Cameron County storm experts on alert

Emergency Management officials from across the Rio Grande Valley are on alert as they monitor not only Tropical Storm Gustav, but other tropical developments in the Atlantic region.

Officials from Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties are holding teleconference calls to coordinate regional resources should Gustav enter the Gulf of Mexico this weekend and head for the South Texas coastline.

"We are watching it (Gustav) very closely," said Johnny Cavazos, emergency management coordinator for Cameron County. "The State of Texas and the National Weather Service have said there is no place in Texas that is immune (from the storm)."

Gustav was expected to become a Category One hurricane Thursday. It could reach Category 2 or Category 3 status after it enters the Gulf of Mexico, officials said.

Governor Rick Perry has already issued a disaster declaration to 61 counties, including Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy, in anticipation of Gustav's possible impact on Texas communities.

The governor also ordered officials to prepare state resources for rapid deployment if necessary and for volunteer organizations to prepare for mass care support for residents should those services be needed.

As many as 5,000 guardsmen from the Texas National Guard and 19 aerial sources are on standby for deployment, the governor's office said.

County Judge Carlos H. Cascos is urging all residents to monitor the weather for Gustav's track and the tracks of other tropical disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean.

The nearest disturbance is a tropical wave located in the Bay of Campache that is showing some signs of development, according to the National Hurricane Center.

"We are looking at the whole gulf out there," Cascos said.

The county judge also said residents should begin making preparations, such as stocking water and other supplies should Gustav head this way.

"I encourage everyone to stay tuned and take responsibility right now," Cascos said. "We are hoping it (Gustav) doesn't hit, but it has to hit somewhere. We've learned from Dolly (what can happen) and let's put that to good use.''

Parts of the county are still dealing with flooding because of recent rains near La Feria in the Mariposa subdivision and debris leftover from Hurricane Dolly.

Hurricane Dolly struck the Rio Grande Valley as a Category Two storm, causing severe flooding and millions of dollars in damages.

"We haven't finished cleaning up after Dolly, and this is just going to cause a lot more flooding," Cascos said.

The Emergency Management Division is collecting all emergency contact telephone numbers from all department heads should should the county need to activate its Emergency Operations Center during the Labor Day weekend, Cascos said.

Although officials in New Orleans are already making preliminary plans for evacuations, Cascos said Texas has a timeline should any evacuation order need to be made.

"If it's a Cat 2 or Cat 3 and on its way and four or five days out, we will start off with a voluntary evacuation," Cascos said. "(However,) it's going to very difficult to do anything at this point. We are just preparing."

Gasoline prices across the Valley increased about 15 cents on Thursday as oil prices jumped to $120 a barrel in anticipation of Gustav. A gallon of regular unleaded is selling for $3.49, up from $3.34 early Thursday morning.

The state's emergency management division is already pre-staging supplies and has asked emergency management officials throughout Texas to be on high alert.

Texas has taken the following actions in anticipation of Gustav:

Individuals with special needs can let responders know who and where they are before an emergency or evacuation takes place by calling 2-1-1.

Source: Governor Rick Perry's office

Texas Military Forces:

Up to 5,000 guardsmen and 19 aerial resources are on standby for deployment as needed.

Texas Engineering Extension Service:

Texas Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2 are on standby if search and rescue capabilities are needed.

Department of Public Safety:

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers are on standby to inspect buses that may be used in potential evacuations.

Department of State Health Services:

The Multi-Agency Coordination Center is activated and will provide planning and response for health issues throughout the storm's potential impact.

Health and Human Services Commission:

HHSC is working with the state's information and referral centers to increase capacity for an expected surge in calls to the 2-1-1 system to register for transportation assistance.

Department of Family and Protective Services:

The agency is making sure foster parents and residential providers have updated emergency plans and know how to notify the state of their new location if they need to evacuate.

Department of Aging and Disability Services:

Staff at the Richmond and Lufkin state schools are monitoring the storm and making preparations to ensure adequate staffing to shelter in place or evacuate if necessary.

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs:

Hurricane housing resources for communities are on the agency's website (www.tdhca.state.tx.us).

Texas Department of Agriculture:

The agency has identified commodities that are available for distribution should it be necessary, and is coordinating with the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality:

A strike team capable of handling hazardous materials, additional public water supply and wastewater specialists, and a self contained mobile command post trailer with interoperable radio communications and satellite/wireless internet connections is on standby.

Texas Workforce Commission:

All Texas coastal workforce centers remain open.

Texas Department of Transportation:

Dynamic message signs are being used to urge residents along the coast to fuel up their vehicles. TxDOT personnel are also sweeping roadside shoulders and patching pavement along potential evacuation routes.

Fuel Team:

Fuel supply trucks and trailers are on standby to ensure adequate fuel supplies. The industry reminds Texans to maintain fuel in their personal vehicles.