Gustav evacuees arrive in Tyler, to stay in Patriot Center

The University received hurricane Gustav evacuees Saturday night from Beaumont and city of Tyler officials say about 2000 evacuees arrived in Tyler.

"From 11 p.m. last night, until this morning, it has been a constant flow of buses and drive-ups," Mayor Barbara Bass said.  "As buses have arrived, the emergency response teams have mobilized additional shelters."

Volunteers from the University College of Nursing and Health Sciences gather at the Herrington Patriot Center to prepare for incoming hurricane Gustav evacuees.

Evacuees will be housed in the Herrington Patriot Center’s Maytee Fisch Convocation Center and the Ornelas Activity Center on Old Omen road.

On Saturday the Mayor signed an official Declaration of Disaster/Emergency Condition in response to the President’s Declaration resulting from Hurricane Gustav.  Tyler is the designated evacuation location for Beaumont special needs evacuees.

Earlier reports suggest Tyler may receive up to 6000 evacuees from Texas and Louisiana coastal areas. National Weather Service models predict Gustav hitting landfall late Monday night, possibly as a Category 4 or 5, the fiercest storms categorized by the Saffir-Simpson scale.

According to accuweather.com, "The storm poses a serious threat to lives and property along the Gulf Coast, with landfall forecast late Monday or early on Tuesday. The threat will extend well inland from the immediate coast."

University officials say they’ve provided the shelter and volunteers, and the Red Cross and city of Tyler are managing the evacuation sites.

University officials prepared 200 beds in the Maytee Fisch Convocation Center for incoming special needs hurricane Gustav evacuees Aug. 30.

Tylerites who wish to volunteer are asked by the Red Cross to register with VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster).  Volunteer registration will take place at Glenwood Church of Christ from 1-5 p.m. today, Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Tuesday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.