Gov. Abbott issues disaster declaration ahead of tropical disturbance

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a State Disaster Declaration for counties that may experience severe weather and flooding as a tropical disturbance approaches the state.

“The tropical disturbance impacting the Texas coast poses a threat of imminent disaster, including severe flooding, property damage and potential loss of life,” said Governor Abbott. “While we stand ready to deploy state resources to assist local officials in their response efforts, it is critical that all Texans in the storm’s path are prepared to ensure their own safety.”

The following counties are included in the disaster declaration:

Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bexar, Blanco, Brazoria, Brazos, Brooks, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Colorado, Comal, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, Fayette, Fort Bend, Frio, Galveston, Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales, Grimes, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kenedy, Kerr, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Lavaca, Lee, Liberty, Live Oak, Llano, Madison, Matagorda, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Montgomery, Nueces, Polk, Real, Refugio, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Starr, Travis, Trinity, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Williamson, Wilson, Zapata and Zavala.

Ahead of the storm, the governor also ordered the Texas State Operations Center to increase its readiness level to Level II -- escalated response conditions.

The broad area of low pressure near the coast of south Texas should not become a tropical system. The National Hurricane Center now gives the disturbance a 10 percent chance of developing in the next two days. Heavy rains and gusty winds are still expected through Saturday.