Immediate mandatory evacuation of Galveston Island (Link to KHOU)

Mandatory Evacuations Ordered, Hurricane Warning Issued for Louisiana and Texas Ahead of Ike (Fox News)

GALVESTON, Texas — The mayor of Galveston ordered a mandatory evacuation of
Galveston Island Thursday and a hurricane warning was issued from Louisiana through most of the Lone Star State's coast as Ike continued to close in on the region.

Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas ordered everyone off the island. Galveston, which is home to about 58,000 people, won't open shelters.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for tens of thousands of people in low-lying areas in Harris County, where Houston is located.

And Jefferson and Orange counties, between Houston and the Louisiana state line, in addition to San Patricio County were also ordered to evacuate. More than 325,000 people live in the two counties.

Mandatory Evacuation called for Jefferson and Orange Counties (Beaumont Enterprise)

A mandatory evacuation has been called for Jefferson and Orange counties at 6
a.m. to-day, according to information from the emergency management officials.

Hurricane Ike's track has been moving more north during the night and state officials will be sending resources, including buses to help with the evacuation.

Orange County Information (KOGT 1600 AM)