GALVESTON, Texas - A mandatory evacuation has been ordered for the City of Galveston due to Hurricane Laura.
City of Galveston Mayor Pro Tem Craig Brown signed a mandatory evacuation Tuesday instructing all Galveston residents to begin leaving the island for safety after overnight models shifted the landfall of Hurricane Laura westward.
Laura strengthened into a hurricane on Tuesday. According to current forecasts, Laura could become a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall. The cone of uncertainty is at the Texas and Louisiana border.
MORE: Laura becomes hurricane in Gulf of Mexico
The City says mandatory evacuations will be ongoing throughout the day Tuesday and early Wednesday, so people have time to secure property before leaving. Galveston residents should secure loose items at their property and leave the island. The City says it is urgent that residents heed this mandatory evacuation and leave with all family members and pets.
“With the uncertainties of this storm and its increasing strength, we need to take all necessary precautions to protect our residents,” Mayor Pro Tem Craig Brown said. “It’s imperative that you make plans this morning to secure your homes and move you and your family to safety off island.”
LIST: Evacuations ordered in these SE Texas counties and cities
City services will be suspended Tuesday at 12 p.m. Sanitation will complete its route this morning and those services will be suspended. City staff will secure city facilities and all city buildings will be closed by Tuesday at 12 p.m.
Police and fire will not be available once winds reach Tropical Storm strength. Those who do not follow the evacuation order should not expect public safety services once conditions worsen.
If you are signed up for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, the state will begin staging buses at 48th and Broadway at the Island Community Center this morning. Please plan to arrive at this location before 12 p.m. and as soon as possible. If you are in the STEAR program, but do not have a way to get to the community center, please call 409-765-3710 for assistance.
MORE: Hurricane Evacuation Routes