Month: August 2020

Laura Expected to Be Category 4 Hurricane Before Making Landfall Along TX-LA Border

Hurricane Laura is rapidly strengthening and is expected to be an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane before making landfall along the Texas-Louisiana border on Wednesday night.

The threats to areas around Sabine Pass and the Texas-Louisiana border region are significant from this storm.

See the 10 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center

At this time, Brazos County does not appear to be in significant danger from the effects of the storm. Forecasts show we may get some thunderstorms, perhaps 1 inch of rainfall and some gusty winds, but the main threats are to the east of us.

Still, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the latest weather reports and be aware as this powerful storm hits the gulf coast.

Hurricane Laura Pushes Toward Upper Texas Coast; Shelters Opened in San Antonio, Austin, DFW

local storm warnings

Hurricane Laura continued its march toward the upper Texas and Louisiana coasts on Tuesday amid predictions that the storm will intensify to a Category 3 hurricane by the time it makes landfall on Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

As of 4:30 p.m., Brazos County had not been included in official hurricane or tropical storm warnings, but that doesn’t mean we’re necessarily in the clear. Storms like this can change direction quickly, and the storm itself is moving at a rapid pace. That means stronger winds will be felt further inland than with typical tropical systems.

The latest prediction is for Laura to make landfall along the Texas-Louisiana border, but a slight shift to the west could put us right in its path. Now is the time to stay vigilant and monitor local weather updates and alerts about this potentially major hurricane.

hurricane laura path

Shelters Opened in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas area

Shelters have been opened in three major metropolitan areas to take in evacuees fleeing Hurricane Laura. There are no general public shelters open in Brazos County at this time.

Here’s a list of Evacuee Reception Centers:

San Antonio
254 Gembler Road
San Antonio, TX 78219
(Open at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25)

Austin
Circuit of the Americas
9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard
Austin, TX 78617
(Open at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25)

Dallas / Fort-Worth
Mesquite Reception Center
15515 E. IH-20
Mesquite, TX 75181
(Opened at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25)

Ellis County / North Texas
Knights of Columbus Hall
850 S IH-45
Ennis, TX 75119
(Open at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25)

Mobile Test Collection Site in Brazos County Aug. 10-12

As part of the ongoing efforts across the state of Texas to provide COVID-19 testing, DAVACO, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force, and the Texas Department of State Health Services are partnering to provide a mobile COVID-19 testing site in Brazos County.

FREE COVID-19 testing will be available on August 10, 11, & 12, 2020 at the Brazos County Expo Complex (5827 Leonard Road, Bryan).

What you need to know to get tested:

  • Testing is available for anyone above age 5.
  • You do not have to be symptomatic to get tested.
  • Testing is by appointment only.
  • To make an appointment, visit txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400. Registration opens 24 hours prior to the testing date.
  • Appointments are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on each day.
  • Please show up for your scheduled appointment time.
  • You do not have to be a resident of Brazos County to get tested.

For more information about COVID-19 testing sites in Texas, visit texas.gov/covid19