WASHINGTON CO. OFFICIALS GETTING READY FOR POSSIBLE STORM TRAFFIC

  

With Hurricane Laura continuing to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico, hundreds of thousands of coastal residents are heading further inland to cities like Brenham to avoid the storm.

Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for residents in cities such as Galveston and Port Arthur, as well as Jefferson and Orange Counties.  Voluntary orders are in place for Brazoria, Chambers, and Galveston Counties, but those orders could also become mandatory.

While Brenham may not be a major target of the storm, the city will certainly see added traffic on major roads and an increase in hotel room bookings as a result of the evacuations.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Grimes, Harris, Houston, Madison, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, and Waller Counties until further notice.

National Weather Service officials expect the storm to become a major hurricane over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico tomorrow (Wednesday), with landfall expected early Thursday near the state line of Texas and Louisiana.  Projections indicate the storm could strengthen into Category 3 status.

Washington County Chamber of Commerce President Wende Ragonis said hurricanes “can be devastating to property, but they cannot destroy the spirit of a community”.  She said she is confident that residents and businesses of Washington County will help when asked and welcome any travelers that make their way to the area.