Abbott readies resources ahead of Hurricane Ida landfall

AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott today placed Texas resources on standby along the Gulf Coast ahead of Hurricane Ida’s landfall early next week.

Ida is forecasted to become a dangerous, major hurricane when it reaches the northern Gulf Coast on Sunday. Although Texas is anticipated to remain outside of Ida’s direct path, Southeast and East Texans should prepare for heavy rain, flooding, high winds, and potential extended power outages in the event that Hurricane Ida moves west, says the governor's office.

Tropical Storm Ida is expected to reach the northern Gulf Coast as a major hurricane sometime late Sunday or early Monday, forecasters said. (Photo credit: The National Hurricane Center)

"State resources have been deployed ahead of Hurricane Ida, which is expected to reach the Gulf Coast on Sunday," said Abbott. "We will continue to closely monitor this hurricane and take all necessary precautions to keep Texans safe. Texans should follow the guidance and warnings of local officials and be mindful of potential flooding, high wind, and heavy rain."

Abbott's office has approved the Federal Emergency Management Agency's request to activate Texas A&M Task Force 1 as a federal asset to support the response to Hurricane Ida.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management has readied the following resources in preparation to support request from local officials if needed:

Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews and Incident Management Teams
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Swift Water Boat Squads, and Texas Task Force Two Search and Rescue Teams
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Boat Teams to support Water Rescue Operations
Texas Military Department: Helicopters, Sheltering Teams, and High Profile Vehicle packages
Texas Department of State Health Services: Emergency Medical Task Force severe weather packages and Ambulance Strike Teams
Texas Department of Transportation: Monitoring Road Conditions, Prepositioned Water-filled Barriers
Texas DPS Highway Patrol: Search and Rescue Aircraft with hoist capability and the Tactical Marine Unit
Public Utility Commission: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Water and Ice Contracts
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Public drinking water and waste water facility monitoring

Texans are urged to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather events:

Know types of flood risk in your area: Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information
Sign up for your community’s warning system: The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts
Build an emergency supply kit: Learn how to build a kit here
Protect important documents: Keep them in a waterproof container and create password-protected digital copies
Protect your property: Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
Turn Around, Don't Drown: Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection.