High School Sports

LONGVIEW — Officials in Longview and Gregg County continue to assist evacuees and are starting to prepare for the storm.

“Residents are strongly encouraged to make preparations today for high winds as it is expected the storm will begin arriving in the area overnight,” said a statement released this afternoon by the city.

Persons in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding should also make preparations. City employees are in the process of trying to contact about 800 homes that sit in a floodplain.

Gregg County Sheriff’s Office will be monitoring low-lying areas and have barricades ready for use.

Longview area is operating eight shelters housing about 800 evacuees fleeing from Hurricane Gustav.

The Lear Park Reception Center will close later today so officials can make preparations for the storm. After that time, evacuees arriving in Longview will be asked to continue to the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

The Ag Pavilion at the Maude Cobb Activity Center will remain open to shelter animals of evacuees. Residents in low-lying areas can also bring animals the Ag Pavilion.

For emergency preparedness information please check the City of Longview Web site at www.CityofLongview.com and click on “Emergency Preparedness Information.”