Port Arthur under mandatory evacuation as threat of Laura nears

PORT ARTHUR, Texas - Jefferson County, including the city of Port Arthur, is under a mandatory evacuation order as Laura threatens to become a Category 2 hurricane.

County Judge Jeff Branick signed the order to go into effect Tuesday at 6:30 a.m.

Those who don't heed the evacuation order are being told they will not have emergency services.

RELATED: Galveston issues voluntary evacuation order for west end, low-lying areas

RELATED: Chambers County issues voluntary evacuation order

The mayor is telling this city of about 60,000 people to expect the weather to start turning bad Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday evening.

Daniel White is boarding up his home but plans to heed the evacuation order.

"I have a one-year-old so we plan to evacuate," he said.

MORE: Hurricane Evacuation Routes

Plywood wasn't the only hot item at Lowes on Monday. Several people were seen buying generators.

My grandparents' generator went out," said. "Beau Blanchard. "We are planning on staying so we can help those who need it."

CLICK HERE FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE DETAILS ON MARCO & LAURA

The FOX 26 Weather Team is closely monitoring developments. They will continue to keep you up-to-date online, on-air, and on social media.

You can also stay up-to-date 24 hours a day by downloading the free FOX 26 weather app. You'll receive weather alerts for your location, along with video weather updates.