SAN ANTONIO — Texas issued a severe weather disaster declaration for 40 counties Friday.
This comes as leaders are urging Texans to get home from holiday celebrations this weekend to stay ahead of Tropical Storm Beryl. As of Friday afternoon, landfall appears most likely between South Padre Island and Corpus Christi; it's expected to arrive early Monday.
In a press conference Friday afternoon, Texas Lieutenant Governor, Dan Patrick, called on all Texans who have family members on vacation right now to make sure they are told about the storm headed our way.
"Heavy rain could be 12 to 15 inches in some areas," said Patrick. "You want to be in position of wherever you're going to be by Monday."
Patrick said the state is increasing the readiness level of its emergency operation center.
Through the disaster declaration, the state will make sure communities in Beryl's path have access to the resources they need.
As Texas is challenged with preparing for the storm's arrival, leaders are also trying to get the attention of vacationers who are enjoying the holiday weekend along the coast.
"This is the earliest category 5 storm in history," Patrick explained. "Everyone on the coast should be paying attention to this storm."
San Antonio plays a critical role for the American Red Cross, becoming a hub of operations anytime a major disaster strikes. Dr. Daniel Martinez, the Executive Director for the San Antonio Chapter of the American Red Cross says more than 270 volunteers are headed to the Alamo City from all over the country.
Martinez is asking locals to please make room.
"We're going to have an influx of people, from emergency responders to evacuees," Martinez explained. "It's important to prepare for that, whether that be planning to work from home if that's an option instead of being on the roads, knowing that we're going to get an influx of evacuees."
5 million people are traveling on vacation right now across Texas.
"It's the highest amount of travel for the 4th of July ever," said Daniel Armbruster, a spokesman for AAA Texas.
AAA is urging potential evacuees to pack an emergency road kit with non-perishables, water, medications and your health insurance card. If possible, take an alternate route to avoid heavy traffic on the main highways.
"Make sure you have a good list of items of valuables," Armbruster added. "That way you know what valuables you're possibly leaving behind in case you do have some loss."
For the San Antonio area, in the event of rain, AAA suggests double checking your vehicle now to make sure it's ready to drive in the rain.
"You want to make sure you replace your windshield wipers every 6 to 12 months," said Armbruster. "Good tail lights, head lights, brake lights, your turn signals, all of your lights are functioning properly."
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crews in Corpus Christi were pre-staging barricades in flood-prone areas and clearing inlets and drains of debris.
"We are sweeping the evacuation lanes on I-37 in case Beryl comes this way and an evacuation is called," said Rickey Dailey, Public Information Officer for TxDOT's Corpus Christi District, who said crews began preparations earlier this week.
Just like the American Red Cross, TxDOT in Corpus Christi will have all hands on deck this weekend. Beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday, their workers will begin 12-hour shifts.
In the San Antonio area, I-37 was cleared of debris in the event evacuation lanes are needed. Off I-10 in Guadalupe County, inlets and drains were also cleared of debris to mitigate flooding.
For those along the coast, state leaders urge that you brush up on your evacuation route. Electric signs above the highway are sending storm preparation warnings in the meantime.
"It could intensify quickly. You need to have a plan," said Dailey. "Mother Nature always bats last."
Monica Ramos, Public Information Officer for Bexar County, says county leaders will be tracking Beryl all weekend in case they need to open shelters for evacuees or facilities for outside non-profits to run operations.
You can always access up-to-the-minute road conditions by visiting DriveTexas.org.