Hurricane Heading to Houston: COVID-19 and Evacuation

Houston Officials Urge for Hurricane Preperation in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic

-Photo The Weather Channel

The city of Houston will soon face another crisis as Tropical Disaster 14 officially formed on Friday afternoon. Houston officials and law enforcement in the city, alongside emergency officials, urge the Houston citizens to be prepared. Houston has faced devestating storms before, but none in the midst of another pandemic.

Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Houston, says that positive COVID-19 cases are still on the rise and Houston must now also prepare for another hurricane, esitmated to arrive on the 3rd anniversary of Hurricane Harvey.

According to CW39 News, 2 storms could potentially strike the Houston area but authorities are also concerned about the Gulf Coast. Tropical Depression 14 could possibly hit the Galveston area in southwest regions before moving up to Houston.

On Friday evening, the National Weather Service also said that 'Tropical Storm 14 which potentially becomes 'Marco' is likely to slow and show up around Tuesday at 8 a.m., but the outlook could possibly change over the weekend."

19, 467 COVID-19 cases were reported in Houston on Friday, August 21. The numbers are still rising and Mayor Turner urges Houstonians to get tested. He is also suggesting everyone be prepared to respond together as a community since COVID-19 poses another challenge.

The George R. Brown Convention Center GRB will become an evacuation hub, and more shelters and hotel rooms will be on standby. Mayor Turner says "we've been through this exercise before, it's important for you to be prepared. Carry extra masks. Police and fire personnel are prepared for water rescues, storm drains, and debris clearance for residentail areas and roadways to stave off flooding."

The Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo says that stores and pharmacies will be monitored to prevent looting of small businesses. They will also be teaming up with public works in the event of any power outages. According to CW39, "At least 10 roadway rescue units and 20 rescue boats will be stationed on Lake Houston. Local authorities are already monitoring waterways and the port."

SOURCE: CW39.COM