The Matagorda County Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the development of Tropical Storm Francine and has placed the EOC team on stand-by.
Effective immediately, Matagorda County issued a voluntary evacuation for the coastal areas of the county. This includes Sargent, Matagorda, and along the waterfront of The City of Palacios.
A Voluntary Evacuation means that you should consider leaving to a safer location.
There’s a chance that flood waters could render you unable to leave your home. You should still prepare to shelter in place for several days.
EOC’s announcement indicated the system was expected to become tropical storm Francine later Monday as it moved
near the coast of the western Gulf of Mexico.
If you are not able to be without power for many days, you might consider re-locating.
If you don’t watch TV or listen to the radio, please download a weather APP and stay informed of the conditions in your area. There are many ways to stay in touch with officials during the storm preparations.
Call friends and neighbors that don’t have access to the internet and make sure they understand the predictions. Discuss your emergency plan with your family.
What do we expect?
Travel will be difficult in the coastal areas of Matagorda County.
Officials urge caution when driving in and around the Matagorda County coast.
The predicted high tides, strong winds and higher than normal waves will cause flooding in low lying areas.
Please avoid travel in these areas, we still expect more rain and higher than normal tides.
Matagorda County Judge Bobby Seiferman leads the Emergency Operation Center, the center is open and active remotely and virtually.
He has been in constant communication with all elected officials and department leaders during the day making sure everyone is ready for landfall.
“The biggest concern for this situation is the coastal areas of our county. Low lying areas that normally flood are impacted.
“We understand this storm can change without notice.
“The projected path has the storm hugging the coastline. Last-minute movements are possible.
“It is projected that this storm could be a Cat 1 hurricane less than a hundred miles offshore.
“Remember owners of high-profile vehicles are encouraged to remove vehicles out of the affected areas.
“The suggested cut off time was 8 p.m. Monday. The reason we have a cut off time is to prevent the possibility of an accident with a high-profile vehicle blocking the evacuation of the public.
“This includes RV’s, boats, and large vehicles that are impacted by high winds.
“As the winds increase along the coast it becomes dangerous for these vehicles to be on the road.
“We must keep the roadways open and clear for the evacuation of the public.
“We have many visitors spending time in the affected areas, we ask them to watch the forecast and follow the instructions of the officials, tonight and tomorrow.”
“The City of Bay City has reported they will be monitoring the road conditions.
“They report all crews are on standby.
The City of Palacios continues to monitor the conditions, they also report teams are on standby.
Both Jackson Electric and AEP Texas have started their hurricane plan and are on stand-by with personnel and equipment. They are in direct communication with the EOC team.
The Emergency Management Team is monitoring the conditions. Communications have increased with all players, the number one goal for the emergency operations center is the health and safety of all residents and visitors here in Matagorda County.
Precautionary/preparedness actions
In summary, Residents and Visitors should closely monitor the forecast as it will continue to develop and change.
Please monitor the weather service and the Emergency Operations Center Facebook page, and the LEPC Facebook page.
Our local newspapers also have social media pages and do a great job getting the best information to the public, they are the Bay City Tribune, the Bay City Sentinel, and the Palacios Beacon.
Stay tuned to the local radio stations FM 92.5 and the Gulf coast one web site.
Please be aware this system could affect most of Southeast Texas.
The number one goal of the EOC is the health and safety of the residents and visitors to our area. Please share this information with your friends and family.
When flash flooding occurs avoid unnecessary travel, if you must travel don’t drive into flooded roadways. Remember to turn around and don’t drown.
If you must travel this week, please plan and check www.drivetexas.org for road conditions.
If you have questions, please contact the Matagorda County Emergency Management Coordinator at 979-323-0707 or you can always email any disaster related question to disaster@co.matagorda.tx.us.
If you need assistance call the Sheriff’s office at 979-245-5526 or the City of Bay City Police Department at 979-245-8500.
What you should do:
Residents are encouraged to monitor the forecast, road conditions and have multiple ways to receive alerts.
Drive safely
If you must travel, never drive into high water, and use extreme caution at underpasses and low-lying areas where water accumulates.
Always remember to Turn Around, Don’t Drown! DO NOT DRIVE through high water and DO NOT DRIVE AROUND BARRICADES.
Just two feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
STAY INFORMED
Monitor local weather.
Get updates from trusted sources such as: National Weather Service Houston-Galveston,
Emergency management is the managerial function charged with creating the framework within which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters. Emergency management seeks to promote safer, less vulnerable communities with the capacity to cope with hazards and disasters.
