Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of expected heavy rainfall across Texas during Labor Day weekend.
“Texas continues to closely monitor weather conditions for potential heavy rainfall across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather. Texans are urged to have an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep loved ones and themselves safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service forecasts that a storm system will move through West, North, Central, East, and Southeast Texas over the holiday weekend. The anticipated rainfall could result in hazardous travel conditions and flash flooding in some regions. State officials recommend that residents stay informed about local weather updates.
In preparation for the severe weather, several agencies have been mobilized:
– Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) is deploying swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will provide game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped with hoist capabilities.
– The Texas National Guard is making Blackhawk helicopters available for rescue operations.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services is supplying a Severe Weather Support Package that includes medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions throughout the event.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety is providing helicopters with hoist capabilities as well as highway patrol troopers and marine units.
– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will support agricultural needs with disaster assessment agents.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas will oversee power outage monitoring and coordinate with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas will track natural gas supplies and communicate with oil and gas operators.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
Residents are encouraged to make an emergency plan, assemble necessary supplies, and follow official instructions. For more information on severe weather safety tips, visit https://texasready.gov/. Road condition updates are available at https://drivetexas.org/, while flood information can be found at https://www.texasflood.org/. Additional preparedness advice is provided by TDEM at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
