Port Arthur Mayor Charlotte Moses is providing clarification regarding communications surrounding a potential shelter in place order during Tropical Storm Edouard. Mayor Moses released the following statement saying the city understands the concerns this situation may have raised among residents and believes the citizens deserve clear and accurate information. The following is mayor's full details:
It is my honor to serve as your Mayor and the City's Emergency Management Director. On September 1, 2026, 11 :03 a.m., I issued a Declaration of Disaster due to an imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss oflife or property resulting from severe rain conditions and flooding as result of Tropical Storm Edouard. This Declaration immediately activated the City's Emergency Operations Plan. Your City's leadership and emergency responders were prepared and actively protecting us inside our city limits.
During the storm, a local refinery located outside of the city's limits contacted Jefferson County about potentially issuing a 2-mile shelter in place order due to a loss of power, air emissions, and odors. The County then contacted the City about this possible order to shelter in place. Approximately 15 minutes later, the refinery was able to ignite its flare and withdrew the request before the order was issued. That is why neither the County nor the City issued a shelter in place order.
This local refinery did not provide any official notice or information to the City regarding this incident. The City will hold this refinery accountable and will seek answers. Our citizens deserve to know the truth.
Port Arthur