Texas Governor Greg Abbott has authorized the Texas Division of Disaster Management (TDEM) to activate state disaster response resources in anticipation of severe rain and flash floods in East and Southeast Texas this weekend.
“Texas is deploying emergency response resources ahead of severe weather,” said Abbott in a news release. “As heavy rainfall and flash flooding threats begin this weekend, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads and search and rescue teams to help local officials respond throughout the heavy rainfall and storms. Texans are urged to monitor the weather, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service predicts heavy rain with the potential for flash floods throughout East and Southeast Texas starting Sunday and continuing into the night.
At the Governor’s request, TDEM has activated the following state emergency response resources to assist local flood response operations:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Warden Search and Rescue Boat Teams
Local officials advise Texans to follow their advice, develop an emergency plan, and prepare an emergency supplies kit. Texans may get flood information at TexasFlood.org, road conditions at DriveTexas.org, flood safety information at TexasReady.org, and general preparedness advice at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.