Texas Governor Greg Abbott readies additional state emergency response resources ahead of flood threat
HOUSTON - Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that additional state emergency response resources ahead of potentially heavy rainfall across the state of Texas on Wednesday and Thursday.
What we know:
According to Governor Abbott's Office, who quoted the National Weather Service, the risk of heavy rainfall exists for the eastern half of Texas on Wednesday into Thursday. Several inches of rainfall could cause flooding across regions of North, Central, and East Texas this week. An increased risk of severe weather accompanies the heavy rainfall in the form of large hail, damaging wind, and possible tornadoes. Texans are urged to monitor local forecast information.
What they're saying:
"Texas is prepared to deploy emergency response resources to help local communities respond to potential heavy rainfall and flash flooding across the state," said Governor Abbott. "Texans are urged to regularly monitor roadways before traveling and check TexasFlood.org for flood information. Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown. I thank all the emergency response personnel for their work as they help their fellow Texans during these storms."
What's next:
At the Governor’s direction, the Texas Department of Emergency Management has readied the following state emergency response resources to support local flood response operations:
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads to assist with flood rescues; Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Teams
These resources are preparing in addition to resources readied last week in anticipation of this week’s forecast.
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What you can do:
Texans are encouraged to follow instructions from local officials, make an emergency plan, and gather an emergency supply kit. Texans can access flood information at TexasFlood.org, locate flood safety information at TexasReady.gov, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, and find general preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
The Source: Information from Texas Governor Greg Abbott's news release.