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UPDATES: Tropical Storm Warning for Fort Bend County Now Cancelled; Hurricane Laura Closing in to Texas Louisiana Border

UPDATE Aug. 26 10:30 p.m.:

Tropical Storm Warning for Fort Bend County is now cancelled.

UPDATES Aug. 25 3 p.m.:

Hurricane Laura is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane (category 3) late Wednesday (Aug. 26) and early Thursday (Aug. 27). As of 10 a.m. today, a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Missouri City. Residents encouraged to stay prepared and follow the official emergency communication outlets for the latest updates.

Fort Bend is designated as a “Pass Through” county for evacuations. Thus, coastal communities that are part of today’s voluntary evacuations, could be passing through State Highway 6 and there could be increased traffic. In addition, to support with any evacuations, all tolls in the area are waived until Friday, Aug. 28.

Fort Bend Independent School District is closing their facilities and cancelling online classes for Wednesday and Thursday.

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Southeast Texas is preparing for consecutive storms in the coming days. Tropical Storm Marco is projected to cross the region between Tuesday (Aug. 25) night and Wednesday (Aug. 26) morning. The current track shows Marco decreasing to a Tropical Depression by the time it reaches the area.

Tropical Storm Laura is expected to become a hurricane when it makes landfall over the Texas/Louisiana border between Wednesday (Aug. 26) night and Thursday (Aug. 27) morning.

Missouri City is on the edge of both current cones for Marco and Laura, and the trajectory is subject to change. Marco is expected to bring rain to the area. However, Laura is expected to bring rain and strong winds with possible flash flooding.

To be properly prepared for inclement weather, residents should:

  • Have food, water and medicine for each member of the house for minimum of three days
  • Remember to include essential COVID-19 supplies like masks, hand sanitizers etc.
  • Know any possible evacuation plans
  • Keep important documents nearby
  • Follow the City’s official emergency management outlets: www.missouricityready.com and www.twitter.com/MissouriCityEM

City staff will closely monitor updates from the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, and will also monitor roadway conditions throughout the City. If you experience high water or flooding, please call 281.403.8700.

Residents are discouraged to drive through high water areas, and remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

2020 Hurricane Season Is Under Way ǀ For Emergency Updates & Alerts, Follow Official City Outlets: www.MissouriCityReady.com; MissouriCityEM on Twitter

The 2020 Hurricane Season is officially under way today, Monday June 1, and runs through Monday, Nov. 30. And with tropical storms, heavy rains and high water levels already on the national and regional weather radars, Missouri City residents are urged to plan ahead to ensure they are prepared in the event a disturbance impacts our area.

“As we saw with Hurricane Harvey, planning and preparing before a storm strikes is essential for every resident, business and organization in the City,” said Mayor Yolanda Ford. “Citizens are encouraged to sign up for official City alerts and advisories on our emergency management communications outlets and to stock up their household emergency supply kits to ensure their families can endure several days without basic necessities if necessary.”

MCTX officials recommend that residents store the following items in their emergency supply kits:

  • A three-day supply of non-perishable food, a manual can opener and one gallon of bottled water per person per day 
  • Coolers for food and ice storage 
  • Flashlights, a battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries 
  • Important documents and records, photo IDs, proof of residence, information to process insurance claims and cash
  • Phone chargers and a power generator

Officials also recommend that residents follow the City’s official communications outlets for emergency updates and advisories. The channels include:

  • www.MissouriCityReady.com: The site serves as a primary source of public information during any disaster affecting the City. The website offers tips and strategies for preparing homes, businesses and families for emergencies, links to websites of other emergency management agencies, weather, traffic and other emergency alerts and information on how to take care of special needs or pets during disasters. (Missouri City has communities in both Fort Bend and Harris Counties; residents who have a Houston address can also monitor: www.readyharris.org for updates.)
  • www.MissouriCityTX.gov: On the home page, residents can view important notifications via the red emergency alert tabs at the top of the site, access missouricityready.com via the green “Emergency Preparedness” tab on the page, and view City news releases in the “Stay Informed” section of the page.
  • MCTX Twitter accounts—Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM and Twitter.com/MissouriCityTX
  • WQMN—1690 AM: The City’s radio station that broadcasts weather, road construction and emergency bulletins 
  • MCTV: Ch. 16 on Comcast; Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse
  • MCTX Facebook account—fb/MissouriCityTX
  • MCTX Nextdoor account—City of Missouri City

EM Twitter Screenshot

Other helpful information for residents to remember includes:

  • Fort Bend County is designated by the State as a pass-through county for evacuees who live along the Gulf Coast. In the event of an emergency, MCTX residents should monitor official City outlets for advisories on whether to evacuate or to shelter in place. 
  • The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), located at Public Safety Headquarters on Cartwright Road, is equipped to coordinate the response and recovery efforts for any local emergency situation, including hurricanes.

“As this hurricane season begins, residents can rest assured that their City officials are ready to manage any crisis through the EOC,” Mayor Ford said. “Over the past year, City staff has been participating in emergency management training sessions so that we’re able to respond to every kind of disaster, including the COVID-19 crisis we are currently managing. Additionally, staff will participate in a virtual hurricane preparedness training workshop later this month and will continue to partner with the Fort Bend County and Harris County Offices of Emergency Management and other local and statewide agencies to coordinate response efforts for this season’s inclement weather.”

2020 Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 3 to 9 | Get Prepared | Season Begins June 1

While Missouri City stays home during this pandemic, City officials encourage residents to prepare ahead to weather any storms during the 2020 Hurricane Season. As such, City Council Members proclaimed the week of May 3 as “Hurricane Preparedness Week” at their Monday, May 4 Regular Meeting.

While Fort Bend is designated by the State as a pass-through county for evacuees who live along the Gulf Coast, residents are still encouraged to prepare themselves and stay aware of the potential for severe weather that can accompany tropical systems.

“Our Emergency Operations Center is currently active, responding to COVID-19, but we are also prepared for any severe weather incidents including the upcoming Hurricane Season” said Interim City Manager Bill Atkinson. “Staff is also planning for several training activities with all teams and outreach initiatives for the community in preparation for the season.”

2020 Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Image Courtesy of National Weather Service

To emphasize the importance of preparing before a storm hits, the National Weather Service has designated Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9 as “2020 National Hurricane Preparedness Week”. During this week, MCTX emergency officials encourage residents to:

  • Determine Your Risk: Based on your location, find out what types of wind and water hazards could happen in your area and make a plan now on how to handle them.
  • Develop an Evacuation Plan: Identify safe locations that are not prone to wind/flood threats that you can shelter in, if there is an evacuation order issued. Remember to account for your pets too, as most local shelters do not permit them. Make sure to put these locations and the plan in writing as well.
  • Assemble Disaster Supplies: Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of three days. Also, remember to include extra cash, battery-powered radios, flashlights, batteries, maps, cell phones, chargers and other important documents.
  • Get an Insurance Checkup: Ensure that you have proper insurance coverage for your home, cars and boats. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding; check with your insurance company/agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov now if you think coverage is needed. Flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
  • Strengthen Your Home: Make sure to trim trees that are too close to homes ahead of a storm. And, remember to secure loose objects that are outside, move vehicles to a safe location without blocking the streets and board up windows/doors including garage doors with proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels once there is a storm approaching.
  • Help Your Neighbor: Check on your neighbors and share the importance of preparing ahead of time, collecting supplies before the storm, assisting with evacuation if needed and checking-in after the storm passes.
  • Complete a Written Plan: Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan and share it with your family. Know where you will ride out the storm and get your supplies now. Don’t forget to keep all your important documents together for quick access and have photo documentation of all valuables.

In addition, during any disaster, communication between the City and residents is key. Citizens are encouraged to follow the City’s official websites and social media outlets to receive timely, accurate information during any emergency. The two main platforms used by City staff to share real-time information are the MCTX Emergency Management website, www.MissouriCityReady.com and the MCTX Twitter account, Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM. Residents may sign-up to receive alerts via both of these outlets.

EOC officials also stress the importance of keeping a list of informational resources for reference. Recommendations for City residents include:

  • Police and Fire Departments: 911 or 281.403.8700 
  • CenterPoint Energy: 713.207.2222 
  • American Red Cross – Fort Bend County Branch: 281.342.9480, Greater Houston Branch: 713.526.8300 
  • Ready Harris (www.readyharris.org); 713.881.3100; the Harris County Office of Emergency Management’s official website. 
  • Enable Fort Bend (www.enablefortbend.com); 281.238.3514; the agency assists individuals with functional and medical needs during an emergency or disaster. 
  • MCTV: Comcast Ch. 16; AT&T U-verse Ch. 99 
  • WQMN – 1690 AM: Emergency advisory radio station 
  • MCTX Mobile App: Download it in the Apple App store or on Google Play

For more information about Missouri City, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store.)

COVID-19 UPDATE: Mayor Yolanda Ford Signs Proclamation Declaring a Local Disaster

MCTX took additional proactive actions today to further safeguard public health and safety during the ongoing coronavirus public health crisis. Continuing to follow best practice recommendations provided by local, state and federal authorities:

  • Mayor Yolanda Ford signed City Order No. O-20-01, a “Proclamation Declaring a Local Disaster, which states “Missouri City has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to contain COVID-19 and prevent its spread” throughout the community. Read Declaration.
  • MCTX officials implemented closure and limited access to some City facilities and operational suspensions/restrictions to City programs and services in parks and public safety. The Mayoral declaration addresses the decision stating that such declaration “measures may include closing certain venues, the cancellation of certain events and, pursuant to Chapter 122 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, the quarantine of individuals and the compelling of individuals to undergo certain health measures that prevent or control the spread of the disease.”

As of today, Friday, March 13 the following changes are in effect:

  • All Fire Station tours and visits are suspended until further notice. For questions, please call 281.403.8700.
  • The Citizens Police & Fire Academy is postponed. For questions, please call 281.403.5819.
  • MCTX Leadership Luncheon honoring International Women’s Month that was scheduled for March 31 will be rescheduled. 
  • The Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Drive will be closed starting today, March 13, at the end of business through Sunday, March 29. 
    • All events, programs and room rentals at the Recreation & Tennis Center will be cancelled during this timeframe. Some of those events include:
      • Friday Night Hoops on March 13
      • Spring Archery Session 2 on March 16
      • Acrylic Painting Class on March 17
      • Tots & Crafts on March 18
      • Senior Breakfast Bingo on March 19
      • Friday Night Flicks on March 20
      • Senior Foodies on March 26
      • Paddles & Racquets March Madness on March 27
      • Mother Son Challenge on March 28
    • Recreation & Tennis Center staff will remain on-site to work on strategic programs. Guests who registered for above programs that required a fee will be given the opportunity to have their fees refunded or transferred into new or rescheduled sessions. Staff will work closely with instructors and league administrators to reschedule practices and games and schedule make-up classes when feasible. Guests with a current membership will be given a two-week extension free of charge. For additional details and questions, please call 281.403.8637.
    • The Community Center, 1522 Texas Pkwy., will not be approving any new rentals for the next two weeks. Staff will contact existing, scheduled rentals for this timeframe and will be handling them on a case-by-case basis. Refunds will be considered.

“The Missouri City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is currently at Level III, increased readiness. This means a threat exists, but poses no immediate threat to life or property,” said Interim City Manager Bill Atkinson. “We’re closely monitoring all COVID-19 updates in the region, following all recommendations and guidelines, and are taking necessary precautions as needed.”

Other operational updates, include: 

  • All City parks are still open to public. New pavilion rentals will not be available during the next two weeks; however, existing rentals will not be cancelled. Citizens are advised to follow Harris and Fort Bend Counties’ public health emergency guidelines while at parks: http://bit.ly/39KjjpS  andhttp://bit.ly/2vTVUDM.
  • The MCTX Municipal Court, 3845 Cartwright Rd., will remain open for business operations due to staff estimates that dockets will not exceed a gathering of 250 people as is recommended in the public health emergency guidelines.  
  • The Quail Valley Golf Course & City Centre, 2880 La Quinta Dr., will maintain operations utilizing the guidelines and recommendations set by Fort Bend and Harris Counties. 
  • Residents who participate in the Municipal Solid Waste and Recycling Program will receive regular service as scheduled. 

Some additional key local closures and event cancellations in the region include:

  • Fort Bend Independent School District will be closed for at least two weeks from March 16.
  • Houston Independent School District is closed until March 30. 
  • The University of Houston will be closed for a week from March 16.
  • Houston Community College will be closed until March 25.
  • Texas Southern University will be closed for Spring Break until March 23; after that, students and faculty have been notified that all classes will be conducted online. 

Residents may sign up to receive alerts and receive real-time information through the MCTX Emergency Management website, www.MissouriCityReady.com and the MCTX Twitter account, Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM.

“The decision to temporarily close one of our City’s largest amenities was not an easy one, but it was the right one,” said Mayor Yolanda Ford. “The health and safety of our residents are of the utmost importance, especially at a time like this. We must take every possible step to contain this pandemic, and should join in as a community to help stop the spread.”

In the meantime, EOC officials reiterate the importance of practicing healthy hygiene habits and taking the following precautions to help contain this public health crisis:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Local agencies have also established phone banks to assist citizens with concerns/inquiries regarding COVID-19. See details below:

For Fort Bend County Residents:

  • Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
  • 281.633.7795
  • This number is staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • www.fbchealth.org/ncov 

For Harris County Residents:

For more updates and news, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).

MCTX COVID-19 Update: City Monitoring Crisis with Fort Bend/Harris Counties; EOC Activated to Level III

MCTX officials are closely monitoring COVID-19 and are working with local, state and federal agencies to manage the pandemic in this region. Based on recent updates, including the “Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency” in Fort Bend and Harris Counties, the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated to Level III.

As this is a serious public health threat, residents are encouraged to stop the spread by practicing healthy hygiene habits and taking the following precautions:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

“We are committed to the health and safety of our residents. In addition, we are closely monitoring all safety guidelines as they relate to the operations of City services and programs,” Mayor Yolanda Ford said. “With COVID-19 spreading at this rapid pace, it’s important for everybody to take every safety precaution, to monitor updates on the citizens’ communications tools, and to contact your physician if you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms.”

In addition, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Fort Bend County Judge KP George issued updated community guidelines with several recommendations including cancelling or postponing events with more than 250 people; encouraging people at higher risk of severe illnesses to stay home and away from large crowds; requesting employers to maximize telecommuting options and to consider staggering start and end times to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time. To view full lists of recommendations to be followed until March 31, click these links: http://bit.ly/39KjjpS  and http://bit.ly/2vTVUDM.

Local agencies have also established phone banks to assist citizens with concerns/inquiries regarding COVID-19. See details below:

For Fort Bend County Residents:

  • Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
  • 281.633.7795
  • This number is staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • www.fbchealth.org/ncov 

For Harris County Residents:

Staff is also closely monitoring local closures and event cancellations. See details below:

  • Fort Bend Independent School District will be closed for at least two weeks from March 16.
  • Houston Independent School District will be closed beginning Friday, March 13 through Monday, March, 30. 
  • University of Houston will be closed for a week from March 16.
  • Houston Community College has extended their Spring Break (March 16 – 20); classes will not resume until March 25.
  • Missouri City Leadership Luncheon honoring International Women’s Month for March 31 will be rescheduled. 

Residents may signup to receive alerts and receive real-time information through the MCTX Emergency Management website, www.MissouriCityReady.com and the MCTX Twitter account, Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM.

For more updates and news, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).

Local Officials Ask Passengers of Egypt Nile River Cruise to Self-Quarantine, Contact Local Health Department

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services, Houston Health Department, and Harris County Public Health ask any local residents who recently traveled to Egypt and took a Nile River cruise to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days and contact their local health department.Fort Bend County Health & Human Services, Houston Health Department, and Harris County Public Health ask any local residents who recently traveled to Egypt and took a Nile River cruise to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days and contact their local health department.

On March 5, 2020, the M.S. A’sara cruise traveling to and from Aswan, Egypt was quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure. Local health department officials are seeking M.S. A’sara passengers from the Greater Houston area who traveled on the cruise line from February 12 to March 5, 2020 because they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

If you or your family traveled on the M.S. A’sara cruise (traveling to and from Aswan, Egypt) during the dates in question, please self–quarantine and contact your local health department. Only passengers on the M.S. A’sara cruise need to contact their local health department.

For Fort Bend County Residents:
Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
281-633-7795
This number is staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.fbchealth.org/ncov

For Harris County Residents:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH)
713-439-6000
This number is staffed 7 days a week 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
www.hcphtx.org\COVID-19
www.ReadyHarris.org

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