Galveston to Issue Earlier Hurricane Evacuation Notices This Year

Galveston, Texas, is extending hurricane evacuation notices from 36 to 60 hours in advance this year as a response to ongoing construction on Interstate 45. The goal is to ensure better evacuation flow and reduce traffic delays during storms. Residents are encouraged to register for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) to receive help if needed during emergencies.

As the Atlantic hurricane season kicks off, residents of Galveston, Texas, are being notified of a significant change to evacuation orders. This year, officials plan to implement a 60-hour advance notice for evacuations instead of the usual 36 hours. This decision stems from substantial construction work happening on Interstate 45, Galveston’s primary evacuation route, intended to widen the highway and improve its flood resistance.

Emergency Management Coordinator Byron Frankland highlighted the importance of this extended timeline, emphasizing the potential for traffic disruptions due to accidents or stalled vehicles during mass evacuations. With thousands of people needing to evacuate, even minor issues could cause severe delays, making a well-planned response essential.

Local officials noted that evacuations in the area are not frequent, with many residents recalling only a few instances of orders being issued. However, hurricanes like Rita, Ike, and Harvey forced millions of Texans to leave their homes. These past evacuations were marked by long traffic backups, something Frankland hopes to minimize with the new approach.

To further aid those who may require assistance during an evacuation, Texas offers the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), a free program allowing residents to register in advance for specialized resources. While this registration does not guarantee services in an emergency, it helps planners understand specific needs, especially for vulnerable populations.

Frankland anticipates that this expanded 60-hour evacuation notice will remain in place until at least 2026, when enhancements to Interstate 45 are expected to be completed. This proactive approach aims to streamline evacuations, safeguarding the welfare of Galveston’s residents during potentially catastrophic storms.

In summary, the City of Galveston is altering its evacuation notification protocol for the hurricane season, moving from 36 to 60 hours advance notice. This change helps ensure a smoother escape route during emergencies, especially as construction on Interstate 45 continues. Additionally, residents are encouraged to enroll in the STEAR program to facilitate necessary assistance. The revised evacuation timeline is expected to last until the roadway renovations are completed, which could take several years.

Original Source: www.foxweather.com