Governor Greg Abbott today led a statewide weather call with more than 350 local emergency response officials, including mayors, county judges, first responders, and private sector partners, from all regions across Texas. The Governor also received a briefing from members of the Texas Emergency Management Council on the latest state agency actions at the Texas State Emergency Operations Center (SOC).
Additionally, Governor Abbott spoke directly with Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevi?o, Jr., Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, El Paso Deputy City Manager Mario D’Agostino, and Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson to discuss any needs their communities might have and to reiterate actions the state has taken to support any local response that is necessary.
“I urge Texans to remain alert about changing weather conditions, take the active weather threats seriously, and heed the guidance of local officials as storms bringing rain and flood concerns push through our state,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas is using all means necessary to support local community efforts to protect life and property, and it’s essential that communities across the state take proactive measures to keep all Texans safe.”
During the call, Governor Abbott reminded local officials and first responders that the State of Texas remains ready to ensure all needs are met across Texas and continues to do everything possible to help local communities. The Governor also underscored the importance for Texans to keep a watchful eye on unexpected swift flowing rivers that may put lives at risk.
Yesterday, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize state resources to assist Texas communities that are expected to receive heavy rain and flooding through the coming week.
The National Weather Service is forecasting a threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding in parts of West Texas, South Texas, and the Panhandle into the start of the week. Increased risk of excessive rainfall and flash flooding extends to the northern half of the state next week. Severe storms are possible in some areas, with potential for damaging winds and large hail.
TDEM has coordinated the pre-positioning of more than 250 personnel and more than 100 pieces of response equipment. The following state assets have been staged across the state for activation as warranted:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX): 6 Texas A&M Task Force 1 (TXTF 1) swiftwater boat squads
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD): 2 Search & Rescue Boat Teams
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): Tactical Marine Unit; 3 Helicopters with hoist capabilities
Texas National Guard: 3 Helicopters and 3 Ground Transportation Companies totaling more than 60 vehicles and more than 150 personnel
Texas Emergency Medical Task Force (TX-EMTF): 2 Severe Weather Packages including ambulances, ambulance buses, and emergency medical service personnel
Local officials in West Texas are hosting sandbag points of distribution this weekend, including at the following locations:
El Paso County:
El Paso (24 hours a day)
1331 N. Fabens Street
191 Canutillo Avenue
14698 Van Lane
Texans are urged to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather events:
Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.
Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provide emergency alerts.
Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: ready.gov/kit
Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.
For more flood safety tips, visit ready.gov.