TEXAS — When you woke up Wednesday morning, most Texans saw heavy rain clouds, a signal that a storm was on the way. In the meantime, state agencies were getting prepared. On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott activated state emergency response resources ahead of the flood threat.
According to a news release from Abbott’s office, a storm system will move into the state on Thursday that will be capable of bringing heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. Secondary risks may include damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes, depending on which area of the state you live in. A majority of the state is expected to be affected.
“Still on our minds is Kerrville and the flooding that occurred there,” said Bryan Davis, disaster assessment and recovery area chief for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
The area hardest hit by the deadly Central Texas floods is still recovering from the damage. Davis said he and others are working to make sure the Hill Country is ready for more rain. The good news, Davis said, is that state agencies are not expecting the area to get anywhere near the amount of rain it saw in July.
“A lot of the different agencies that support the governor and his declarations are stepping up to manpower as well as also the media presence to make sure that we have boots on the ground out there to respond to these events as they happen and make sure that, we can try to respond to the public’s needs as needed,” said Davis.
Abbott deployed more emergency crews on Tuesday ahead of the weather event.
In a news release, Abbott said, “Texas stands ready to deploy all emergency resources needed to help local communities across the state prepare and respond to severe weather. The safety of all Texans is our No. 1 priority. State and local officials continue to monitor the increased storm weather expected to affect communities across West, North, Central, Southwest, and East Texas. Texans are urged to check local weather reports and road conditions and have an emergency plan for themselves and their families. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
According to the governor’s office, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local storm response operations:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Swiftwater rescue boat squads to assist with flood rescues
Texas National Guard: Blackhawk helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood response operations
Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe weather support packages consisting of medics, ambulances and all-terrain vehicles
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game wardens, rescue boat teams and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capability, Texas Highway Patrol troopers and the Tactical Marine Unit
Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster assessment and recovery agents, as well as county extension agents, to support agricultural and livestock needs
Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air, water and wastewater monitoring
The governor’s office is encouraging Texans to prepare by making an emergency plan, building a kit containing essential supplies and following the instructions of local officials. The threat is expected to last through the end of the week before leaving the state, according to the governor’s office.