At this time, there are no plans to open contra-flow lanes which would allow only northbound traffic in all lanes, Holmes said.

Evacuation routes will have portable restroom areas set up, and gas stations along the way will have a more fuel available than what was available during the Rita evacuation, Holmes said.

Residents should take with them enough clothes and provisions to last 10 days in case the storm is severe enough to cause electrical failures, and to interfere with water service.

If Southeast Texas takes a direct hit and the storm damages the area like Rita did in 2005, people should not plan to return to their homes, especially in the hot summer weather.

“Without electricity, if it is 97 degrees outside, there is zero airflow inside,” Holmes said.

Holmes said it was not against the law to stay home and not evacuate, but residents should be aware they will be on their own. If the storm strikes the area, 9-1-1 calls will not be answered during the storm.

Jeff Branick, assistant to the county judge, said everyone in the decision-making process was aware that evacuations could be extremely stressful, costly and inconvenient, but if the storm comes in as strong as it is anticipated, people should leave the area for their own safety.

The national weather forecasters that local emergency workers have been talking with have less than 50 percent confidence in the accuracy of the storm’s current projected path, Branick said.

Contact this reporter at skoonce@panews.com.