Tyler

Officials in Tyler today are making preparations for the possible impact of Gustav, the tropical storm barreling toward Texas and Louisiana coasts.

Tyler is designated to receive evacuees from the city of Beaumont, if an evacuation is needed, said Susan Guthrie, city spokeswoman. Tyler officials were to speak with officials in Beaumont this afternoon to begin coordinating efforts.

Areas designated as emergency shelters in Tyler have been placed on alert.

The Salvation Army Community Center in Tyler is to temporarily house emergency workers being moved into position to rapidly respond to Gustav, said Debbie Kirkland-Waffer, director of public relations.

One hundred maintenance employees from TxDOT’s Tyler District are on alert to assist TxDOT’s coastal districts, said Larry Krantz, district public information officer.

The employees would assist with traffic control, stranded-motorist assistance, heavy equipment operation, and humanitarian operations.

"It’s never more apparent how important the state’s highway system is than when your life depends on it," said Krantz. "Our top priority has always been the safety of the traveling public, but in this case, it’s much more than that: it’s our job to help save lives, and we’re ready to do just that."

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – August 29, 2008 – Preparations to protect lives and property ahead of the arrival of Gustav continue today along the U.S. Gulf Coast on the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

The AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center reports the Tropical Storm Gustav will strengthen into a hurricane today as it moves away from the mountains of Jamaica .

By Saturday, Gustav is expected to reach Category 3 strength as it pounds the Cayman Islands with torrential rain and destructive winds. The storm has the potential to become a dangerous Category 4 hurricane, with winds over 130 mph, as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico .

The storm poses a serious threat to lives and property along the Gulf Coast , with landfall forecast late Monday or early on Tuesday. The highest risk for a direct landfall from Gustav lies from Houston , Texas , to Mobile , Ala.

Conditions will begin to deteriorate along the central Gulf Coast on Monday. Heavy rain, strong winds and pounding surf could batter the Gulf Coast for a prolonged period of time if a strong area of high pressure to the north slows Gustav's forward speed around the time of landfall.

Updated Friday, AUgust 29, 2008 at 9:16 p.m.

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