AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF NEWS)- Hurricane Marco and what could become Hurricane Laura are set to slam into the gulf coast this week. The Governor of Texas held a press conference Sunday afternoon to speak on what the state is doing to prepare.
Governor Greg Abbott has now issued a State of Disaster for 23 texas counties that could be hit hard by the incoming storms. He is also calling on President Trump to issue a federal emergency declaration for all 23 counties.
Abbott is also asking citizens to start taking precautions before it’s too late, as he along with forcecaster warn tropical storm Laura could strengthen into a category three hurricane before it makes landfall later in the week.
“This is the time when everyone needs to begin preparing for these oncoming hurricanes and make sure that you take action to save your lives,” said Abbott.
The Governor also stated that he has activated personnel and services from multiple different agencies to assist in the evacuation, rescue, and sheltering of those potentially affected by the storms. The agencies Include the Texas Department of Emergency Management, the Texas Military Department, and the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Abbott wants citizens to keep in mind what’s really important when taking precautions and evacuating.
“Remember your life is far more valuable than your property, your property can be replaced, your life cannot, make sure you do everything you can to save your life and the lives of other,” said Abbott.
As Texas sees a decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Abbott also called on citizens to attempt to practice precautions when evacuating, including social distancing and wearing a face mask.
“As we respond to these oncoming hurricanes, it is essential that everybody in every community continue to do everything that you can to maintain your distance from others, to remember the safety practices that you have adopted over the past few months and that is to wear a mask, to sanitize your hands, to use all the strategies that now have proven to be so successful in Texas,” said Abbott.
Both storms are expected to bring in heavy rains, winds, and flooding. Category one Hurricane Marco is set to make landfall in Louisiana on Monday, while the current tropical storm but potential category three Hurricane Laura is set to make landfall on the Texas and Louisiana coast on Wednesday or Thursday.
