Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said in a press conference with FOX 26 there are currently no reported fatalities or injuries due to Tropical Storm Nicholas as of the morning of Sept. 14. Hidalgo described the storm as more of a wind event than a rainstorm and encouraged residents to stay off the roads.

“We don’t see anything major, but there is some debris on the roads,” Hidalgo said.

Hidalgo said she has been in touch with CenterPoint Energy regarding the more than 360,000 customers without power in Harris County. She said it is still too windy for crews to fix downed power lines, but she said CenterPoint plans to start work later in the morning.

Hidalgo reminded residents of ways to stay safe. For those without power and using generators, she said not to run it inside or in an enclosed space because it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Hidalgo also said since trees have been downed and natural gas pipes may have been uprooted, it is important to call 911 if there is the smell of gas in one’s house or apartment.

“All of this is part and parcel of living in this region,” she said.


Hidalgo said she expects all county COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites to be open Sept. 15. She said the $100 incentive for those who receive their first dose of the vaccine is still in effect.