As Hurricane Laura, presently a category 3 hurricane, makes its approach to the Nacogdoches area, city and county officials urge citizens to remain diligent in monitoring and preparing for the potentially life-threatening weather conditions. Damaging wind gusts, flooding, and isolated tornadoes are expected across the area as the storm quickly moves inland.
“While hurricane paths can be unpredictable, we need to continue our readiness activities under the assumption Hurricane Laura will hit us as a major hurricane. Now is the time to urgently wrap up preparations to protect yourself and your property,” stated County Judge Greg Sowell.
Pre-Storm Activities for Residents
● Review your emergency kit– include enough food, water, and supplies for at least 3
days. Don’t forget medication, cloth face coverings, pet supplies, etc.
● Secure outdoor furniture and decorations– these could become flying projectiles.
● Prepare for life-threatening wind and rainfall flooding– if in a place vulnerable to high
wind, such as near large trees or a mobile home or in low-lying or poor drainage areas,
plan to move to safe shelter.
● Prepare for power outages– review generator best practices, check flashlight batteries,
have a backup means to charge your phone and other electronics.
● Remember flood water is dangerous– do not attempt to walk, swim or drive through
standing water. Turn around, don’t drown.
● Stay informed!– Weather conditions are ever-changing. Use reliable sources such as
weather.gov/shv and nhc.noaa.gov as well as local news channels, the City website and
Facebook page, and the County Emergency Management Facebook page.
“I strongly encourage everyone to find a safe place to ride out the storm and stay off the roads if at all possible until the dangerous weather has passed. Check on your neighbors, look out for pets, and be safe.” stated Mayor Shelley Brophy.
The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) is operating at Level II (High Readiness) at the
Courthouse Annex and Nacogdoches Police Department. “With public safety as the utmost
priority, Emergency Management staff and our city and county departments are working
diligently to provide support during this emergency,” said City Manager Mario Canizares.
Mayor Shelley Brophy and County Judge Sowell declared local disasters Tuesday afternoon to allow for access to state and federal resources and seek possible reimbursement for related expenses.
