(Harris County, TX) – Due to changes in the track of Hurricane Ike and the expected
storm surge of up to 15 ft. in some areas, Harris County and City of Houston officials
are calling for the evacuation of citizens residing in Zones A & B of the evacuation plan.
A mandatory evacuation has been called for noon today for residents living in zip codes
77586 (Zone A), 77058, 77059, 77062, 77520, 77546, 77571, 77598 (Zone B).
Harris County will begin evacuating citizens with special needs that registered with 2-1-
1 as soon as possible. Those not registered should call 3-1-1 immediately if they need
help evacuating.
The routes identified for emergency evacuation by the state are Interstate 10 West to
San Antonio, Interstate 45 North to Dallas, Interstate 59 North to Nacogdoches and
Highway 290 West to Austin or Waco. The Texas Department of Public Safety will
stage contraflow in coordination with local plans when needed. Refueling stations will
be placed along the routes.
In order to minimize traffic of highways, emergency officials recommend that major
employees allow non-essential personnel to not report to work on Friday. However,
service providers such as grocery stores, restaurants and service stations are
encouraged to remain open to serve the public.
Those who have registered already with the state’s 2-1-1 system can expect to be
picked up and transported to one of the transportation staging areas for evacuation.
Any other special needs persons who need help evacuating need to call 3-1-1.
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Mary Benton Media 