South Padre Island officials got the word of the now category one Tropical Storm Hermine heading to our area.
And with lessons learned in the past --they didn't panic-- INSTEAD wasted no time in getting a plan in order...
South Padre Island Emergency Management Coordinator Dan Quandt said Island workers went out early during the day to empty trash cans and clear brush and debris.
Quandt said Hermine is approaching the Island at a peculiar time - it's the end of the Labor Day weekend and it's hard to tell who is leaving because of the weather -- and who is leaving because it's time to go back to work.
Vacationers from Springfield, Missouri camping out at the KOA Campground and said they woke up to find themselves surrounded by no one.
"We went to breakfast and when we came back everyone was gone,” Esther Erickson said. “I was like what the heck is going on."
The couple has never experienced a hurricane but said they would stick it out at KOA because they had nowhere else to go.
Quandt said Island officials and residents are staying vigilant but believes those who stay on the island will be safe.
Some McAllen visitors chose to stay on the Island a little longer. Despite the warnings, they jet-skied for a few more hours before heading out.
"We've been through this before – we’re not really worried,” Joe Rodriguez said. “The weather is not really that bad.”
Island businesses were also advised to secure items that could become projectiles. Quant that said during these situations people should always use common sense.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT