The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Livingston Municipal Library located at 707 N. Tyler Ave. Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm

CURRENT AVAILABILITIES IN POLK COUNTY

POLK COUNTY - 7/12/2024 7:00 pm

POLK COUNTY WATER, ICE, AND MRE DISTRIBUTION
SATURDAY JULY 13, 2024

Attention community members! We're distributing water, ice and MREs at Pedigo Park, Saturday, July 13th. Please note that supplies are limited and will be rationed to ensure everyone gets what they need.
Our deliveries arrived late today, but we will be there early assisting residents with water, ice & MREs distribution tomorrow.

Location: Pedigo Park at the Pavilions
Date: Saturday, July 13th
Time: 7:00am to 2:00 PM (or until supplies are gone)

FEMA Assistance and Food Replacement
July 12, 2024
FEMA has not yet set a date for the reopening of the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center located at the Livingston Municipal Library.  Emergency Management will announce its reopening upon notification from the Texas Division of Emergency Management and FEMA.
Emergency Management has not received notification of the activation of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services' Disaster Food Stamps (D-SNAP) program for food replacement; however, HHSC has received federal approval to allow SNAP recipients impacted by Hurricane Beryl to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed. Recipients in 121 counties listed in Acting Governor Patrick’s disaster declarations can apply by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting Option 8.
Texas has requested FEMA Individual Assistance for Hurricane Beryl for Polk County.  FEMA assistance programs will not open up for Hurricane Beryl until the request is approved.

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TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
HHSC has received federal approval to allow SNAP recipients impacted by Hurricane Beryl to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed. 
Recipients in 121 counties listed in Acting Governor Patrick’s disaster declarations can apply by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting Option 8.
Those applying for replacement benefits have until August 8 to apply.
For a list of affected counties and additional resources, visit: https://bit.ly/4bEzRyo
Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, Dan Patrick , Mayor John Whitmire , Texas Division of Emergency Management

Water, Ice, MRE Distribution at Pedigo Park
July 12, 2024

We're are distributing water and ice at Pedigo Park today.
MRE's are also expected to arrive this afternoon.
Please note that supplies are limited and will be rationed to ensure everyone gets what they need.
Location: Pedigo Park
Time: 11:00am - 6:00 PM (or until supplies run out)
Come by and pick up your supplies while they last!

COOLING CENTERS

Polk County remains under a Heat Advisory until 9 p.m. on July 12, 2024. Cooling Centers have been established at the following locations:
Polk County Commerce Center 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Onalaska VFD Station 51 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Corrigan City Hall 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Water, Ice, MRE Distribution at Pedigo Park
July 11, 2024 4pm
We're still distributing water ice, and MREs at Pedigo Park today. Please note that supplies are limited and will be rationed to ensure everyone gets what they need.

Water, Ice, MRE Distribution at Pedigo Park  
July 11, 2024 Noon
Attention community members! To help everyone stay hydrated and cool, we're distributing water ice, and MREs at Pedigo Park today. Please note that supplies are limited and will be rationed to ensure everyone gets what they need.
 Location: Pedigo Park
 Time: Noon to 6:00 PM (or until supplies run out)
Come by and pick up your supplies while they last! Stay safe and hydrated, everyone!

7/11/2024 9:30am

The following Grocery Stores have confirmed they are open:
HEB Livingston- open until 10pm (has everything except meat)
Brookshire in both Livingston & Onalaska- open until 9pm (Pharmacy open until 7pm)
Walmart - open until 8pm (limited supply of cold items)
CVS- open until midnight  (pharmacy open until 9pm)

7/11/2024 9:00am

Power has been restored to major portions of the county. Gradual restoration continues in the unincorporated areas of Polk County. Many fuel stations have reopened.

7/11/2024

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The Water, Ice and MRE Distribution Site will suspend distribution as supplies are depleted, and will start up again upon receipt of new supply deliveries.

CURRENT HURRICANE UPDATE

July 8, 2024

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AT 1:30 pm the Office of Emergency Management lost phone service.

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HURRICANE BERYL
POLK COUNTY UPDATE
JULY 8, 2024 @ 6:00 A.M.
Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Matagorda, Texas as a category 1 hurricane at 4:00 a.m. this morning.  Beryl will continue to move northward today across southeast Texas and slowly weaken, then accelerate and move northeast.  
Polk County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning.  According to NWS Beryl will weaken as it moves north towards Polk County.  It is predicted that we could receive 20-30 mph sustained winds and 30-40 mph wind gusts.  The strongest impact for Polk County will be on the western side of the County.  NWS forecasts we will receive 2-4 inches of rainfall.  

Below is a radar image of Hurricane Beryl this morning. As of 6:30 am, here is the radar estimate for rainfall since midnight across SE Texas due to Hurricane Beryl. Large area of 6-8", locally higher amounts possible, southwest of the Houston Metro.

July 7, 2024

At 11:00 pm the NWS reports that Beryl is again a Hurricane.  
Moving: NNW at 10 mph
Min pressure: 985 mb
Max sustained: 75 mph
For more information: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?atlc#Beryl

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******Polk County Offices Delayed Opening******** 5:30pm
Due to Tropical Storm Beryl, Polk County Offices will have a delayed opening of 10am for tomorrow July 8, 2024.

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THE FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER AT THE LIVINGSTON MUNICIPAL LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, JULY 8TH DUE TO TROPICAL STORM BERYL.

Polk County OEM  Public Service Announcement - 3pm

 

POLK COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
JULY 7, 2024 3 P.M.
TROPICAL STORM BERYL

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Polk County.  

A Flood Watch for Polk County is in effect from late tonight through Tuesday morning.
Polk County Emergency Management is closely monitoring the track of Tropical Storm Beryl.  The current track of Beryl shifted slightly east and continues to strengthen. Beryl is forecast to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, or possibly a low-end category 2 hurricane, around 3 a.m. near Matagorda Bay.  Impacts in our area will begin later this evening with bands of heavy rainfall. Rainfall will continue through Monday and into early Tuesday morning. NWS forecasts 4-6” of rain and some tropical storm-force winds for our area.
The National Weather Service has communicated to Emergency Management that stronger impacts from Beryl for Polk County will likely occur as early as 7 a.m. tomorrow morning and continue through early afternoon with sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph and 45 mph wind gusts.  

Heavy rainfall, flooding, flash flooding, strong gusty winds, and tornadic activity is possible. Residual rain bands occurring late tomorrow afternoon are also possible.
Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy issued a Local Declaration of Disaster for Tropical Storm Beryl yesterday evening.
NWS states that, by late tomorrow afternoon, the storm should have moved on to the ArkLaTex region; however, shifts in the track remain possible and forecasts may change. Please remain weather aware and prepared for impacts from this storm.
Please look for further updates on the Polk County Emergency Management Facebook page 
(www.facebook.com/PolkCountyEmergencyManagement) and the Polk County Emergency Management website www.PolkCountyOEM.com.

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Beryl Local Watch/Warning Statement/Advisory Number 36
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX  AL022024
1009 AM CDT Sun Jul 7 2024

TXZ179-072315-
/O.EXA.KHGX.TR.W.1002.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
Polk-
1009 AM CDT Sun Jul 7 2024

...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are
expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
    - Corrigan
    - Livingston
    - Seven Oaks

* WIND
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind
        - Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 65 mph
        - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: early Monday morning
          until Monday afternoon

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
      UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
      to 57 mph
        - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
          force.
        - PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be
          completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind
          damage.
        - ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
        - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
          mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
        - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
          uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
          are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
          over.
        - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
          urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
          conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
        - Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
        - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally
          higher amounts

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
      UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major
      flooding rain
        - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
          the previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
          major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are
          likely.
        - PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially
          if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.
        - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
          action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
        - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and
          rescues.
        - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
          multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches
          may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and
          barriers may become stressed.
        - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
          communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
          washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover
          escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of
          moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions
          become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some
          weakened or washed out.

* TORNADO
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
        - Situation is favorable for tornadoes

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
      UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
      tornadoes
        - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
          several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
          damage paths.
        - PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
          urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
          arrives.
        - ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
          warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
        - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
          execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
        - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
          spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
          communications failures.
        - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
          homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
          or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
          about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
    - Hurricane Preparedness: Federal Emergency Management Agency
        - http://ready.gov/hurricanes
    - Local weather conditions and forecasts: NWS Houston/Galveston, TX
        - http://www.weather.gov/hgx/

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10am Sunday 7/7/2024 Here is the latest update on #Beryl. The new forecast is very similar to the last one,  just slightly further to the east. Beryl is still expected to make landfall early Monday Morning  near Matagorda Bay as a Category 1 Hurricane. #TXwx #HOUwx

 

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July 6, 2024

 Beryl continues its trek through the southwestern Gulf and is expected to approach the Texas coastline early Monday.
Tropical Storm Warnings have been expanded to include Austin, Waller, Fort Bend, and Harris counties where tropical storm force winds will be possible tomorrow night into Monday. Hurricane Warnings remain in effect for Jackson and Matagorda counties.
Storm Surge Warnings remain in effect along the coast where up to 4 to 6ft of inundation will be possible beginning as early as Sunday afternoon. There remains a high risk of strong rip currents along area beaches. Between high surf, storm surge, and the high rip current risk - it is not recommended to be in the water. 

A Flood Watch also remains in effect for areas along and west of I-45. Up to 5 to 10" of rain are possible with locally higher amounts likely. Remember, if you encounter flooded roadways, Turn Around - Don't Drown.
Please follow the advice of local officials regarding any evacuations.

A reminder that the cone graphic only shows the probable path of the center of the storm - impacts will be felt well outside the cone

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 6, 2024

Attention #Texas! Here is the latest update from the National Hurricane Center on #Beryl.

Please heed the advice from your local emergency officials and complete your preparation plans today. For the latest advisory visit hurricanes.gov/#Beryl

 

PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

HURRICANE BERYL - JULY 6, 2024

Below is the Proclamation signed by Acting Governor Dan Patrick for Hurricane Beryl that includes Polk County.

 

 

 

 

POLK COUNTY, TEXAS

DECLARATION OF DISASTER

JULY 6, 2024

TROPICAL STORM BERYL

Polk County is in the forecast track cone of uncertainty for Tropical Storm Beryl which is forecasted to strengthen to a hurricane and make landfall early Monday, July 8, 2024 on the Texas coast.

Due to infrastructure and property damages sustained in the April 2024 flood disaster and based on National Weather Service forecasts issued and potential threats posed by Tropical Storm Beryl, County Judge Sydney Murphy issued a Local Declaration of Disaster, Today, July 6, 2024.

 

5PM Update (7/6/24) on Tropical Storm #Beryl... Minor changes with the forecast track & intensity. Beryl is expected to strengthen to a Category 1 Hurricane before landfalling near Matagorda Bay early Mon.

Hurricane, Storm Surge & Tropical Storm Warnings are issued for portions of Southeast TX.

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TRA DAM INFORMATION

UPDATE: The Trinity River Authority is closely monitoring the projected path of Tropical Storm Beryl in cooperation with the National Weather Service. Initial mitigation efforts at Lake Livingston Dam will be complete by Monday afternoon, July 8, prior to rainfall associated with the storm. The dam will be able to pass high-flow events without impacting the integrity of the dam. https://trinityra.org/alert_detail.php

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER - JUNE 1, 2024

FEMA AND SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY THE SEVERE WEATHER AND FLOODING EVENT IN POLK COUNTY
FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will now be located at a Disaster Recovery Center on the second floor of the Livingston Municipal Library located at 707 N. Tyler Ave. in Livingston.
These agencies will assist Polk County residents impacted by the severe weather and flooding event with completing disaster assistance applications and answering questions residents have regarding their application status.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Today, June 1st, is the last day FEMA personnel will be outside at the back parking lot of the Polk County Commerce Center building near their mobile unit.

May 18, 2024: Polk County - Applying for FEMA Individual Assistance Polk County has received a Presidential Declaration for FEMA Individual Assistance. Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). When you submit an application, be sure to write down your claim number. Polk County Emergency Management will work with the Texas Division of Emergency Management to establish a Disaster Assistance Center in the County for persons needing help with submitting an application. Emergency Management will announce the location and additional details regarding this center when plans are confirmed.

*POLK COUNTY HAS RECEIVED A PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATION FOR FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE*  

President Biden Partially Approves Governor Abbott’s Request For Major Disaster Declaration For Severe Weather, Flooding

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott today announced that President Joe Biden approved the state’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Texas counties impacted by severe weather and flooding that began on April 26.

“The partial approval of my Presidential Disaster Declaration request is a crucial step in the right direction in helping Texans rebuild and recover from recent severe weather events,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank President Biden and his administration’s assistance as Texas continues to respond to severe weather and flooding across the state. Texas is working around-the-clock to provide all necessary resources to help Texans move forward from these devastating storms.”

This partial approval allows qualifying Texans who sustained damage to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program funding to assist with expenses such as temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, disaster legal services, disaster unemployment assistance, and medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster. Counties approved for Individual Assistance programs include Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker counties.

This approval also authorizes additional FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program resources to be made available statewide and authorizes the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program for physical and economic loss for the seven counties approved for Individual Assistance.

The Governor’s request for FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which would ensure eligibility for 26 designated counties to utilize grant funding for emergency work and repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, remains under review. The grant funding afforded under FEMA’s Public Assistance program would assist in covering jurisdictional expenses for debris removal, emergency protective measures, roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities, parks, recreational, and other facilities. Additionally, the Governor has directed TDEM to work with local, state, and federal partners to ensure all other Texas counties that meet their federally-set Public Assistance thresholds are added to this federal declaration.

Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all available resources to help support local communities from the impacts of severe weather, including:

• Readying state emergency response resources on April 25 ahead of wildfire and severe weather threats.
• Issuing a disaster declaration on April 30 for counties affected by recent storms and deploying additional state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather and flooding. The Governor first amendedhis disaster declaration on May 2, updated it furtheron May 7, and amendedthe state declaration again on May 15.
• Increasingthe readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center to help support local officials with requests for state assistance.
• Holding a briefing on May 6 with local and state officials from impacted areas and providing an update on the state’s robust response efforts in support of local communities.
• Requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration on May 15 for Texas communities impacted by severe storms.

CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS:

May 17, 2024

May 16, 2024

Mandatory Evacuation Updates:

Taylor Lake Notice Rescinding Mandatory Evacuation Order 5-8-2024.pdf

River Lake Estates Notice Rescinding Mandatory Evacuation Order 5-8-2024.pdf

River Lake Estates Notice Rescinding Mandatory Evacuation Order 5-9-2024.pdf

Siesta Country Section 3 and 5 Notice Rescinding Mandatory Evacuation Order 5-9-2024.pdf

Holiday Lake Estates Notice Rescinding Mandatory Evacuation Order 5-9-2024.pdf

Siesta Country Section 3 and 5 Notice Rescinding Mandatory Evacuation Order 5-10-24 Phase 3 Fully Rescinded.pdf

Polk County Rescinding Mandatory Evacuation and Phased Opening - Remaining Areas and Abstract Properties 5-11-2024.pdf

Notice Fully Rescinding Evacuation Order 5-14-2024.pdf

Please see attached:

Polk County Mandatory Evacuation - Heavy Rainfall and Flooding April 2024.pdf

Declaration of Disaster - April Flooding 2024.pdf

Polk County OEM PSA -flooding event.jpg

Polk County OEM PSA -flooding event 4-30-2024.pdf

Polk County OEM PSA - Flooding, Evacuation Order, Weather Update 5-1-2024

Polk County OEM PSA -flooding event 5-3-2024.pdf

Polk County Continuation of Declaration of Disaster.pdf

Polk County OEM PSA Flooding Mandatory Evacuation Weather Reporting Damage 5-4-2024.pdf

Polk County OEM PSA -Flooding Mandatory Evacuation Weather Reporting Damage 5-5-2024.pdf

5:00pm

TxDot has now opened FM 2610 to 1 lane traffic

FM 3278 remains closed

Flooding still exist in the Mandatory Evacuation areas. Heed the Evacuation Order and avoid these areas until the Evacuation Order is lifted.

FM 2610 at Six Lakes Estates

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Home owners and business owners -- take photos of all the damage before you start the clean-up process for insurance and damage documentation purposes. You may also want to document the clean-up process for the insurance adjuster and further verification of damages.

SCHOOL CLOSURES AND DELAYS: All Polk County Schools will remain closed today.