The Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management at Texas Southmost College is currently tracking a robust cold front linked to an upper-level system. This front is anticipated to usher in powerful northwesterly winds across Deep South Texas on Friday morning.

Timing and Overview 

  • A strong cold front is expected to move through Deep South Texas late Thursday night into early Friday morning. The winds behind the frontal passage will quickly increase from the Northern Ranchlands to the Rio Grande Valley as the pressure gradient increases through Friday afternoon. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with potential gusts of 40 to 50 mph are likely to occur with this system. 
  • The strongest winds are expected to occur from early Friday morning (~6 am) to mid to late Friday afternoon (~4 pm). There is high confidence (70% or greater) that we will still see wind gusts of at least 30 mph into late Friday afternoon.

Potential Impacts (Friday’s Strong Wind Event)

  • Unanchored lightweight objects will blow around.
  • Minor tree damage (limbs), and roof damage to poorly built structures. 
  • Local neighborhood to multi-neighborhood power outages are possible if winds above 50 mph are observed.

Precautions 

  • Plan to anchor tents and other wind-prone objects from 35+ mph winds. This includes moving lightweight items under shelter or into a safe location (lawn furniture, trash cans, trampolines, etc.)
  • Tree limbs/branches could snap and fall on vehicles, power lines, and houses. Trim back overhanging limbs if possible.

Message for TSC employees and students

We have taken preventative measures around campus to minimize the impact on infrastructure and operations. We have security and facilities personnel on duty and on standby in the event of an emergency. 

We will send updates should any significant developments occur. Emergency notifications will be sent via RAVE, Email, and/or text. 

If you do not receive RAVE Alerts, you can register or update your account at http://www.tsc.edu/index.php/about/campus-security/rave-emergency-notification-system.html.