By August 22, city officials in Corpus Christi, Texas declared a state of emergency as Bret was considered a significant threat to the region. Tens of thousands of residents were urged to evacuate coastal areas and seek refuge in local shelters or with relatives further inland.[9] An estimated 180,000 people in the state left their residences ahead of the storm.[10] The Corpus Christi International Airport closed midday on August 22. Later that day, Texas State Highway 361 and docks in Port Aransas were shut down.[11] Highways throughout the area were congested due to the large-scale evacuations and long lines for gas and emergency items developed.