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Gulf Coast Braces For Edouard

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The Associated Press

Published: August 5, 2008

GALVESTON, Texas - Beth Bronson said Monday she's determined not to have her trip ruined as the second severe storm in two weeks approached a Texas Gulf Coast vacation hotspot at the height of tourist season.
Tropical Storm Edouard was expected to come ashore this morning anywhere from western Louisiana to Port O'Connor, Texas. Tourism officials in Galveston, northeast of Port O'Connor and in the storm's possible path, said many vacationers were planning to stay, hoping the area isn't hit as hard as South Padre Island was by Hurricane Dolly on July 23.

"We spend money to come here with our families. It's an inexpensive place to stay. If they were to say evacuate, then, yeah, we would do it. But otherwise, no," said Bronson, 49, who was vacationing from Allen, Texas.

Gov. Rick Perry issued a disaster declaration for 17 Texas counties that could be in Edouard's path.

The state activated a number of emergency teams, including calling up 1,200 Texas military forces and six UH-60 helicopters, the State Operations Center said.

In Louisiana, Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a statewide emergency. Cameron Parish told up to 3,000 residents to evacuate low-lying coastal areas that are prone to flooding. Edouard had maximum sustained winds near 45 mph, with higher gusts. Forecasters said conditions were in place for the storm to intensify and approach hurricane strength with winds of 74 mph or more.

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