Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of expected heavy rainfall across Texas during Labor Day weekend.
“Texas continues to closely monitor weather conditions for potential heavy rainfall across the state,” Governor Abbott said. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather. Texans are urged to have an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep loved ones and themselves safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service reports that a storm system is moving through West, North, Central, East, and Southeast Texas over the holiday weekend. This could bring excessive rainfall, leading to hazardous travel and possible flash flooding in some regions. Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts for updates.
In preparation for the severe weather threat, several agencies have been mobilized at Governor Abbott’s direction:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) will deploy swiftwater rescue boat squads.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will provide game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped with hoist capabilities.
– The Texas National Guard will make Blackhawk helicopters with hoist capabilities available.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) is preparing a Severe Weather Support Package with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas Department of Transportation will have personnel monitoring road conditions.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety will provide helicopters with hoist capabilities as well as support from Highway Patrol Troopers and its Tactical Marine Unit.
– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is assigning Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents along with County Extension Agents for agricultural support.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas is monitoring power outages and coordinating with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas is keeping track of natural gas supplies and maintaining communication with oil and gas industry stakeholders.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is conducting air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
State officials urge Texans to prepare by creating an emergency plan, assembling a kit with necessary supplies, and following local authorities’ instructions.
For additional safety tips related to severe weather preparedness or flood information, residents can visit https://www.texasready.gov/, check road conditions at https://drivetexas.org/, or access flood resources at https://texasflood.org/. General preparedness advice is also available at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
