Published: 09-12-08
As you are well aware Hurricane Ike has set his sights on the Houston-Galveston area. The latest forecast models show that with Ike’s projected path all of the 10th Congressional District will sustain tropical storm force winds and Harris Waller and parts of Austin and Washington Counties will endure hurricane force winds.
I urge everyone in my district to take this storm seriously. Heed any warnings from your local and state officials and do what is necessary to prepare your families in advance of this storm. Stock up on basics like bottled water food and batteries in case of power outages; turn off propane tanks; charge your cell phones and tie down patio furniture and other loose objects. The slightest shift in Ike’s path could unexpectedly worsen conditions in your area.
I also ask for your patience this weekend. Highways in the 10th District will carry a significant amount of traffic as our neighbors and maybe some of your own family who live along the coast evacuate to higher ground in places like Austin. U.S. 290 was already heavily traveled as of lunchtime Thursday.
To aide your travel plans I have provided a link to the Texas Department of Transportation’s http://www.txdot.gov/travel/hurricane.htm website that shows you updated information on traffic and road conditions. Another useful website is http://www.texasonline.com/portal/tol/en/emergency which offers tips for protecting your home and your family.
Just as we experienced two weeks ago with the threat of Hurricane Gustav I am pleased to see the coordination between local state and federal government. Resources from aircraft to ambulances to fuel trucks are strategically staged and ready to move in. Earlier this week I signed a letter to the President asking him to honor the Governor’s request for a disaster declaration prior to Ike’s landfall. This helped ensure that federal resources are on hand to aid in evacuation recovery and cleanup.
Texans have endured the wrath of Mother Nature for generations and I have no doubt we will survive her latest dose of fury. I pray for everyone’s safety and hope that when the storm passes we will be talking most about the much needed rain it brought.
