Tropical Storm Nicholas

Please use this page for all official City communication related to Tropical Storm Nicholas.

PINNED POST: Thursday, September 16th @ 10:00am
Critical Issues Update // Power Outages & Debris Removal

We would like to update our residents on two critical issues as we continue our recovery process following Tropical Storm Nicholas – ongoing power outages and debris removal.

POWER OUTAGES: First, to those citizens still experiencing power outages, please know that we understand your frustration and it is our hope that your power will be restored as soon as possible. We have been in continuous communication with CenterPoint throughout the week, working with the company to identify and address specific damages that led to long-term outages.

While there are still homes without power, we do have some good news: Crews completed major repairs on Antigua yesterday afternoon/evening, replacing a power pole that was pulled down during the storm, reconnecting the affected power lines, and restoring power to surrounding homes.

We will continue to communicate ongoing issues to CenterPoint, and we encourage our residents who are still without power to follow up with the company directly, as well.

DEBRIS REMOVAL: Secondly, with respect to debris removal – we are glad our residents took advantage of the four roll-off dumpsters placed on Upper Bay and Martinique yesterday morning. We understand they filled up fast, and we are working with Ameriwaste to remove the full dumpsters, replace them with empty ones and provide additional dumpsters along the Boardwalk and near Howard Ward Park. The company has indicated that we are scheduled for service tomorrow (Friday) morning, and we will follow up once the dumpsters are in place with exact locations.

With respect to residential collection – as a reminder, Ameriwaste provided a vegetation truck today to facilitate the removal of additional green waste. This allowed both green waste as well as household garbage to be picked up during today’s collection. However, to make this possible, recycling pick-up was not conducted today, and will be paused until the next regular collection day for recycling: Thursday, September 23.

If your green waste was not collected today, please ensure that it is bundled according to the following requirements, set by Ameriwaste:

Curbside for pick-ups
No longer than five (5) feet in length
No larger than 18 inches in Diameter
Less than 50 pounds
Limit of five (5) bundles & 10 bags
No loose material.
Click here view the Debris Collection Guidelines.

If, upon gathering your materials, you have an amount of waste that exceeds the above parameters, contact Ameriwaste at 281-331-8400 to review individually. They will provide an estimate of the cost to remove the materials.

The next Ameriwaste collection date is Monday, September 20. Residents will also have the option of using the dumpsters mentioned above between tomorrow (Friday) and Monday.

Thursday, September 16th @ 2:30pm - Nassau Bay Alerts

A friendly reminder to save the City of Nassau Bay's alert number. This number will appear on your caller I.D with important information pertaining to the City.

If you need to make updates to your contact information or want to modify the way you are alerted (voice, text, or email), visit www.nassaubay.com/501/Nassau-Bay-Alerts.
Unsure if you are signed up for the Swift911 system? You can call City Hall at 281-333-4211 to confirm your registration.

Thursday, September 16th @ 1:45pm - CenterPoint Energy Update

The City of Nassau Bay has received confirmation that CenterPoint is en route to address the remaining power outages in our community, including on Kingstree and Carriage Court. The company estimates power will be restored over the next several hours.

Wednesday, September 15th @ 4:00pm - Ameriwaste Collection on Thursday Morning (September 16th)

To assist with the removal of debris from Tropical Storm Nicholas, Ameriwaste will be providing a vegetation vehicle for tomorrow morning’s collection. This will allow citizens to get rid of additional vegetation as well as household garbage. Please review the collection guidelines below for information on how to bundle / package your vegetation debris.

Click here view the Debris Collection Guidelines.

To facilitate this change, recycling collection will be postponed until the next regular collection day (Thursday, September 23).

Residents are asked NOT to put out recycling tomorrow morning.

Wednesday, September 15th @ 2:00pm - Storm Response Update from the Nassau Bay Police Dept.

Please take a moment to review the following messages from the Nassau Bay Police Department.

David Braun Park Closure: First, Chief Tim Cromie would like to remind the community that David Braun Park is completely closed to all traffic and use at this time, including vehicular traffic and foot traffic.

“As part of our preparation for Tropical Storm Nicholas, the Public Works Department turned the power off in David Braun Park to prevent any damage to the electrical systems from flooding,” Chief Cromie said. “Crews will have to evaluate all of the electrical before turning power back on in order to prevent damages.”

The park will be closed for enough time to allow Public Works to remove debris and mud from the grounds, and to disinfect the area. The public will be notified when the park is available for use.

Beware of Post-Emergency Scams: Secondly, Chief Cromie would like to remind all residents to be mindful of post-emergency scams, including price gouging and disreputable contractors.

“When an emergency takes place, some businesses may raise their prices excessively on essential goods and services like drinking water, housing, food, and fuel,” he said. “If you feel that you are being unfairly charged for goods or services after an emergency for a necessity, raise the issue of price gouging with the provider. You might also consider reporting the matter to the Texas Attorney General.”

With respect to contractors, Cromie said a good rule of thumb is to get more than one estimate, and NOT to feel rushed into signing a contract right away.

“Do your research – work with your insurance adjuster to get an estimate of any damage you’ve experienced and the probable repair cost, and use that benchmark as you communicate with contractors,” he said. “When you do select a contractor, ask for proof of insurance as well as guarantees in writing, and make sure to keep a copy of all documents.”

For more information on these types of scams, visit https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/.../disaster-scams

Wednesday, September 15th @ 10:45am - Update from City Manager Reynolds Re: Power Outages

As we continue our response to Tropical Storm Nicholas, we would like to address the concerns of our residents related to ongoing power outages. We understand your frustration, and we have been in communication with CenterPoint Energy to determine what is causing the delays.

One significant impact came from a fallen tree that pulled down a specific section of power lines as well as a power pole. CenterPoint has confirmed that they are sending a crew to address the fallen tree and impacted power lines/pole. This effort is to include the removal and replacement of the broken pole, to be followed by the reconnection of the power lines.

We would also like to take this opportunity to let the community know that during the response, Mayor Bob Warters has been away from the office and was unavailable to perform the duties of Mayor. Per the City Charter, Mayor Pro Tem Don Matter is the acting Mayor at this time.

Wednesday, September 15th @ 10:00am - Solid Waste / Garbage Collection Reminder

As the City recovers from Tropical Storm Nicholas, we are aware many residents are dealing with broken trees, limbs and other debris on and around your property. Nassau Bay appreciates each resident's proactive assistance in collecting debris, but please do not place this collected debris in the City's streets. Rather, keep any vegetation or debris on your property. This is to ensure the debris does not roll-off into the City's storm water pump station.

In order to assist with debris collection, the City will be supplying a set of roll-off dumpsters for residents to dispose of large debris (no household trash, food, hazardous waste or construction materials). These dumpsters will be available later this morning (Wednesday). They will be placed across the street from 18514 Upper Bay Road and at 18473 Martinique on the Upper Bay side.

Regular Ameriwaste collection will take place on Thursday morning - residents will be asked to place regular household trash in containers or bags at the back door, as usual. Green waste should be placed in bundles at the curb.

Green waste will be picked up as long as it is in the following guidelines:

Curbside for pick-ups
No longer than five (5) feet in length
No larger than 18 inches in diameter
Less than 50 pounds
Limit of five (5) bundles & 10 bags
No loose material.

Please note that FEMA will NOT perform tree limb or garbage pickup.

For information regarding hazardous waste disposal, please visit:

https://www.eng.hctx.net/.../Household-Hazardous-Waste

Tuesday, September 14th @ 6:45pm - Message from City Manager Reynolds Regarding Power Outages

A message from City Manager Jason Reynolds: Per CenterPoint Energy, all power outages and other related damage in Nassau Bay has been assessed and the company has identified all key issues. Crews are preparing their work and are currently addressing the most critical infrastructure. After that is done, they will move on to the next priority lines. The expectation is that that this work will commence in the morning as they are addressing critical lines this evening.

We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of our residents as we communicate with CenterPoint to provide the most current information available.

Tuesday, September 14th @ 5:30pm - Update from CenterPoint Regarding Power Outages

CenterPoint has provided a press release addressing power restoration to the region. The company has restored power to nearly 300,000 electric customers over the last 12 hours, down from a peak outage count of more than 460,000 at 8AM.

At this time, CenterPoint Energy is down to approximately 160,000 customers without power.

The restoration process begins with facilities vital to safety, health and welfare, such as hospitals, water treatment plants and public service facilities. While addressing key facilities, the company follows its priority restoration process by making repairs to electrical facilities that will return power to the largest number of customers first, then continue the restoration process by prioritizing repairs to benefit the greatest number of customers, until power is returned to everyone.

Per the release, in addition to the more than 3,200 Electric Operations employees and contractors focused on the restoration work, CenterPoint Energy has confirmed 1,800 linemen and tree trimmers from their mutual assistance network and will activate four staging sites across the impacted areas. The mutual assistance resources are expected to begin work on Wednesday, with the remainder arriving on Thursday.

Tuesday, September 14th @ 4:30pm - Wastewater Treatment Plant Now Operational / End of Day Update

Wastewater Treatment Now Operational: Nassau Bay residents are advised that, as of late Tuesday afternoon, the Wastewater Treatment Plant is now fully operational but is running on auxiliary power. Residents may resume regular activities (flushing the toilet and showering), but are reminded that any and all moderation will help the system remain stabilized.

Cleared Roadways: As well, please note that all roadways within the City - including Upper Bay and Sandy Cove - are cleared for driving. Public Works crews have worked diligently to drain Upper Bay Road of water. Please continue to exercise caution while driving, keeping an eye out for potentially harmful debris.

Debris & Vegetation Debris Removal: Citizens managing debris removal following Tropical Storm Nicholas are encouraged to view the debris collection update below to review the full guidelines for debris and vegetation removal. The City will be supplying a set of roll-off dumpsters, expected by Wednesday morning, for residents to dispose of large debris. They will be placed across the street from 18514 Upper Bay Road and at 18473 Martinique on the Upper Bay side.

Click here view the Debris Collection Guidelines.

Regular Ameriwaste collection will take place on Thursday morning. Again, please review the City's website for collection guidelines. As a reminder, please make sure debris stays on your property until it can be removed. Please note that FEMA will NOT perform tree limb or garbage pickup.

Administrative Offices Open Wednesday, September 15th: City Hall will re-open at 7:30am on Wednesday, September 15th. However, for the next 1-2 weeks, City staff will be addressing response to Tropical Storm Nicholas as well as regular duties. As well, David Braun Park is closed until further notice.

CenterPoint Energy Reminders: CenterPoint Energy personnel are working within the Nassau Bay community and power has been restored in some areas. Work is expected to continue over the coming days to restore power to the full community. Please do not call 911 or the Nassau Bay Police Department non-emergency line to report power outages. The CenterPoint Energy Outage Tracker map is available at http://gis.centerpointenergy.com/outagetracker/index.html.

Non-Emergency & Emergency Call Lines: During this time, calls to the City Hall main line – (281) 333-4211 – will be answered during regular business hours (7:30am to 5:30pm). Residents may reach the Nassau Bay Police Department at 281-333-2212 during regular business hours. Outside of those hours, residents may call the 24-hour Non-Emergency dispatch line at (281) 333-4200. Emergency calls should be directed to 911. We want to remind residents that 911 should only be called during a medical emergency, fire, or life-threatening situation. DO NOT call 911 to report flooded roads, drainage problems, or power outages.

Tuesday, September 14th @ 4:30pm - Wastewater Plant Now Operational

Nassau Bay residents are advised that, as of late Tuesday afternoon, the Wastewater Treatment Plant is now fully operational but is running on auxiliary power.

Residents may resume regular activities (flushing the toilet and showering), but are reminded that any and all moderation will help the system remain stabilized.

As well, please note that all roadways within the City - including Upper Bay and Sandy Cove - are cleared for driving. Public Works crews have worked diligently to drain Upper Bay of water.

Please continue to exercise caution while driving, keeping an eye out for potentially harmful debris.

Tuesday, September 14th @ 12:00pm - Status Update on the City's Response & Recovery Efforts

The City of Nassau Bay would like to provide our residents with a brief update on some of the major talking points surrounding the response to Tropical Storm Nicholas.

Flooding / Roadways – The Public Works Department has removed a significant amount of large debris from the roadways in Nassau Bay. Most roads, with the exception of Upper Bay and Sandy Cove, are passable at this time, but drivers should still be cautious of debris including nails as they move around the community.

Power / Electrical Outages – CenterPoint Energy personnel are working within the Nassau Bay community and power has been restored in some areas. Work is expected to continue over the coming days to restore power to the full community.

City Services – City Hall will re-open at 7:30am on Wednesday, September 15th. However, for the next 1-2 weeks, City staff will be addressing response to Tropical Storm Nicholas as well as regular duties. As well, David Braun Park is closed until further notice.

Wastewater Treatment Plant – While Public Works is operating the plant manually at this time, residents are still asked to keep wastewater usage to a minimum, flushing only when necessary and NOT showering at this time.

Solid Waste / Garbage Collection – As the City recovers from Tropical Storm Nicholas, we are aware many residents are dealing with broken trees, limbs and other debris on and around your property. Nassau Bay appreciates each resident's proactive assistance in collecting debris, but please do not place this collected debris in the City's streets. Rather, keep any vegetation or debris on your property. This is to ensure the debris does not roll-off into the City's storm water pump station.

In order to assist with debris collection, the City will be supplying a set of roll-off dumpsters for residents to dispose of large debris (no household trash, food, hazardous waste or construction materials). We anticipate these dumpsters will be available Wednesday morning. They will be placed across the street from 18514 Upper Bay Road and at 18473 Martinique on the Upper Bay side.

Regular Ameriwaste collection will take place on Thursday morning - Residents will be asked to place regular household trash in containers or bags at the back door, as usual. Green waste should be placed in bundles at the curb.

Green waste will be picked up as long as it is in the following guidelines:

Curbside for pick-ups
No longer than five (5) feet in length
No larger than 18 inches in Diameter
Less than 50 pounds
Limit of five (5) bundles & 10 bags
No loose material.

Please continue to visit the City's website at www.nassaubay.com/TSNicholas for up-to-date information the City's response and recovery efforts.

Tuesday, September 14th @ 9:30am - Debris Around the City

City of Nassau Bay Public Works crews are hard at work this morning, assessing damages throughout the City that resulted from Tropical Storm Nicholas.

At this time, much of the flooding that impacted the area overnight has resided, with Upper Bay and Sandy Cove being the only two roadways that are still impassable.

However, due to the flooding, drivers should be cautious of nails and other large debris in the roadways that could puncture tires.

Tuesday, September 14th @ 9:00am - Live Update from City Manager Reynolds

City Manager Jason Reynolds will conduct a LIVE Q&A regarding Tropical Storm Nicholas response and recovery via Facebook Live beginning at 9:00am. Make sure to tune in, or post your questions here for a response! https://fb.me/e/1nwlGG3e9

Tuesday, September 14th @ 8:30am - Report Storm Damage from TS Nicholas

Has your home seen damage from Tropical Storm Nicholas? Please take the time to complete the Storm Damage Form on the City's website in order for the City to properly assess all damage from TS Nicholas.

Documenting damage to your home or property may also assist with future insurance claims. This process will also assist the City in identifying areas where debris pick-up is needed. To access the form, please visit www.nassaubay.com/flooddamage.

Tuesday, September 14th @ 7:30am - CenterPoint Energy Update

CenterPoint Energy now has personnel addressing repairs in the Nassau Bay area. The company has issued an update following the impacts of Tropical Storm Nicholas.

Per a press release issued this morning, there are approximately 440,000 customers without power in the greater Houston area, with the most significant impact on the company’s southern, central and eastern areas. CenterPoint Energy’s crews have begun their damage assessment and service restoration process.

Per the release, “After key facilities, the company follows its priority restoration process by making repairs to electrical facilities that will return power to the largest number of customers first, then [will] continue the restoration process by prioritizing repairs to benefit the greatest number of customers, until power is restored to everyone.”

Further, the release indicated that CenterPoint’s natural gas distribution system in the Greater Houston area is functioning normally. However, “crews are responding to natural gas leak calls primarily due to toppled trees.”

If you are experiencing a power outage, contact CenterPoint Energy. To report an electric power outage, please call 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143. Please do not call 911 or PD non-emergency line to report power outages. The CenterPoint Energy Outage Tracker map is available at http://gis.centerpointenergy.com/outagetracker/index.html.

Tuesday, September 14th @ 6:00am - Danger, Down Power Lines Throughout City

Residents are advised that, due to the high winds accompanying Tropical Storm Nicholas, there are power lines down throughout the City of Nassau Bay.

Please exercise caution while moving about the city and DO NOT touch or attempt to move downed power lines.

Although power is out to majority of the city, some of those lines may be energized and would pose extreme danger.

Tuesday, September 14th @ 5:30am - Weather Update from the National Weather Service

The heaviest impact of Tropical Storm Nicholas has hit the Nassau Bay area, and the Emergency Operations Center is currently working to address the damages throughout the City.

At this time, flooding has been reported throughout the City, with major flooding from the intersection of Upper Bay and Martinique all the way to David Braun Park.

Flooding has also impacted the west side of town on southern end, including Lakeside Drive, Sandy Cove, the 2500 Block of Baycrest Drive and Harbor Drive.

Most of these streets are impassable at this time. Residents are reminded NEVER to drive or walk into high water - remember, Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

In addition to flooding, there are trees down throughout the City which have caused extensive power outages throughout the area. Residents are reminded NOT to report outages to 911 or the PD Non-Emergency line but to instead call CenterPoint at 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143.

At daybreak, City of Nassau Bay crews will begin addressing repairs throughout the City.

Weather update: A Tropical Storm Warning is still in effect for our region, and while they have slowed, rains are expected to continue. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and continue to monitor weather updates.

Monday, September 13th @ 11:00pm - Weather Update from the National Weather Service

Per the latest update from the National Weather Service (NWS), Tropical Storm Nicholas has become a Category 1 Hurricane with 75MPH winds.

Residents are reminded that Flash Flooding is still a high risk for our area, and a Storm Surge Warning remains in effect. The NWS estimates that southeast Texas will receive an additional 6 to 8 inches of rain through Tuesday night.

As well, the NWS projects a 40-50% chance of wind gusts between 55MPH and 70MPH, likely resulting in power outages to our area. A slight risk of tornadoes is also present for our region. These threats will likely be present for the next 18 hours.

At this time, citizens are strongly advised to stay home and off the roads.

In the event of power outages, residents should contact CenterPoint Energy. To report an electric power outage, please call 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143. The CenterPoint Energy Outage Tracker map is available at http://gis.centerpointenergy.com/outagetracker/index.html. Please do not call 911 or the Nassau Bay Police Department non-emergency line to report power outages.

Monday, September 13th @ 6:00pm - Weather Update from the National Weather Service

Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates throughout the evening as Tropical Storm Nicholas continues to bring rain to the Greater Houston area. The City of Nassau Bay’s emergency response team will be on-scene overnight and will continue to update the City’s website as well as social media with updates.

Per the National Weather Service update at 4:30PM, the Greater Houston area is expected to receive up to 12 inches through Wednesday (with less than three inches received so far) and flash flooding remains the greatest concern for our area.

In general, residents are encouraged to avoid driving overnight if at all possible. If you are in your vehicle and approach high water, remember – Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

If you have not already done so, secure any lose objects outside of your home or bring them inside. Also, make sure your pets are safely inside.

In the event of power outages, residents should contact CenterPoint Energy. To report an electric power outage, please call 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143. Please do not call 911 or PD non-emergency line to report power outages.

Monday, September 13th @ 4:30pm - David Braun Park Closed

As City Staff safeguard the various assets around the City, David Braun Park is closed to the public until after the threat of Tropical Storm Nicholas subsides. We will post an update when the park will reopen to the public.

Monday, September 13th @ 4:30pm - Flash Flooding

Per the National Weather Service update at 4:30PM, the Greater Houston area is expected to receive between 6 and 12 inches of rain from tonight through tomorrow (Tuesday), and flash flooding remains the greatest concern for our area.

Monday, September 13th @ 2:30pm - Secure Loose Objects

Now is the time to prepare for Tropical Storm Nicholas. See post below from ReadyHarris. If you can’t bring it in, TIE IT DOWN! NOW is the time to secure those loose objects around your home!

Bring in all small objects that could be blown around.
Secure all patio furniture.

Text GULF2021 to 888777 for updates on #TSNicholas.

Monday, September 13 @ 1:00pm - City Administrative Offices Closed & Emergency Operations Implemented

Tropical Storm Nicholas will make landfall as a strong storm or hurricane along the middle Texas coast as early as the evening of Monday, September 13th. Our primary threat remains heavy rainfall, localized street flooding, and possible power outages. There is a serious threat of widespread street flooding in the Houston-Galveston area. Nassau Bay is strongly encouraging our residents to be off the roads before afternoon rush hour and to avoid driving at all this evening, overnight, and in the morning.

Administrative Offices Closed Monday & Tuesday: City facilities closed Monday, September 13th at 1:00pm to allow City staff to make preparations for the impacts of Tropical Storm Nicholas. City Hall will also be closed Tuesday, September 14th as staff focuses on emergency operations. In addition, David Braun Park is currently closed until the threat of Tropical Storm Nicholas has passed.

Non-Emergency & Emergency Call Lines: During this time, calls to the City Hall main line – (281) 333-4211 – will be answered during regular business hours (7:30am to 5:30pm). Residents may reach the Nassau Bay Police Department at 281-333-2212 during regular business hours. Outside of those hours, residents may call the 24-hour Non-Emergency dispatch line at (281) 333-4200. Emergency calls should be directed to 911. We want to remind residents that 911 should only be called during a medical emergency, fire, or life-threatening situation. DO NOT call 911 to report flooded roads, drainage problems, or power outages.

CenterPoint Energy Reminders: In the event of power outages, residents should contact CenterPoint Energy. To report an electric power outage, please call 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143. Please do not call 911 or the Nassau Bay Police Department non-emergency line to report power outages. The CenterPoint Energy Outage Tracker map is available at http://gis.centerpointenergy.com/outagetracker/index.html.

Monday's City Council Meeting: Please note: The City Council meeting posted for Monday, September 13, 2021 was conducted as planned. The meeting was held at 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1800 Space Park Dr., Suite 200.

Monday, September 13 @ 1:00pm - Report Flood Damage

Monday, September 13th @ 11:00am - Most Recent Update from the National Weather Service

Per a 10:30am update from the National Weather Service, Tropical Storm Nicholas will create a very stormy period for the Greater Houston area over the next 36 hours.

Primary risks include flash flooding, high winds, storm surge and isolated tornadoes throughout this period, with flash flooding being the greatest concern especially tonight (Monday) and Tuesday morning.

Please see graphics below for additional information on the storm system and flash flood risk over the next two days. Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring local news and the National Weather Service website, https://www.weather.gov/hgx, for updates.