Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 59 Texas counties Tuesday as heavy rain and flash flooding threatened communities across much of the state.
The declaration allows the state to quickly deploy personnel and resources as multiple rounds of heavy rain are forecast this week.
Harris, Brazoria, Fort Bend and other Houston-area counties are included in the declaration. The Texas Division of Emergency Management will continue 24-hour operations at an escalated response level to storms and flash flooding across the state, according to a Tuesday news release.
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“The protection of Texans is my top priority,” said Governor Abbott. “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. I urge all Texans in affected areas to monitor local weather forecasts, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and have emergency supplies ready.”
Heavy rainfall is forecast across southwest, central and southeast Texas through the week, according to the National Weather Service. The rainfall is expected to increase the risk of flash flooding, and repeated rounds of rain over the same areas could create dangerous conditions, according to the release.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management requested that representatives from 10 member agencies report to the State Operations Center and ready their resources for deployment if needed, the release said.
Abbott’s office urged Texans to stay informed, avoid driving through flooded roadways and follow warnings from local officials.
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This article originally published at Abbott declares disaster for 59 Texas counties as heavy rain threatens flooding.