Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather and flash flooding threats expected to affect large parts of Texas through the weekend.

"Texas is prepared to deploy all resources needed to support local communities in South and Southeast Texas as they prepare to respond to severe weather and flash flooding," stated Governor Abbott. He added that he directed TDEM "to activate rescue boats, hoist capable helicopters, search and rescue teams, and other resources" for this purpose. The Governor also urged Texans to monitor weather updates, make emergency plans, and follow guidance from officials.

The National Weather Service forecasts heavy rainfall with potential flash flooding across South and Southeast Texas starting today through the end of the week. Due to very hard, dry ground from prolonged droughts, there is a risk of fast runoff leading to flash floods. Severe storms are possible mid-to-late week with primary hazards including damaging winds and large hail.

In response, TDEM has activated several state emergency response resources:

- Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads, Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Teams, Flood Water Boat Squads from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service

- State Incident Management Team by TDEM

- Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, helicopters with hoist capability from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

- Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Highway Patrol Troopers from Texas Department of Public Safety

- Personnel and high-profile vehicles from the Texas National Guard

Additional resources have been prepared for activation if necessary:

- Disaster Assessment Agents from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

- Road condition monitoring personnel from the Texas Department of Transportation

- Power outage monitoring by Public Utility Commission of Texas

- Natural gas supply monitoring by Railroad Commission of Texas

- Air/water/wastewater monitoring by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

- Severe Weather Support Packages by Texas Department of State Health Services

The state's Emergency Operations Center remains at Level II (Escalated Response) status. Meanwhile, the Emergency Management Council continues observing wildfire risks in West Texas.

Texans are advised to heed instructions from local authorities, develop an emergency plan, prepare a supply kit, access flood information at TexasFlood.org, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, find flood safety tips at TexasReady.gov, and get general preparedness advice at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.