Latest from UTMB in Galveston

[GalvestonDuck]

Here's what they're telling us:

Hurricane and tropical storm warnings continue for much of the Texas coast; call for voluntary evacuations issued for some local areas
Posted 2:40 p.m., July 14, 2003
The latest satellite imagery indicates that Tropical Storm Claudette is becoming better organized as strong thunderstorm squalls continue strengthening near the center. At 1 p.m., Claudette was about 235 miles east-southeast of Port O'Connor, and moving to the NNW at 6 mph. Maximum winds were 65 mph with gusts to 75 mph. Claudette is still expected to start moving to the northwest after 12 hours and to the west-northwest after 18 to 24 hours. Hurricane warnings continue from Baffin Bay to San Luis Pass and a tropical storm warning continues from north of San Luis Pass to Cameron, La.
With the center drifting a bit more to the north, landfall is now estimated between Aransas Pass and Matagorda Bay. High winds, heavy rain and high tides will be located to the north of where the center tracks. The longer until Claudette makes her turn, the greater the potential impact on the Galveston area.

UTMB officials have met with representatives from the City of Galveston, which has now activated its Emergency Operations Center. Voluntary evacuation is being recommended this afternoon and evening for the West End of Galveston, Bolivar Peninsula and other low-lying areas, in anticipation of a threat from high tides and coastal flooding.

As UTMB continues to monitor Claudette, its hospitals, clinics, schools and offices remain open as normal. Employees should continue to pay close attention to the progress of this storm. Those with homes in evacuation areas should discuss their options with supervisors. Some limited space is available in the hospital for E1s concerned about being able to get to work in the morning from low-lying areas. As a precaution, clinical employees who work the 7 a.m. shift should come to work prepared to potentially be on campus for a prolonged period.

UTMB officials will continue monitoring the storm’s progress, and urge the campus community to remain informed about the storm's progress and check UTMB web sites (http://www.utmb.edu/iutmb.asp and http://www.utmb.edu/alert) and the ALERT line: (409) 77-ALERT or toll free at (888) 772-5449 for UTMB's status.