AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 101 Texas counties, including much of Central Texas, as severe storms, flash flooding and tornado threats continue to impact the state.

The declaration, filed Monday, includes Travis, Williamson, Hays, Burnet, Blanco, Bastrop, Bell, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Llano and Gillespie counties, among others.

According to the proclamation, the storm system began Sunday, June 14 and has brought heavy rainfall, flash flooding, hazardous wind gusts, large hail and tornado threats, causing widespread damage, injuries and loss of life in several areas.

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Abbott said the declaration allows local officials and communities to access additional state resources and emergency support as dangerous weather continues.

“Texas is prepared to respond to the severe weather threats that continue to move across our state,” Abbott said in a statement.

Earlier Monday, Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate additional emergency response resources and move the State Emergency Operations Center to 24-hour operations.

The disaster declaration also authorizes the use of all available state resources and suspends certain regulatory procedures to speed emergency response efforts.

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State officials continue urging Texans to monitor forecasts, avoid flooded roads and follow all warnings from local emergency officials.