Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in preparation for heavy rainfall expected across Texas over 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 during the holiday period. The agency warns that excessive rain could create dangerous travel conditions and flash flooding in some regions. Residents are advised to stay informed by monitoring local forecasts.

In response to these warnings, several state agencies have been mobilized under the Governor’s directive:

- The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) will deploy swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.

- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is providing game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped with hoists.

- The Texas National Guard is making Blackhawk helicopters available for rescue operations.

- The Texas Department of State Health Services’ Emergency Medical Task Force is supplying medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles as part of a severe weather support package.

- The Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions throughout the 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 and livestock needs.

- The Public Utility Commission of Texas will oversee power outage monitoring in coordination with utility providers.

- The Railroad Commission of Texas is responsible for tracking natural gas supplies and communicating with oil and gas companies.

- The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will monitor air, water, and wastewater systems.

Officials encourage residents to prepare ahead by creating an emergency plan and assembling a kit with essential supplies. People should also follow any instructions from local authorities.

Safety tips related to severe weather can be found at https://texasready.gov/, while current road conditions are available at https://drivetexas.org/ and flood information can be accessed at https://www.texasflood.org/. Guidance on all-hazards preparedness is posted at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.