By Amy Moore

The News staff writer

Mandatory evacuations have started in parts of Southeast Texas.

Residents in Sabine Pass, battered three years ago by Hurricane Rita, have been ordered out of the area first.

Evacuations are set to continue through midday across a three-county region stretching to the Louisiana state line, with the last mandatory evacuation starting at noon in Beaumont.

County officials in the area announced the evacuations Saturday in advance of landfall by Hurricane Gustav, which could hit Monday or Tuesday from the Texas Gulf Coast to Florida.

Port Arthur, Beaumont and Orange County officials are asking residents to leave the area ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Gustav.

The staging area for evacuation out of Port Arthur will be the Robert “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive, adjacent to the Port Arthur Public Library.

Persons who may need transportation to the Civic Center should call 983-8794.

In Orange County, 2-1-1 registries should embark to their destination locations of Vidor Elementary School, Hwy. 90 and Lamar Student Center, Orange.

Orange County area’s should follow the recommended evacuation routes of State Hwy. 87 North, FM 105 North to Hwy. 96 and Hwy. 62 N. to Hwy.

“If you have no means of transportation or if you are physically unable to evacuate on your own and have not registered with 211, contact 670-4125,” Orange County officials stated in a press release.

Marc Shepherd, of TXDot said limited routes will be available to drivers once the evacuation call is ordered Sunday morning. Those wishing to follow their own routes must leave prior to the mandatory evacuation order being called.

“We’re in position to preposition some barricades when the evacuation is called. Our crews will work throughout the night to put them in different place,” Shepherd said.

His advice to evacuees is simple.