — Coastal Harris, Texas

2021-09-14 · Coastal Harris, Texas

Event narrative

Coastal tide gauges and NWS storm survey measured generally 3 to 6 feet above MHHW along the western shore of Galveston Bay. The maximum surge was up near the Houston Ship Channel where 5.95 feet above MHHW was measured. A small portion of this was likely due to rainfall/runoff.

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 987424. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.