Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead of Texas Flood Threat

Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead of Texas Flood Threat

Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding expected to impact portions of West and South-Central Texas beginning tomorrow.

“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to the threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding,” said Governor Abbott. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources to support local officials and safeguard Texans. Texans should monitor local forecasts, heed guidance from state and local officials, and avoid flooded roadways.”

According to the National Weather Service, multiple storm systems associated with the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Vance and gulf moisture are expected to bring widespread thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall and flash flooding across portions of the state. The greatest concern for excessive rainfall is expected Thursday across portions of West and South-Central Texas, including the Permian Basin, Big Bend, South Plains, Big Country, Hill Country, and Texas Border regions over the next couple of days.

At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local severe weather and flood operations:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads and high profile vehicles to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: Regional personnel to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring roadway and transportation conditions
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with water rescues
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, helicopters with hoist capability, and the Tactical Marine Unit
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents and County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power-outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state's natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air, water, and wastewater monitoring

Texans are encouraged to remain weather-aware, follow instructions from local officials, review family emergency plans, and prepare an emergency supply kit. Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwater. Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown.

Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, find severe weather safety tips at TexasReady.gov, access flood information at TexasFlood.org, and visit tdem.texas.gov/prepare for all-hazards preparedness information.