Hurricane Laura, a Category 4 storm, made landfall on the Louisiana coast around 1:00 a.m. this morning before weakening as it quickly moved inland. While the hurricane brought minor wind and rain to the Nacogdoches area, no significant damage occurred.
“We were fortunate Laura followed a more northeastern path,” said County Judge Greg Sowell. “Our thoughts go out to our neighbors in Louisiana who are really bearing the brunt of this storm and dealing with significant wind damage.”
A flash flood watch remains in effect for much of the county, while the Attoyac Bayou near Chireno will likely see above-flood-stage levels through the weekend. Minor lowland flooding may occur, and ground saturation could lead to downed trees or other roadway hazards. As of this morning, no road damage or closures have been identified. Residents can report road obstructions to Nacogdoches Police Department dispatch at 936-559-2607 or to the County Road and Bridge department at 936-560-7802.
Some weather-related power outages did occur, scattered throughout the county. ONCOR and Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative are surveying the damage and beginning restoration. Residents experiencing power outages should call their local provider.
“I appreciate all of our first responders and essential employees who worked so hard to prepare for and respond to this emergency,” stated Mayor Shelley Brophy. “Also, a big thank you to the people of Nacogdoches for following instructions given by our staff.”
The Nacogdoches County Civic Center continues to shelter around 30 evacuees displaced from Newton county. The nearby county is expected to lift its mandatory evacuation order, at which time the evacuees will be bussed home. Emergency management officials do not foresee a need to open shelters for local residents.
“Our City of Nacogdoches staff will continue manning the non-emergent hotline through 5:00 p.m., Thursday, Aug 27. Hurricane Laura-related questions or concerns can be directed to 936-468-4787 or 936-559-2510,” confirmed City Manager Mario Canizares. In the event of an emergency, always call 9-1-1.
