Texas Governor Greg Abbott is making preparations ahead of the expected arrival of Hurricane Harvey in South Texas.
Governor Abbott spoke to President Donald Trump yesterday and has officially requested a presidential disaster declaration ahead of the storm's expected landing on Saturday. The New York Times is reporting that the storm has strengthened on its path to Texas as citizens of South Texas are bracing for the hurricane.
A state of disaster has been declared in 30 counties, ahead of the storm's landing. Those counties are: Aransas, Austin, Bee, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Brazoria, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Liberty, Live Oak, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Waller, Wharton and Wilson. The storm is expected to reach up to San Antonio and will leave effects across Texas.
Governor Abbott is also telling all residents in the storm's path to seek refuge and to heed warnings.
"My priority, as we prepare for Hurricane Harvey, is the safety of those on and near the Gulf Coast," Governor Abbott said a statement, "That is why I am strongly urging all Texans in Harvey’s path to heed warnings and evacuation orders from local officials before this storm makes landfall. My office is coordinating local, state and federal resources to prepare for and respond decisively to this storm—Texans must also take action and treat this storm seriously."
Emergencies officials from across the state and the nation have been preparing for evacuees to arrive in their cities. Travelers attempted to fly to or leave the area have also been grounded.
