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Gov. Abbott holds press conference on hurricane preparedness

Updated  June 5, 2020 1:03pm CDT
Hurricanes
FOX 7 Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Governor Greg Abbott received a briefing on Tropical Depression Cristobal Friday and held a press conference on Texas' hurricane preparedness.

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Tropical Depression Cristobal is currently forming in the Gulf, and according to the Governor's Office, the storm has the potential to impact parts of Texas as it is expected to regain strength. The weather formation is expected to hit Louisana and may possibly hit parts of deep East Texas. 

"As with any hurricane season, preparedness is key—and the State of Texas is taking comprehensive action to prepare for Tropical Storm Cristobal and any potential storms or hurricanes that may impact the Lone Star State," said Governor Abbott. 

Before the press conference, the Governor held a briefing with state officials and a call with mayors and county judges of the coastal region and deep east Texas. 

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"We will continue to monitor this storm and work to ensure our local officials have the resources they need to respond should this weather event approach Texas. In addition, our state agencies are working strategically to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 while keeping Texans safe during this storm and future storms. I urge residents of Deep East Texas to take the necessary precautions and heed the guidance of local officials," said Governor Abbott. 

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), has gathered precautionary resources ahead of the weekend as the Texas State Operations Center remains activated at Level II in support of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. 

TDEM has also developed these precautionary strategies to prepare for hurricane season while mitigating the spread of COVID-19: 

  • Working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local partners to expand sheltering footprint
  • Ordering more buses and aircraft, if needed, to increase social distancing during evacuations
  • Working with local officials and nursing homes to evacuate earlier
  • Ensuring medical staff, personal protective equipment, cleaning crews, and cleaning materials are readily available
  • Ensuring COVID-19 testing is available at shelters