Texas Governor Greg Abbott activates emergency resources to prepare for possible tropical storm event

AUSTIN, Texas – In anticipation of possible impacts from a tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state emergency resources.

“Texas is prepared to deploy all available resources to assist Texans as a severe storm system moves along the Gulf Coast, bringing potential flash flood hazards and heavy rainfall,” said Governor Abbott. “To ensure support and resources are deployed quickly, I have directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to increase the readiness of the State Operations Center beginning tomorrow morning. Texans are urged to take necessary precautions for possible tropical weather, including weather watching, monitoring road conditions, and creating an emergency response plan to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones. Texas will continue to closely monitor weather conditions to protect the well-being of Texans.”

Coastal communities in Texas could be affected by heavy rainfall and flash flooding from the system.

At the direction of the Governor, TDEM has issued an activation notice to Texas Emergency Management Council authorities increasing the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) readiness level to a 24-hour Level II (Escalated Response) on Monday morning.

The following state emergency resources are activated or on standby to support local weather response efforts:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas A&M Public Works Response Team): Swiftwater rescue boat crews, public works response teams

• Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopter with lifting devices, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers and Tactical Marine Unit

• Texas Department of Transportation: Suspicious vehicles and personnel monitor road conditions

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Search and rescue boat teams of the gamekeepers

• Texas National Guard: Ground transport companies consisting of personnel and special vehicles; helicopters with lifting devices

• Texas Department of Health (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Medical Incident Support Team and Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of paramedics and ambulances

• Texas A&M Forest Service: Emergency teams and sawing teams

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Disaster assessment and response agents and AgriLife advisory agent to support agricultural and livestock needs

• Texas Public Utilities Commission: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility companies

• Texas Railroad Commission: Monitoring the state's natural gas supply and communicating with the oil and gas industry

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring

The governor's office reminds Texans to prepare for the system's impact. Have an emergency plan ready and gather supplies for an emergency kit. Follow local weather forecasts.

Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.orgFor more preparation tips, see TexasReady.govand general information on disaster preparedness can be found at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.