Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of expected heavy rainfall across Texas during Labor Day weekend.
“Texas continues to closely monitor weather conditions for potential heavy rainfall across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather. Texans are urged to have an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep loved ones and themselves safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service forecasts that a storm system will move through West, North, Central, East, and Southeast Texas over the holiday weekend. The anticipated excessive rainfall could result in hazardous travel conditions and flash flooding in some areas. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring local forecasts.
In preparation for possible severe weather impacts, several agencies have mobilized resources:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) is providing swiftwater rescue boat squads.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has deployed game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability.
– The Texas National Guard is making Blackhawk helicopters with hoist capabilities available for rescues.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) has assembled a Severe Weather Support Package including medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas Department of Transportation is monitoring road conditions.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety has helicopters with hoist capabilities, highway patrol troopers, and its Tactical Marine Unit on standby.
– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is providing disaster assessment and recovery agents as well as county extension agents for agricultural and livestock support.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas is overseeing power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas is monitoring the state’s natural gas supply and communicating with the oil and gas industry.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is conducting air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
Texans are advised to prepare by developing an emergency plan, assembling a kit with necessary supplies, and following directions from local authorities.
Severe weather safety tips can be found at https://www.texasready.gov/, road condition updates are available at https://drivetexas.org/, flood information can be accessed at https://texasflood.org/, and general preparedness advice is offered at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
