August 26, 2020 - Whereas, the County of Shelby, Texas, on the 26th of August, 2020, is in imminent threat of being in the path of Hurricane Laura as described in reports by the United States National Weather Service and the Texas State Operations Center, potentially causing widespread injury or loss of life and severe property damage resulting from conditions created by torrential rainfall, major flooding with high speed winds and tornadic activity over an excessive period of time in residential, agricultural and commercial areas, as well as, major infrastructure damage preventing access to, or the safe passage on many roadways, as well as, the potential for long term countywide electrical power and utility outages. Such conditions will create an imminent public safety hazard.
WHEREAS, the County Judge of Shelby County, Texas, has determined, based upon trajectory reports issued by the National Weather Service and the Texas State Operations Center, that extraordinary measures be taken to protect life, as well as, to protect and/or rehabilitate property, and are necessary and hereby ordered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE COUNTY JUDGE OF SHELBY COUNTY:
I. That a local state of disaster is hereby declared for Shelby County, Texas, pursuant to Section 418.108(0) of the Texas Government Code.
II. Pursuant to Section 418.108(b) of the Texas Government Code, the state of disaster shall continue for a period of not more than seven days from the date of this declaration unless continued or renewed by the Commissioners' Court of Shelby County, Texas.
III. Pursuant to Section 415.108(c) of the Texas Government Code, this declaration of a local disaster shall be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the County Clerk.
IV. Pursuant to Section 418.108(d) of the Texas Government Code, this declaration of a local state of disaster activates the county/city Emergency Management Plan.
Ordered this 26th day of August, 2020.
