Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) on Oct. 28 to activate state emergency response resources ahead of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding expected in portions of West and South-Central Texas, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The release said the heavy rainfall is expected to begin Thursday, with the greatest concern for excessive rainfall that day. According to the National Weather Service, as cited in the release, multiple storm systems associated with the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Vance and Gulf moisture are expected to bring widespread thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall and flash flooding. The regions of greatest concern include the Permian Basin, Big Bend, South Plains, Big Country, Hill Country and Texas border regions.
“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to the threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding,” Abbott said in the release. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources to support local officials and safeguard Texans. Texans should monitor local forecasts, heed guidance from state and local officials, and avoid flooded roadways.”
The governor’s office said a range of state agencies are making resources available for local severe weather and flood operations. Texas A&M Task Force 1 is providing swiftwater rescue boat squads and high-profile vehicles for flood rescues, while TDEM is supplying regional personnel to support deployed resources. The Texas Department of Transportation is monitoring roadway and transportation conditions, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens, rescue boat teams and helicopters with hoist capability are available for water rescues.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is making Highway Patrol troopers, hoist-capable helicopters and its Tactical Marine Unit available, according to the release, and the Texas Department of State Health Services is providing Severe Weather Support Packages of medics, ambulances and all-terrain vehicles through the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agents are positioned to support agricultural and livestock needs. The Public Utility Commission of Texas is monitoring power outages and coordinating with utilities, the Railroad Commission of Texas is monitoring the natural gas supply, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is monitoring air, water and wastewater.
The governor’s office urged Texans to stay weather-aware, follow instructions from local officials, review family emergency plans and prepare an emergency supply kit. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” the release said, advising residents never to drive or walk through floodwater.
Road conditions are available at DriveTexas.org, severe weather safety tips at TexasReady.gov, flood information at TexasFlood.org and preparedness information at tdem.texas.gov/prepare, according to the release.