Published: 08-06-08
AUSTIN – This morning Tropical Storm Edouard came on shore near Sabine Pass bringing heavy rain and strong winds to coastal communities. As the storm continues to impact Texas the state is prepared to assist local officials with efforts to ensure the safety of residents.
“Texas is grateful that this storm did not escalate to hurricane strength before making landfall on our shores” said Gov. Perry. “Yet even small storms can create dangerous situations. Flooding continues to be a viable threat to the coastal area and the state stands ready to deploy search and rescue assets in the event they are needed.”
Energy crews are working diligently to restore power to those Texans currently without. Search and rescue teams including Texas Military Forces Texas Task Force 1 and the Lone Star Task Force remain activated ready to respond. Mass care strike teams also remain activated to provide food water and ice as needed.
Yesterday Gov. Perry issued a disaster declaration for Bexar Brazoria Brazos Calhoun Chambers Fort Bend Galveston Grimes Harris Jackson Jefferson Liberty Matagorda Montgomery Orange Walker and Wharton counties. This allowed the state to pre-position assets to help local communities prepare before the storm made landfall.
The State Operations Center is conducting daily conference calls with federal state and local officials private industry partners volunteer organizations and the National Weather Service. These calls will continue until the threat of serious flooding no longer exists.
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.
