News Release From SE Texas Emergency Management

Based on information currently available concerning Hurricane Ike, officials for Jefferson, Orange and Hardin counties encourage the evacuation of Sabine Pass and all other low lying areas in these counties as well as those who reside in travel trailers and mobile homes. All coastal low lying areas are included.

The National Weather Service advises that we can anticipate tropical storm force winds beginning during the day Friday and Category one or two hurricane force winds on Saturday. We urge all citizens to be properly prepared and provisioned for potential power outages and loss of services.

Should you decide to leave the area voluntarily, please travel in a northerly direction as you will almost certainly encounter significant traffic congestion should you attempt to travel west on I-10. The evacuation routes from Hardin and Jefferson County are Hwy 69 and 96 North. The evacuation routes from Orange County are Hwy 105 North, Hwy 87 North, Hwy 62 North. There are currently no State resources available for transport of individuals without their own transportation as those resources have been deployed to other areas of the State.


Mayor Deloris "Bobbie" Prince has issued a Voluntary Evacuation for Sabine Pass effective Thursday, 9-11-08, at 6 AM. Due to a high tide on Friday, 9-12-08, along with a possible tidal surge from Hurricane Ike, Highway 87 could possibly be impassible and be closed for two to five days. This rising water could start as early as the evening hours of Friday, 9-12-08.

Anyone who chooses to stay in Sabine Pass should have enough food, water and prescription medication for up to five days. The concern for Sabine Pass is the potential of high water on Hwy 87 and possible flooding of coastal low lying areas of the community.

Anyone who chooses to stay in the southeast Texas area should have enough food, water and medication for up to five days. This precaution is echoed by Officials in all three counties. Citizens should be self sustainable with food, water and medical supplies for at least 5 days. Citizens should be prepared for the possibility of power outages that could last for an unknown amount of time.

Please monitor www.setinfo.org for up to date press releases. Additional information can be obtained by logging onto www.portarthurpd.com, www.cityofbeaumont.com, www.co.hardin.tx.us, www.co.orange.tx.us, and www.ci.port-neches.tx.us.