TEXAS — Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday gave an update on Texas’s preparations for two storms heading towards the Gulf Coast.

What You Need To Know

  • Emergency resources activated

  • Bexar County to be used for staging and shelter

  • Disinfecting protocols in place

Marco strengthened into a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, while Tropical Storm Laura brings heavy rain to Hispaniola and eventually Cuba.

Gov. Abbott declared a state of disaster for 23 Texas counties. 22 of the counties are on the coast, but Bexar County was added for staging and sheltering. Abbott is also requesting that President Trump declares a federal emergency for those 23 counties.

The Governor said state emergency resources have been activated, including helicopters and other rescue vehicles.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, mobile testing and disinfecting protocols are in place for emergency shelters.

Gov. Abbott said the state is also fully prepared for Laura to possibly become a Category 3 hurricane. He stressed the importance of heeding local warnings.

“Remember your life is far more valuable than your property. Your property can be replaced, your life cannot,” said Abbott.

Texas counties included in the disaster declaration:

Aransas

Bexar

Brazoria

Calhoun

Cameron

Chambers

Galveston

Hardin

Harris

Jackson

Jasper

Jefferson

Kennedy

Kleberg

Liberty

Matagorda

Newton

Nueces

Orange

Refugio

San Patricio

Victoria

Willacy