Houston Daily

The Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, declared a disaster for four counties in southern Texas due to ongoing heavy rains and flooding. The affected counties are Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy, with the possibility of adding more if conditions worsen.

"Texas sigue apoyando a las comunidades locales en el sur de Texas afectadas por las lluvias intensas y las inundaciones," said Governor Abbott. "Today, I issued a disaster declaration for the counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy to help local officials respond and protect Texans. I am grateful to the first responders and emergency management teams for their prompt response in deploying critical resources and assistance to local communities to save lives in the face of severe weather threats across the state, including wildfire danger in west Texas. Texans are urged to monitor the weather, make an emergency plan, and follow state and local officials' directions to stay safe them and their loved ones. Remember: Don't pass through, don't drown."

The State of Texas Emergency Operations Center remains at Level II (Escalated Response) to coordinate state assistance in the affected communities. The Texas Emergency Management Council continues to monitor severe weather threats in northern and eastern Texas and ongoing wildfire danger in west Texas. According to the National Weather Service, severe storms are forecasted over large areas of northern and eastern Texas during the weekend, with main risks including large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain, and possible tornadoes. Elevated to critical wildfire danger continues in most of west Texas until midweek. Texans are encouraged to stay alert and closely monitor local forecasts.

Under the Governor’s directive, the following state emergency response resources remain active to support local flooding, severe weather, and wildfire response operations:

- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service teams are deployed for swift water and flood rescue.

- The Texas A&M Forest Service is providing local and state firefighters, with out-of-state support, fire trucks, bulldozers, and motor graders. Contracted federal aircraft for firefighting, including large tankers and helicopters, are also engaged.

- The Texas Division of Emergency Management supports deployed emergency response resources throughout the state and coordinates disaster recovery efforts.

- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has park rangers and rescue boats assisting in flood rescues.

- The Texas Department of Public Safety has deployed helicopters with hoist capabilities and highway patrol troopers for flood rescues.

- The Texas National Guard has personnel and high-profile vehicles assisting stranded motorists and residents.

- The Texas Department of State Health Services provides emergency medical support packages with paramedics and ambulances.

- The Texas Department of Transportation is monitoring road conditions and assisting with road closures.

- The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offers disaster recovery assessments and supports agricultural needs.

- The Public Utility Commission of Texas coordinates with service providers regarding power outages.

- The Railroad Commission of Texas oversees the natural gas supply and coordinates with the oil and gas industry.

- The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality monitors air, water, and wastewater in affected areas.

Texans affected by this week's storms are encouraged to report damages through the State of Texas Individual Assessment Tool (iSTAT) at damage.tdem.texas.gov. Reporting helps state and local officials gauge the disaster's full scope and assess additional needed resources. Such information is vital for determining if the state meets federal assistance criteria.

Texans are urged to stay informed, avoid driving on flooded roads, and heed all local officials' warnings. More information about severe weather and flooding is available online at disaster.texas.gov, with preparedness advice at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.