BEAUMONT — As of 10 p.m. Wednesday, based on current conditions and out of an abundance of caution, Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick issued a voluntary evacuation order for the City of Port Neches, updating the previous shelter-in-place order issued earlier this evening for the area.

The voluntary evacuation order will remain in effect until further notice. Unified Command is continuously monitoring air in the community and will provide an update once an all clear is given.

The voluntary evacuation is due to elevated levels of 1,3-Butadiene. There is an expected shift in wind direction overnight, and high humidity will keep the vapors near the ground. The current levels may cause dizziness, nasea, headaches, irritated eyes and throat. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you are encouraged to leave your location.

The current levels do not pose a flammability or explosion risk. The highest current and anticipated measurements have been identified from Saba Lane to Nall Street and north to Port Neches Avenue.

Updates and information will be posted on the web at www.portnechesresponse.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/portneches.response.1  and on Twitter at PortNechesUC.

The voluntary evacuation order impacts residents living within the City of Port Neches. It is recommended you leave the area as quickly and safely as possible as a protective action. The people who are exempt from evacuation orders include nursing homes, refining facilities, patients in the hospital and healthcare workers.