AUSTIN, Texas (KWTX) — Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday issued a disaster declaration for 59 Texas counties as severe storms and the threat of dangerous flash flooding continue across the state.
Abbott also directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to maintain 24-hour operations at the Texas State Emergency Operations Center at Level II — Escalated Response — to support the ongoing response effort. Additional counties may be added to the declaration as conditions warrant.
“The protection of Texans is my top priority,” Abbott said. “As severe storms and the threat of dangerous flash flooding continue across the state, this disaster declaration ensures we can rapidly deploy state resources to support local communities. Texas is positioned to respond quickly and effectively.”
The governor urged Texans in affected areas to monitor local weather forecasts, avoid driving through flooded roadways and have emergency supplies ready.
According to the National Weather Service, heavy rainfall across Southwest, Central and Southeast Texas is forecast through the end of the week, increasing the risk of flash flooding. Multiple rounds of rainfall over the same communities are expected to create dangerous conditions.
At the governor’s direction, TDEM requested representatives from multiple state agencies report to the State Operations Center with resources ready to deploy, including:
Texas Department of TransportationTexas Department of Public SafetyTexas National GuardTexas Parks and WildlifeTexas A&M Engineering Extension ServiceTexas A&M Forest ServiceTexas A&M AgriLife Extension ServiceTexas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force)Texas Health and Human Services CommissionTexas Cyber Command
Abbott had directed TDEM over the weekend to activate state emergency response resources ahead of the threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
What you should do:
Texans are urged to stay informed, avoid driving through flooded roadways and follow all warnings from local officials.
Severe weather safety information: TexasReady.gov Road conditions: DriveTexas.org Hazard preparedness tips: tdem.texas.gov/prepare
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