Governor Greg Abbott on Sept. 21 directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources ahead of heavy rainfall and flooding threats expected to affect portions of West Texas and the Texas Panhandle over the next several days, according to a news release from the Governor’s office.
“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to the threat of heavy rainfall and flooding,” Abbott said in the release. “State resources are available to support local communities and help keep Texans safe as these weather conditions develop. I urge Texans to remain weather-aware, monitor local forecasts, avoid flooded roadways, and heed the guidance of state and local officials.”
According to the National Weather Service, as cited in the release, thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall are expected across portions of Far West Texas, the South Plains and the Panhandle beginning Sept. 21 and intensifying mid-week. The primary hazards are excessive rainfall and flash flooding. The Governor’s office urged Texans never to drive or walk through flooded roadways, noting that floodwaters may be deeper and move more rapidly than they appear, and repeated the state’s standing reminder: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
The activation draws on personnel and equipment from across state government, the release said. The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service is providing Texas A&M Task Force 1 swiftwater rescue boat squads, while TDEM regional personnel will support deployed resources statewide. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is contributing game wardens, rescue boat teams and helicopters with hoist capability, and the Texas Department of Public Safety is making available Texas Highway Patrol troopers, hoist-capable helicopters and its Tactical Marine Unit.
Other agencies are supporting the response in their own areas, according to the Governor’s office. The Texas Department of Transportation is monitoring roadway and transportation conditions, and the Texas Department of State Health Services is deploying Texas Emergency Medical Task Force severe weather support packages with medics, ambulances and all-terrain vehicles. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service disaster assessment and recovery agents and county extension agents are available to support agricultural and livestock needs. The Public Utility Commission of Texas is monitoring power outages and coordinating with utility providers, the Railroad Commission of Texas is monitoring the state’s natural gas supply and communicating with the oil and gas industry, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is handling air, water and wastewater monitoring.
State officials encouraged Texans to prepare by reviewing family communication plans, assembling an emergency supply kit and following instructions from local officials. Real-time road conditions are available at DriveTexas.org, severe weather preparedness information at TexasReady.gov, flood information at TexasFlood.org and all-hazards preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare, according to the release.