Texas readies state response resources as rain and flood threats continue
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the state continues to prepare for heavy rainfall and flash flood threats this week, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is preparing emergency response resources, the agency said in a Monday release.
In Central Texas, most of the heavy rain on Monday fell over an area from Blanco to Dripping Springs eastward across Interstate 35 into the region’s eastern counties, where rain totals exceeded two to three inches. A couple of rain gauges checked in with more than four inches.
Overnight in Bexar County, Texas A&M Task Force 1 assisted first responders to search for flooded vehicles and making sure no one was trapped inside, TDEM said.
TDEM added it’s prepared to support local officials as rain and flooding threats continue in east and southeast Texas.
Wednesday will feature another chance for showers and thunderstorms in the Central Texas area. Right now, there’s a marginal flash flood risk for eastern Bastrop and eastern Milam counties along with all of Fayette and Lee counties.
“TDEM continues to urge Texans to plan for hazardous travel conditions and stay weather aware this week,” Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said in the release.
The following agencies are set to respond if needed, as assembled by TDEM:
Texas Department of Transportation
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas Department of State Health Services
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Texas Animal Health Commission
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Public Utility Commission of Texas
Railroad Commission of Texas
Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Texas National Guard
Texas Education Agency
Texas Department of Information Resources
Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Texas VOAD)
TDEM added additional agencies are set to respond for flood response:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater Boat Squads
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens and boat squads
Texas Department of Public Safety: Tactical Marine Unit and helicopters with hoist capabilities
Texas National Guard: Personnel and high profile vehicles
Drivers can check road conditions on the DriveTexas.org website, as well as get flood safety tips at TexasReady.gov, TDEM officials said.
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