The La Marque Office of Emergency Management has issued a voluntary evacuation for the City of La Marque effective at noon today, Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Mayor Hocking signed a disaster declaration for our city.
12:15 p.m. August 25, 2020
The La Marque Office of Emergency Management has issued a voluntary evacuation for the City of La Marque effective at noon today, Tuesday, August 25, 2020. A mandatory evacuation for citizens living outside the Hurricane Protection Levee was issued this morning. Mayor Hocking signed a disaster declaration for the City of La Marque.
Hurricane, Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Watches have been upgraded to warnings for parts of our area due to Laura’s westward shift overnight. Wherever Laura makes landfall, she will bring 115 mph wind with gusts up to 140 mph and a dangerous storm surge. It is crucial that citizens of La Marque monitor the weather and prepare for a direct hit from a major hurricane.
No matter how Laura tracks, it is likely that we will receive Tropical Storm force winds Wednesday evening. Please secure items outside your home, including patio seating, toys and trampolines.
Storm surge levels have increased from yesterday. Currently, a 3 to 5 feet of surge is expected. Gulf water levels are expected to rise and high seas will start as early as Tuesday evening. Rainfall will be concentrated where the storm makes landfall. This is a fastmoving hurricane, so flash flooding and floods from rainfall are considered secondary threats.
City of La Marque non-emergency offices will be closed Wednesday, August, 26 and Thursday, August 27, 2020. A decision about city offices opening Friday will be made Thursday.
For emergencies, dial 911. To report weather information, such as trees blocking roadways or after-hours utility emergencies, call La Marque Police Dispatch at 409-938-9269.
10:10 a.m. August 25, 2020
Hurricane Laura’s shift to the west has changed things for Texas Upper Coast residents, including citizens of La Marque. A Hurricane Warning has been issued for our area. Please continue to monitor the weather. Stay informed, get prepared and heed warnings from local emergency management personnel.
The main threat of Hurricane Laura is wind damage. The closer the eyewall comes to our area, the more storm surge we will see. Rain totals also depend on Laura’s track. We will continue to post updates and citizens are encouraged to watch local news outlets. Follow National Weather Service Houston/Galveston for reliable forecasts.
City of La Marque non-emergency offices will be closed Wednesday, August, 26 and Thursday, August 27, 2020.
For emergencies, dial 911. To report weather information, such as trees blocking roadways or after-hours utility emergencies, call La Marque Police Dispatch at 409-938-9269.
10:30 p.m. August 24, 2020
Tropical Storm Laura is currently passing over Cuba and is expected to strengthen as it moves over the warm Gulf waters toward Southwest Louisiana. The storm is now forecast on the cusp of a Category 3 hurricane. There are no changes to watches or warnings for our area, and there has been no major change to Laura’s track.
The current forecast calls for hurricane-force winds Wednesday evening. Storm surge is still expected from 2 - 4 feet and high seas are expected. We will provide another update tomorrow around 11:00 a.m.
Please continue to monitor the weather. This storm could still hook to the west and impact the Upper Texas Coast.
4:45 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2020
Marco continues to weaken, and forecasters do not expect significant impacts in our area. Our focus has shifted to Laura.
There is still some uncertainty as to Larua’s track. Right now, it looks like the storm is headed to Southwest Louisana or the Texas/Louisana state line. Confidence has increased slightly, but several models still put the storm directly in our area. Please continue to monitor the weather. We will post another update around 11:00 p.m. tonight.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect from Port Bolivar, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana. A Storm Surge Watch has been issued, as well.
11:00 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2020
Tropical Storm Laura continues to make its way across Cuba and will enter the Gulf of Mexico later today or early tomorrow morning. The US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas expects this storm to strengthen into a hurricane over the next 48 hours.
There is still uncertainty in what track this storm will take as it moves towards the Gulf Coast. The La Marque Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor Tropical Storm Laura and is in constant coordination with local, state, and regional partners.
We encourage all residents to be making preparations for potential impacts from this storm. These preparations should include reviewing hurricane plans, stocking your disaster kit, and staying informed to the latest weather updates.
For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit storm.cityoflamarque.org.
9:00 PM Sunday, August 23, 2020
Hurricane Marco is tracking toward Southeast Louisana and will likely weaken as it approaches the coast, but tropical storm force winds are possible in our area, along with rain on Tuesday.
Laura is expected to be more of a threat. Laura is forecast to become a Category 2 hurricane and make landfall somewhere between the Upper Texas coast and Southwest Louisana. Landfall in our area is possible, which would bring significant wind, storm surge and 5 to 10 inches of rain.
Please monitor the weather, especially over the next 72 hours—Laura’s landfall is likely Wednesday afternoon or evening. Make sure you and your family are prepared.
La Marque Emergency Management is monitoring the storm, along with storm surge and rainfall projections. Register for weather alerts and community newsflash e-notifications at
connect.cityoflamarque.org.
ORIGINAL POST August 21, 2020
There are two tropical cyclones brewing in the Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Depression 14 poses the most threat to the Texas Gulf Coast. TD14 is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it passes over the warm Gulf waters, but could reduce back down to a Tropical Storm as it approaches the coast. There is still uncertainty in the models as far as landfall, but we expect rain and wind early next week. Please review your hurricane plan and make sure you have a plan for your family and your pets.
Check out the latest forecast from the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUHUedshQU8&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3zSXoMvYCXY4s34MYP-PqUkom1YC_hENYe1WAdkPidarrr-6QkhHbFPAw
