Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources as forecasts indicate heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding across parts of Texas over the coming weekend.
“Texas stands ready to assist local officials as severe weather threatens communities across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state resources in anticipation of potential flash flooding. Texans are urged to take all necessary precautions for severe weather, monitor forecasts and road conditions, heed guidance from state and local officials, and create an emergency plan to keep themselves and loved ones safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service reports that moisture from Hurricane Lorena’s remnants is expected to interact with a cold front this weekend. This interaction may bring excessive rainfall and flash flooding risks to large areas including West, Northwest, Central, South, and Southeast Texas. North and Northeast Texas may also face threats from damaging wind and large hail. Residents are encouraged to closely monitor their local forecast information.
In response to these conditions, several agencies have been mobilized:
– 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 is deploying game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability.
– The Texas National Guard will provide Blackhawk helicopters equipped for rescues.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services’ Emergency Medical Task Force will offer medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles as part of a Severe Weather Support Package.
– The Texas Department of Transportation will have personnel monitoring road conditions.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety will deploy helicopters with hoist capabilities alongside Highway Patrol Troopers and its Tactical Marine Unit.
– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will support agricultural needs through disaster assessment agents.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas will oversee power outage monitoring in coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas is tasked with monitoring natural gas supplies while communicating with oil and gas industry stakeholders.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will handle air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
Residents are advised to prepare by following official instructions, making emergency plans, and assembling kits containing essential supplies.
Safety tips related to severe weather can be found at https://texasready.gov/, current road conditions at https://drivetexas.org/, flood information at https://www.texasflood.org/, and general preparedness guidance at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare/.
