Tropical Storm Cristobal is expected to make landfall this weekend and Tex. Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference Monday morning about the potential impact of the storm on the state of Texas. He also discussed activating state resources as a precautionary measure, though the storm is expected impact Louisiana more than Texas.

According to the latest models of the storm’s trajectory, Cristobal is expected to hit the state of Louisiana the hardest but could still bring heavy rainfall to deep East Texas. However, Abbott reminded citizens to remain vigilant as a change in conditions could force the storm westward, making Texas a focal point.

Abbott said the storm will likely remain a tropical storm but still has the potential to become a hurricane. Heavy rain is expected in deep East Texas and high winds are expected in Southeast Texas.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in Katy will reach the high of 90 degrees on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with a 20% chance of isolated thunderstorms on Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Abbott reminded emergency response teams to be even more careful when reassessing their strategies as the state is still dealing with COVID19.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management has assigned precautionary resources ahead of this weekend in case Cristobal’s trajectory moves to the west. Included in these resources are Texas A&M Forest Service Saw Crews, Texas Parks and Wildlife water rescue boats, Texas A&M Engineering and Extension Service Urban Search and Rescue and swift water rescue boat squads and DSHS ambulance strike teams. The Texas State Operations Center remains activated at Level II in support of the state’s ongoing response to COVID-19. 

State agencies involved in the response effort include TDEM, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Military Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Engineering and Extension Service, Texas A&M Task Force One and State Mass Care Team, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

As hurricane season is in full swing, the CDC recommends the following tips to ensure safety:

• Prepare for a hurricane: Take basic steps now to ensure your safety should a storm hit.
• Get emergency supplies: Stock your home and your car with supplies.
• Make a plan: Create a family disaster plan.
• Prepare to evacuate: Never ignore an evacuation order.
• Protect older adults: Understand older adult health and medical concerns.
• Protect your pets: Ensure your pet’s safety before, during, and after a hurricane.