Weather - page 6

Greg Bostwick, Chief Meteorologist at KFDM-TV, reports that Beta remains weak and continues to move toward the Texas coast. Landfall is expected well to our southwest later today between Port Lavaca and Corpus Christi. After landfall, Beta should drift over South Texas tonight into Tuesday before ejecting out to the northeast Wednesday into Thursday.

Tropical Storm Laura is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane Wednesday over the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters said Tuesday morning.

The storm strengthened overnight and was near hurricane strength as of 7 a.m., the National Hurricane Center said. Laura is expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday around the Louisiana/Texas state line.

Portions of Louisiana are under a hurricane watch and a tropical storm watch related to Laura. A dangerous storm surge is expected – up to 11 feet in some places – along with strong winds and rain.

Orange County and City Officials are calling for a Mandatory Evacuation for all of Orange County at 6 am, Tuesday, August 25th, 2020.

Citizens who cannot evacuate themselves can find transportation resources at either of the two embarkation sites in the county. Evacuees can arrive at the location at 9 am, Tuesday, Aug 25th, 2020.

• Lamar State College Orange, 410 Front Street, Orange Texas 77630
• Vidor Elementary, 400 Old Hwy 90 E, Vidor Texas 77662

If you are unable to get to one of the transportation sites on your own you can call the following numbers – These phone numbers will begin to be answered at 6 am Tuesday morning.

• For County Residents – Emergency Management – 409-745-9794 or 409-745-9765
• For City of Orange Residents – City of Orange – 409-883-1050
• For City of West Orange Residents – City of West Orange – 409-883-7574
• For City of Pinehurst Residents – City of Pinehurst – 409-886-2221
• For Bridge City Residents – City of Bridge City – 409-735-5028
• For Vidor area Residents – City of Vidor 409-238-6444

Orange County Judge John Gothia issued a Disaster Declaration for Orange County today.

County and City Officials are recommending a VOLUNTARY EVACUATION for all of Orange County and all of its Municipalities due to the uncertainty of Hurricane Marco and Hurricane Laura.

At this time Officials are issuing a mandatory evacuation FOR nursing homes ONLY.

There is NOT a mandatory evacuation for Orange County Citizens at this time. Officials are meeting and will make that decision this afternoon after the weather briefing.

Judge Gothia has directed the Orange County Courthouse and Non-Emergency Offices will close Tuesday, August 25, 2020.

Emergency response office will remain open.

The City of Orange will open a sandbagging location effective Monday, August 24 at 12 P.M. at Memorial Field, located on Eddleman Drive near Meeks Drive.

Citizens will be limited to 20 sandbags per household.

Please be aware, this is a self-serve station while resources are available. Residents will need to provide their own shovels and be prepared to self-fill sandbags.