Thread by @MikeMarutKVUE

Here at the remote State Operations Center at a @DoubleTree in Austin, @GovAbbott will soon give a briefing regarding #HurricaneHanna.

Now arriving and speaking: @GovAbbott @chiefkidd

It’s going to hit the most vulnerable part of the state. Just because #HurricaneHanna arrives, #coronavirus does not disappear. “We cannot allow this hurricane lead to an event of more fatalities from Covid-19.”

#hurricanehanna is about to make landfall. “Everybody that is in the zone of this hurricane or where flooding may occur, take precautions. ... Make sure you do not go out into the storm.” - @GovAbbott

“In the Corpus Cristi/Nueces County area, expect storm surge.” @kiii3news is covering the hurricane along the coast now.

“We also want to warn of tornadoes. We’ve already had one tornado warning arise and we may see others.” - @GovAbbott

“Already in response to this hurricane” there’s a Governor disaster recovery declaration in place for 32 counties. Also issuing a federal emergency disaster request for public assistance for people recovering from disasters.

“We are partnered today with @fema and the Coast Guard.”

There will be 17 mobile COVID-19 testing teams when it comes to shelters to provide tests during this hurricane. Will also sanitize shelters similar to how they sanitize nursing homes. @KVUE

Texas DPS providing personnel, planes, helicopters and vehicles to assist local law enforcement. More personnel, search squads and boats will be available as needed.

@TexasDSHS will set up medical shelters for those with medical needs but a hospital would not be necessary. One will be the @FreemanColiseum in San Antonio.

Check DriveTexas.org for road closures due to #HurricaneHanna.

Food and water available through @TDEM and @fema as well as clean-up resources.

“As people are doing everything possible to protect their lives and loved ones from the storm and damage, remember to protect your lives and loved ones from transmission to COVID-19. ... Wear a face mask, ... avoid gatherings of more than just a few family members.” - @GovAbbott

Now from @chiefkidd, emergency shelters will be opening. If you have a chance to evacuate and are doing so, Freeman Coliseum is open and Red Cross is utilizing hotel rooms.

Last week there was hurricane response practice. This response comes as no surprise according to @GovAbbott. Preparation months in advance is paying off now.

Hundreds of COVID-19 tests will be available every day with results within 24 hours according to @chiefkidd. If more space is needed, hotel rooms will be made available.

PPE is surging into the area. Storm could slow the testing for a day or two, ... but we will be prepared to surge testing for COVID response.

If nursing homes need to be evacuated, it’ll be a similar process as years past, just much more PPE.