Austin News

The Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, has issued a disaster declaration for four counties in the southern part of the state due to ongoing rains and flooding that have impacted homes, businesses, and the agricultural industry. The counties covered by the declaration are Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy, with the possibility of adding more counties if conditions worsen.

"Texas sigue apoyando a las comunidades locales en el sur de Texas afectadas por las lluvias intensas y las inundaciones," said Governor Abbott. "Hoy, emití una declaración de desastre para los condados de Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr y Willacy para ayudar a los funcionarios locales a responder y proteger a los texanos. Agradezco a los primeros respondedores y a los equipos de gestión de emergencias por su rápida respuesta al desplegar recursos críticos y asistencia a las comunidades locales para salvar vidas ante las amenazas de fenómenos meteorológicos severos en todo el estado, incluido el peligro de incendios forestales en el oeste de Texas. Se insta a los texanos a monitorear el tiempo, hacer un plan de emergencia y seguir las indicaciones de los funcionarios estatales y locales para mantenerse a salvo ellos y sus seres queridos. Recuerde: No pase por alto, no se ahogue."

State emergency operations remain activated at Level II to coordinate assistance in the afflicted communities. The Texas Emergency Management Council is also keeping a close watch on severe weather threats in the northern and eastern parts of Texas, as well as the ongoing wildfire danger in the west. According to the National Weather Service, severe storms are anticipated in the northern and eastern parts of Texas over the weekend, with principal threats including large hail, damaging winds, heavy rains, and potential tornadoes. A heightened to critical wildfire danger remains in much of west Texas into midweek. Texans are advised to stay alert and monitor local forecasts closely.

Per the Governor’s instructions, numerous state emergency response resources are active to support local operations in managing flooding, severe weather, and wildfire threats. These resources include various Texas state agencies such as the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, among others.

Texans impacted by the storms are encouraged to report damage to homes and businesses using the State of Texas Assessment Tool available online. Reporting damage assists state and local officials in evaluating the complete extent of the disaster and determining additional resources required for affected communities. The data provided is key in identifying if the state qualifies for various kinds of federal disaster assistance.

Residents are urged to remain informed, avoid driving through flooded roads, and follow local authorities’ warnings. Further information about severe weather and floods is available online, along with preparation tips.