HOUSTON — Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is asking Houstonians to stay off the roads starting Wednesday night at 8 p.m. He said it will make things easier for first responders as Hurricane Laura makes its way through the region.
He made the announcement during a news conference with several other city leaders on Thursday afternoon. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Fire Chief Samuel Pena and several others were in attendance.
"I am urging all residents to stay off the roads and shelter in place by 8 o’clock tonight. We ask you to secure outdoor items, including trash cans and loose objects that can become projectiles in anticipated high winds due to storm," Turner said. “Please stay off the roads as much as possible through Wednesday to allow people evacuating from other areas to have access through the city of Houston.”
Turner said the city is prepared for the storm's impact, but it appears that Houston will not take a direct hit. It's a very serious storm and Turner said in the last 24 hours it has shifted to the east. He said the city is prepared for the worst but is hoping for the best.
The storm will bring wind and rain. CenterPoint officials said the company is ready to respond to power outages.
Acevedo said the Houston Police Department is ready to respond to any high-water calls and urged people not to drive through barricades that may be blocking dangerous roads.
Pena urged motorists to avoid flooded roadways and be aware of downed power lines and trees. Anyone who sees a downed tree is asked to call 311.
Houston airports are open and functioning, but flights out of both airports have been suspended or canceled due to the storm. They've been canceled through Thursday and then they will reevaluate. Go to Fly2Houston.com for updates.
Trash will not be collected in the city on Thursday. Residents are asked to not put the trash bins out because they could become projectiles and cause a mess.
Jackson Lee said the federal government is ready to react to whatever needs the area has in the aftermath of the storm.