Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of expected heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding this weekend.
“Texas stands ready to assist local officials as severe weather threatens communities across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state resources in anticipation of potential flash flooding. Texans are urged to take all necessary precautions for severe weather, monitor forecasts and road conditions, heed guidance from state and local officials, and create an emergency plan to keep themselves and loved ones safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service reports that moisture from Hurricane Lorena’s remnants is likely to combine with a cold front over the weekend. This could bring significant rainfall and flash flooding risks to large portions of West, Northwest, Central, South, and Southeast Texas. North and Northeast Texas may also face severe storms with damaging winds and large hail.
In response, several state agencies have been mobilized:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) will provide swiftwater rescue boat squads.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will deploy game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped for hoist rescues.
– The Texas National Guard will supply Blackhawk helicopters for rescue operations.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) will send medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles as part of a Severe Weather Support Package.
– The Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety will utilize helicopters with hoist capabilities along with Highway Patrol Troopers and the Tactical Marine Unit.
– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will have Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as County Extension Agents available for agricultural support.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas is monitoring power outages in coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas is keeping track of natural gas supplies while communicating with oil and gas industry partners.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is responsible for air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
Officials urge residents to follow instructions from local authorities, prepare an emergency plan, and assemble a kit with necessary supplies. Texans can find safety tips at https://www.texasready.gov/, check road conditions at https://drivetexas.org/, get flood information at https://texasflood.org/, or review preparedness guidelines at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
