Published: 07-22-08
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today activated state resources including 1200 National Guard troops in preparation for Tropical Storm Dolly which could make landfall on the Texas coastline as a hurricane by mid-week. The state is ready to provide assistance requested by local officials.
“Texans should take proper precautions now to ensure that they are prepared for possible severe weather in their communities” said Gov. Perry. “Residents should remain vigilant heed the warnings from their local officials and continue monitoring this storm.”
According to the National Weather Service Tropical Storm Dolly is expected to strengthen before possibly making landfall on the southern coast of Texas between Corpus Christi and Brownsville. A hurricane watch has been issued for the Texas coast from Brownsville north to Port O’Conner. A hurricane watch indicates that hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area generally within the next 36 hours.
In anticipation of the storm Gov. Perry activated 1200 Texas National Guard troops Texas Task Force 1 the Lone Star Task Force and three incident management teams. The Texas Department of Transportation is using dynamic message signs to advise residents along the Texas coast to maintain a full tank of gas.
If needed 250 buses have been also activated and will be staged in San Antonio fuel teams are ready to respond to an increased demand for fuel and volunteer organizations are prepared to provide mass care support for residents. All state resources are ready for rapid deployment.
Individuals with special needs can let responders know who and where they are before an emergency or evacuation takes place by calling 2-1-1. Deaf Link will be activated later today to communicate with the hearing impaired.
The State Operations Center is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Dolly and holding daily conference calls with federal state and local officials private industry partners volunteer organizations and the National Weather Service.
To read the latest situation report from the State Operations Center please visit http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/sitrepindex.htm. For updated information on hurricane preparedness efforts please visit www.texasonline.com.
