Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of heavy rainfall forecasted for the upcoming weekend. The decision comes as weather predictions indicate a risk of flash flooding in several regions across Texas.
“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 combination could bring excessive rainfall and flash flooding risks to large areas including West, Northwest, Central, South, and Southeast Texas. There is also a threat of damaging wind and large hail in North and Northeast Texas.
In response to these threats, multiple agencies have been mobilized under the Governor’s direction:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) will deploy swiftwater rescue boat squads.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will provide game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped with hoist capabilities.
– The Texas National Guard will make Blackhawk helicopters available for rescue operations.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) is preparing medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions throughout affected areas.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety is deploying helicopters with hoist capabilities along with Highway Patrol Troopers and its Tactical Marine Unit.
– Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will support agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas will oversee power outage monitoring in coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas will monitor natural gas supplies while communicating with oil and gas industry representatives.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
Residents are encouraged to follow instructions from local authorities, develop an emergency plan, and prepare an emergency supply kit. For more information on severe weather safety tips visit https://www.texasready.gov/, check current road conditions at https://drivetexas.org/, or access flood information at https://texasflood.org/. Additional preparedness tips can be found at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
