6:35 p.m. Aug. 28

Hurricane victims get tax relief:

IRS Gives Tax Relief to Victims of Hurricane Harvey; Parts of Texas Now Eligible; Extension Filers Have Until Jan. 31 to File

PHOENIX – – Hurricane Harvey victims in parts of Texas have until Jan. 31, 2018, to file certain individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.

This includes an additional filing extension for taxpayers with valid extensions that run out on Oct. 16, and businesses with extensions that run out on Sept. 15.

“This has been a devastating storm, and the IRS will move quickly to provide tax relief to hurricane victims,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “The IRS will continue to closely monitor the storm’s aftermath, and we anticipate providing additional relief for other affected areas in the near future.”

The IRS is now offering this expanded relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as qualifying for individual assistance. Currently, 18 counties are eligible, but taxpayers in localities added later to the disaster area will automatically receive the same filing and payment relief.

6:27 p.m. Aug. 28

Lamar U to postpone classes until Sept. 5

Lamar University announces postponement of the opening of the fall 2017 semester to Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017.  This change in schedule affects all courses including classroom and online.

LU administrators have been monitoring Tropical Storm Harvey and its impact on Southeast Texas and working with local and state public safety services.  Throughout this morning and afternoon there have been numerous reports of mandatory evacuations, delayed school openings in the Beaumont and surrounding areas, roadways that have become impassable and students, faculty and staff who are without services.  The only reasonable and humane decision in light of these reports is to delay the start of classes until Tuesday, Sept. 5.  All of those affected by this historic storm have our sympathy and support. We encourage all who are able, to do what they can to help others recover from this unprecedented event.

University business operations will also resume on September 5.  Faculty and nonessential staff will not report to work until that day.  Essential staff may be required to report sooner and will be contacted by their supervisors if necessary.  Employees with hardships that prevent them from reporting should communicate with their supervisors.

The extreme activity and unprecedented difference between actual and forecast effect of Tropical Storm Harvey is challenging to all involved.  Please be assured that the university is committed to the safety and well-being of the members of the Lamar University community.

As further developments arise, students, faculty and staff should monitor the university’s website, social media network and Connect-ED for further updates. All are urged to check local roadway and weather conditions to ensure personal safety while traveling.

6:15 p.m. Aug. 28

Update from Groves: More rain coming, don’t drive around barricades.

This is Dale Jackson, Fire Chief/EMC with the City of Groves with a Monday evening update on Harvey.  Another round of heavy rain is expected through tonight with an estimated 8″ through Tuesday possible.  Another 5″ of rain is expected Wednesday through Thursday.  Garbage pickup will be on the holiday schedule, with Monday’s garbage being picked up on Tuesday and so on. City Hall, Library, and rec center will remain closed Tuesday.   PLEASE AVOID ANY ROADWAYS UNDER WATER, AND DO NOT DRIVE AROUND BARRICADES.

6 p.m. Aug 28

Port Neches folks! If you have water in your home, here’s what you do:

This is an update on Tropical Storm Harvey.   Please contact Port Neches Emergency Management at 722-5885 if you have water in your home.  We continue to see significant rainfall.  I will be providing an update later today for rain updates.

 

5:56 pm at Aug. 28

The county expects heavy storms in part of the county tonight

The National Weather Service forecasting another 8 to 15 inches of rain in southeast Texas. Record river flooding is possible on Pine Island Bayou near Sour Lake, Bevil Oaks and Northwest Forest. Major flooding is forecast for Village Creek near Kountze, and the Neches River near Salt Water Barrier and Beaumont. The water runoff will be slow and additional flooding may be expected in North and West Jefferson County to include China, Nome, Hamshire, Labelle and Fannett. There will be a threat for isolated tornadoes tonight and tomorrow.