Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize state resources in anticipation of severe weather and flash flooding expected to affect parts of Texas beginning Monday after -noon until the wee hours of Tuesday morning. Threats from severe storms moving through central, north and east Texas could bring large hail, damaging winds, flash flooding and the potential for tornadoes. Additionally, the state continues to support firefighting efforts in response to wildfires across Texas.
“In anticipation of these extreme weather conditions, I have directed TDEM to increase its readiness and place emergency response resources on standby for rapid deployment if needed,” Governor Abbott said. “The state will continue to monitor these conditions and stands ready to assist local communities impacted by these storms. I ask Texans to remain vigilant and informed of changing weather conditions and heed the advice of local officials.”
The following state resources have been mobilized in support of the severe weather response:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force One and Texas Task Force Two): two urban search and rescue teams and four Swiftwater boat squads
- Texas A&M Forest Service: Standby Saw Crews
- Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife: Texas Game Warden Swiftwater Boat Rescue Teams
- Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Severe Weather Packages
The Texas State Emergency Operations Center (SOC) is activated in Tier II escalated severe weather response.
Texans are encouraged to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather:
- Know the types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for more information here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
- Sign up for your community’s alert system. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: https://www.ready.gov/kit
- Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowners policies do not cover flooding. It usually takes up to 30 days for a policy to take effect, so the time to buy is well before disaster strikes. Get flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
- Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Unclutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
- Be extremely careful of any water on roads or in streams, streams, storm drains or other areas – never attempt to cross streams or cross flooded roads and always observe barricades placed for your protection. Remember, turn around, don’t drown.
For more flood safety tips, visit ready.gov.
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