www.MatagordaHarbor.com Matagorda Harbor

Hurricane Rita Notes:

See also: Matagorda Harbor's Hurricane Policy.

Some general weather links are listed on the Weather Page.

Sunday 9/25/05:

Everything is now back to normal: power is on, the slings are operational, the water is on and good, and the bathrooms are open. The swing bridge and locks are back in service.

The only thing not fully functional is the fishing pier out at the mouth of the Colorado River; is sustained considerable damage.

Saturday 9/24/05:

Hurricane Rita's track was more northerly than had been projected, and landfall was near the Texas-Louisana boarder rather than close to Matagorda Bay. Rita made landfall in the early morning hours before sunrise as a Category 3 hurricane.

Initial assessment is that there is no immediately apparent damage at the harbor. It appears that the water level did not rise above the docks or flood any of the dock boxes. Reports are that there was only minimal rain.

However, current water level is just below the docks, so electrical power is still secured. Consequently, the slings are not yet functional.

The tidal current is very strong, and the swing bridge is not presently operational, but is expected to be back in service tomorrow, Sunday.

Tuesday 9/20/05:

Hurricane Rita is expected to make landfall on the central Texas Gulf coast early Saturday 9/24/05, as a major (Category 3 or 4) hurricane. See the National Hurricane Center web site for official updates.

The Palacios Beacon reports that mandatory evacuations have commenced.

Last day to trailer out your boat: Wednesday 9/21/05. After that, once mandatory evacuations are called, trailers are prohibited on the highways.

Remaining boats have been raised in their slings. Dock boxes have been latched and secured.

Power will be cut off in the harbor on Thursday 9/22/05 some time in the afternoon. Slings will not operate after that.

Re-entry to the Harbor and surrounding area after the hurricane passes will be controlled by government officials. It will not be immediate.

Power, water, and telephone service are all expected to be disrupted if hurricane Rita makes landfall near Matagorda. We intend to update the web site with information and conditions after the passage of the storm.

See our Hurricane Policy for more information.