has already declared a disaster area in 19 counties. already activated the texas national guard. 2,500 troops have been assigned to this particular area. mike and i, as we were driving down here yesterday, saw them. getting ready. the damage to parts of the gulf coast as the storm comes closer, power outages and street flooding. it is going to be a big mess. the storm comes closer. people here keeping their fingers crossed and hoping for the best. >> yeah. we are keeping our fingers crossed we can keep our satellite signal with you so we can continue to get reports. reynolds wolf, throughout the morning. thanks so much. our other top story. as if our veterans don't have enough to deal with, now an outrageous story from cnn affiliate ksdk. dental assistants at this st. louis va hop may have been exposed or may have exposed more than 1,800 of our vets to hiv or hepatitis. how did it happen?