Note: This story was updated at 12:15 p.m. with information on facility closures.

Tropical Storm Nicholas could hit the Bay Area as early as the evening of Sept. 13, possibly dropping 15-20 inches of rain over the next seven days, and League City is preparing.

According to a public message from City Manager John Baumgartner, the heaviest rain is expected the night of Sept. 13 through Sept. 14. Localized street flooding and power outages remain the greatest threats.

Officials recommend residents get off the road before afternoon rush hour Sept. 13 and avoid driving the night of Sept. 13 and morning of Sept. 14. Baumgartner said to avoid driving into floodwaters of unknown depth, especially at night.

Trash pickup will occur as normal Sept. 13, but recycling will not be picked up. A decision will be made later Sept. 13 regarding Sept. 14’s service. Residents should put away trash cans and other objects that may be blown or block storm drains, Baumgartner said in the message.


High-water rescue vehicles have been predeployed, and the city’s emergency operations center has been activated, according to the message.

According to a 12:15 p.m. League City news release, city facilities will close at 5 p.m. Sept. 13. Facilities will open no later than 10 a.m. Sept. 14. City officials will reassess the situation the morning of Sept. 14.

Residents should not call 911 to report flooded roads, drainage problems or power outages. The emergency number should be reserved for medical emergencies, fires or life-threatening situations, the message said.

Instead, residents can call the League City Fire Department at 281-554-1465 for water rescues, the League City Traffic and Transportation Department at 281-554-1199 to report flooded roads, the League City Streets and Stormwater Department at 281-554-1086 to report drainage issues, and Texas-New Mexico Power at 888-866-7456 to report power outages, according to the message.
<


Residents can follow the city’s Facebook and Twitter pages for up-to-date information. The city will use a SwiftReach notification via text or automated call to alert residents of things that require immediate action, such as a boil-water notice, evacuation or shelter-in-place order, Baumgartner said in the message. Residents can sign up for these notifications here.

The city will monitor six flood gauges, three of which are in the Clear Creek watershed, and another three of which are in the Dickinson Bayou watershed. Residents can also track these at www.harriscountyfws.org.