Governor Greg Abbott has updated the public on Texas’ ongoing response to heavy rainfall and flooding affecting several communities across the state. The Governor emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting emergency management personnel and local officials in their recovery and rescue operations.
“The State of Texas is working around the clock to support emergency management personnel and local officials as they continue recovery and rescue operations across the state,” said Governor Abbott. He further warned that heavy rain could continue to pose flooding risks in regions such as Central Texas, Hill Country, Big Country, and Concho Valley. Texans are advised to stay alert, follow local officials’ guidance, and monitor weather forecasts closely.
The Texas State Operations Center (SOC) is currently operating at Level II (Escalated Response) under Governor Abbott’s direction. This level supports requests for assistance from local authorities dealing with excessive rainfall and ongoing flooding since last week.
The National Weather Service predicts that rain capable of causing floods will persist in many parts of the state over the next few days. Texans should keep an eye on local forecast information.
In response, Texas has deployed over 1,750 personnel along with more than 975 vehicles and equipment assets. Over 20 state agencies are involved in addressing the flooding threats.
Resources available under Governor Abbott’s directive include:
– The Texas Division of Emergency Management providing incident management teams and disaster recovery support.
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service offering swiftwater rescue squads, urban search teams, K-9 units, and infrastructure assessment personnel.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department deploying game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters for flood rescues.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety supplying helicopters with hoist capabilities and highway patrol troopers.
– The Texas National Guard assisting with high-profile vehicles for stranded motorists and damage assessments.
– Additional agencies like the Texas Department of Transportation monitoring road conditions; various services within the A&M system aiding fire departments; agricultural extension services assessing agricultural needs; utility commissions monitoring power outages; environmental quality commissions checking air/water quality; health services providing severe weather packages; human services disseminating service information through a referral network; veterinary teams offering animal medical support; agriculture departments coordinating disaster responses; alcoholic beverage commissions aiding law enforcement coordination; insurance departments advising on claims; licensing regulations coordinating professionals in response efforts; information resources overseeing technology infrastructure; river authorities managing river conditions.
Residents are encouraged to visit disaster.texas.gov for updates on flood resources, safety tips, and recovery assistance. They should remain vigilant by monitoring forecasts, heeding official warnings, and remembering: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
Governor Abbott has taken several actions to ensure resource availability for affected areas:
– Delivering updates on flood response efforts
– Securing federal disaster assistance approval from President Trump
– Amending disaster declarations to include additional counties
– Providing updates on severe flooding impacts in Kerr County
– Increasing SOC readiness level to prepare for flash floods
