Governor Greg Abbott on Sunday directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather and flash flooding threats expected to impact multiple regions of Texas over the next several days.
"The State of Texas will deploy all necessary resources to help local officials respond to potential severe weather and flash flooding across the state," said Governor Abbott. "I urge all Texans to monitor local forecasts, heed guidance from state and local officials, and always remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown. Texas will support our communities as these threats develop."
According to the National Weather Service, a moisture-rich weather pattern is expected to bring multiple rounds of heavy rainfall to large portions of Texas through the end of the week. Slow-moving storms may present flash flooding risks in North, West, Central, South and East Texas beginning Sunday night, with the main threats expected early to midweek. Primary hazards include rainfall and flash flooding, with stronger thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and large hail.
At the governor's direction, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local severe-weather operations:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): swiftwater rescue boat squads, urban search and rescue teams, and rescue swimmers to assist with flood rescues.
- Texas National Guard: personnel and high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists, plus Black Hawk helicopters for flood rescues.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability for water rescues.
