Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in preparation for heavy rainfall expected to affect Texas over the Labor Day weekend.
“Texas continues to closely monitor weather conditions for potential heavy rainfall across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “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 forecasts that a storm system will bring significant rain across large portions of West, North, Central, East, and Southeast Texas during the holiday period. The agency warns that excessive rainfall could result in hazardous travel conditions and flash flooding in some areas. Residents are advised to stay informed by monitoring local weather updates.
In response to these forecasts, several state agencies have been mobilized:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) is deploying swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is providing game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability.
– The Texas National Guard is making Blackhawk helicopters with hoist capabilities available for rescues.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) is preparing a severe weather support package that includes medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety is contributing helicopters with hoist capabilities as well as highway patrol troopers and tactical marine units.
– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will offer disaster assessment and recovery agents along with county extension agents to address agricultural and livestock needs.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas will oversee power outage monitoring and coordinate with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas will monitor natural gas supplies and maintain communication with the oil and gas industry.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
State officials urge residents to prepare ahead by developing an emergency plan, assembling a kit with essential supplies, and following instructions from local authorities.
For more information on severe weather safety tips visit https://www.texasready.gov/, for road conditions see https://drivetexas.org/, or access flood information at https://texasflood.org/. Additional preparedness tips are available at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare/.
