Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 101 Texas counties as severe storms, flash flooding and excessive rainfall continue to threaten large portions of the state this week.
What we know:
The declaration comes as state officials ramp up emergency preparations ahead of several days of expected heavy rain and flooding concerns. Earlier Monday, Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate additional emergency response resources and begin 24-hour operations at the State Emergency Operations Center. The move followed an initial wave of emergency preparations launched last week.
What they're saying:
List of counties in the declaration: Angelina, Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Brazoria, Brazos, Brooks, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Colorado, Comal, Coryell, DeWitt, Duval, Edwards, Falls, Fayette, Fort Bend, Freestone, Frio, Galveston, Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Hays, Hidalgo, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kenedy, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Lampasas, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Limestone, Live Oak, Llano, Madison, Mason, Matagorda, Maverick, McLennan, McMullen, Medina, Milam, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Polk, Real, Refugio, Robertson, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, San Saba, Starr, Travis, Trinity, Tyler, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Williamson, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala County.
The declaration, announced Monday, makes additional state resources available to local governments responding to ongoing weather impacts. Abbott said more counties could be added if conditions worsen.
"Texas is prepared to respond to the severe weather threats that continue to move across our state," Abbott said in a statement. "Because of the impact caused by ongoing storms and flood risks, I have issued a disaster declaration for 101 Texas counties to ensure that local officials and communities have access to the full range of state resources and support."
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Big picture view:
The National Weather Service expects repeated rounds of storms across Texas this week, bringing threats of heavy rainfall and flash flooding, particularly in areas already saturated by recent downpours. While the Texas Panhandle faces risks of large hail and damaging winds, moisture associated with a disturbance near the western Gulf Coast could increase rainfall across South, Central, East and Southeast Texas in the coming days. Parts of the state are also expected to experience triple-digit heat index values.
In response, Abbott mobilized a multi-agency force to support local rescue and monitoring efforts, including:
- Search and Rescue: Swiftwater and floodwater rescue boat squads, alongside urban search and rescue teams from Texas A&M Task Forces 1, 2, and 3. The Texas National Guard and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are deploying personnel, high-profile vehicles, game wardens, and rescue boats.
- Aviation Support: Helicopters equipped with hoist capabilities from the National Guard, Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Parks and Wildlife Department are on standby for aerial water rescues.
- Medical and Logistics: The Texas Department of State Health Services has readied Severe Weather Support Packages complete with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has also deployed its State of Texas Incident Management Team and regional personnel.
- Infrastructure and Utility Monitoring: The Texas Department of Transportation is actively monitoring road conditions, while the Public Utility Commission, Railroad Commission, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are tracking power outages, natural gas supplies, and water and air quality.
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What's next:
Additionally, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agents have been deployed to address agricultural and livestock concerns resulting from the storms.
State officials are urging Texans to monitor local forecasts, keep emergency supplies readily available and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
"Turn Around, Don't Drown," Abbott said.
Texans can find severe weather safety information at TexasReady.gov and check road conditions at DriveTexas.org.
The Source: Information in this article is from the Texas Governor's office.