Abbott urges residents of East Texas to be prepared for a ‘quick evacuation.' Judge Hidalgo tells a different story.

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott discussed hurricane preparedness and the potential impact Tropical Storm Cristobal could have on Texas during a news conference Friday.

Abbott received a briefing this afternoon on Tropical Storm Cristobal, which is expected to make landfall as a tropical storm in Louisiana this weekend.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo also addressed the storm during a 3 p.m. news conference.

Here are some of the highlights from Hidalgo’s conference:

• We are currently outside the cone. We no longer see a high chance for significant impact.
• We know the storms can be unpredictable, so we still have to continue to stay alert. “Our mantra is to err on the side of preparation.”
• What we are seeing already is that hurricane season is not just going to be easy because we are in a pandemic.
• Working to make alerts more efficient and widespread so they can reach more people in the community. “We are doing everything we can to prepare, but we still need residents to do their part.”
• How to prepare
  • Check-in with your insurance to make sure you are covered for flood or other damages. New flood policies take 30 days to kick in.
  • Build a hurricane preparedness kit so you can take care of yourself for seven to 10 days if needed.
  • Make up an evacuation plan. Plan out where you would go and how you would get there.
• Jeff Lindner: Forecast models are in agreement that the storm will hit Louisiana. It is well to the east of Southeast Texas.
• The weather will not bring anything more significant than what we normally see. We could be looking at swells and rip current threats at the beach for the weekend.
• Will be getting offshore wind, which will result in very warm temperatures for next week, Lindner said. Remember to hydrate and take frequent breaks.
• “This is just the first week of six months of hurricane season," Lindner said. "The time to prepare is now.”

Watch Hidalgo’s news conference below:

Here are some of the highlights from Abbott’s conference:

• Cristobal will likely be crossing the Gulf Coast and hitting Louisiana. It could also bring a tremendous amount of rain and potential flooding in East Texas.
• Urging residents in deep East Texas and those who live within 50 miles of the Sabine River to be prepared for evacuation. “We don’t know what may be needed. the time to get ready for a quick evacuation should be now.”
• Right now it could be a “minimal rain event” but that could change. We will know more in the next 24 to 48 hours.
• If the storm moves west, it could be a greater threat for Texas. Cristobal is currently a tropical storm, but it could be upgraded.
• We want to prepare for potential high wind and rain. The potential landfall is for Sunday.
• National Guard troops have been made available to deal with a potential flooding event. TxDPS is providing a tactical marine unite to provide rescues. Several other government agencies are ready to assist in case of an emergency.
• 211 - system coordinates with local emergency responders. Senior centers, in particular, are being prepared for potential evacuation.
• This storm is different because we are dealing with a pandemic. Have strategies in place to ensure that those in nursing homes will be able to be moved safely and with proper health precautions.
• Evacuation centers will be hotels and motels in order to help maintain social distancing.

Watch Abbott’s full news conference below: