Houston weather: Governor activates state emergency response resources for East, SE Texas rain
HOUSTON - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources ahead of heavy rainfall that is expected in East and Southeast Texas beginning Thursday.
According to the governor's office, TDEM has activated swiftwater rescue boat squads from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1).
"As Texas continues to respond to winter weather across the state, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy additional flood response resources to East and Southeast Texas communities," said Governor Abbott. "Texans in East and Southeast Texas are urged to regularly monitor roadways before traveling and check TexasFlood.org for flood information. Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown. Texas emergency management officials and first responders continue to work around the clock to help Texans across the state during this winter storm."
SUGGESTED: Houston weather: Texas Winter Storm arrives, heavy rain forecasted
Heavy rain in Houston: Forecast
Thursday is a FOX 26 Storm Alert Day in Southeast Texas.
Heavy rain will begin to move in midday. The heaviest rain is expected later this afternoon into the evening.
Models are showing 2-4" of rain possible in total and the highest amounts will likely be close to the coast. Be aware of the chance of isolated street flooding.
Rain will likely linger into the early morning hours Friday.
Winds will also be a big story as a Wind Advisory is in effect along the coast until Friday morning. Gusts up to 40 mph are possible and we turn blustery behind the rain on Friday.
Winter storm response
We are already monitoring snow in north Texas as a Winter Storm Warning is in effect there until Friday midday.
The governor's office says more than 3,400 state emergency responders and over 1,800 equipment assets have been mobilized from more than 20 state agencies to support the winter weather response across the state.
The Source: The information in this article is from the Office of Governor Greg Abbott and the FOX 26 Weather Team.