Residents along the Gulf coast are keeping a very close eye on Tropical Storm Beta.
The current forecast has it reaching the Texas coast early Monday evening into Tuesday morning and then moving parallel to the coast through Wednesday night.
The Houston area is on the dirty side for much of that time, meaning we'll get the brunt of it the storm as the onshore flow will bring moisture off the Gulf, giving us rain and wind. Although, if you live by the coast, you’ll be more impacted.
**Text STORM to 713-526-1111 for updates on Tropical Storm Beta**
That's why some cities and counties are preparing early.
VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS
- City of Galveston: City of Galveston Mayor Pro Tem Craig Brown has issued a voluntary evacuation of the West End (west of the Seawall) and low-lying areas of the island. The voluntary evacuation will go into effect beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2020. Read more.
- Galveston Ferry services were suspended early Sunday due to high tide conditions. City officials continue to monitor weather conditions, and they said service will resume as soon as possible.
- Galveston County: A voluntary evacuation has been issued for residents on the Bolivar Peninsula.The voluntary evacuation is for residents in zip codes 77623, 77617 and 77650. It began at 9 a.m. Saturday and runs through Thursday at noon. Read more. TxDOT’s Galveston-Bolivar Ferry Office may need to periodically pause ferry service starting as early as Saturday afternoon due to rising water levels and high winds along the Texas coast.
- Dickinson: Voluntary evacuations are underway in the lowlying areas of Dickinson, according to Galveston County Judge Mark Henry.
- La Marque: A voluntary evacuation has been issued for parts of La Marque outside the levee system, according to Galveston County Judge Mark Henry.
- Jamaica Beach: Voluntary evacuations are underway for all of Jamaica beach, where they've already experienced serious flooding, according to Galveston County Judge Mark Henry.
- Kemah: A voluntary evacuation has been issued for Kemah, according to Galveston County Judge Mark Henry.
- Tiki Island: Tiki Island has issued a voluntary evacuation.
- Bayou Vista: The city of Bayou Vista has also issued a voluntary evacuation.
- Seabrook: The Seabrook mayor has issued a voluntary evacuation for residents and businesses in low-lying areas, specifically lower Todville from Red Bluff south to SH 146 and Baywood Drive. Read more.
- Brazoria County: Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta has issued a voluntary evacuation for low-lying coastal areas outside the protection levee, effective September 19, at 4 p.m. Those along the coast need to be prepared and have a plan if conditions worsen. At 6 p.m., Sept. 19, beaches will be closed to vehicular traffic due to current high tides and impending storm surge from Tropical Storm Beta.
- Chambers County: A voluntary evacuation is being recommended for residents living in flood-prone and low-lying areas starting Saturday. Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia said those residents whose homes have been affected in past high rain or high storm surge events should consider moving to higher ground.
- Matagorda County: The Matagorda County Emergency Operations Center has issued a voluntary evacuation recommendation for the community of Sargent, the township of Matagorda, and the bayfront area of the city of Palacios. The areas that normally have problems with a strong south wind and high tides will be prone to damage. Adding to the concern is the prediction of heavy rains over an extended period, in fact over the next few days.
- Liberty County: Liberty County Judge Jay Knight has issued a local disaster declaration and a voluntary evacuation for low-lying areas that are prone to flooding in Liberty County.
- Jackson County: Judge Jill S. Sklar has issued a voluntary evacuation for residents living in the low-lying areas of Jackson County.
We will continue to update this list as we get notified of more evacuations.
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