Today marks the beginning of the 2011 Hurricane Season and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an active storm season.  The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plays a critical role in storm education, evacuation and recovery. So each year, along with its partners around the state, the department begins, months ahead of time, preparing for the possibility of seasonal storms.

TxDOT has identified and prepared facilities and equipment for quick mobilization.  District staff reviewed evacuation plans to be prepared to open, if necessary, evaculanes or to implement contraflow measures. Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) were tested and made ready to communicate emergency messages to travelers across the state, including frequent warnings to citizens in other parts of the state to not travel to the affected areas.

Each year, personnel evaluate the agency’s external and internal communications efforts designed to keep employees and the public informed.  A comprehensive hurricane preparedness section on the agency’s Web site at http://www.txdot.gov/travel/hurricane.htm includes information on road conditions, evacuation procedures, and details regarding contraflow operations, in addition to links to other agencies with information on local conditions.

We encourage residents to create and/or review their emergency plan, build an emergency supply kit and be prepared for any storms that may enter the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information contact the TxDOT Public Information Office at (713) 802-5076.