Gov. Abbott Activates Emergency Resources Due to Potential Flooding in West Texas

AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that he has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather, heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding expected across portions of West Texas this week.

According to the National Weather Service, a weather system associated with the remnants of Hurricane Simon is expected to bring multiple rounds of thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds and excessive rainfall that could lead to flash flooding.

The severe weather threat is expected to begin across portions of the Texas Panhandle before expanding south and east into the South Plains, Concho Valley, Permian Basin, Big Country, Texoma, Big Bend and Texas border regions.

“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to the threat of severe weather and flash flooding across West Texas,” Abbott said. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources to support local officials and protect Texans. I urge all Texans to monitor local forecasts, heed guidance from state and local officials, and never drive through flooded roadways. Texas will continue to support our communities as these weather threats develop.”

At Abbott's direction, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local severe weather and flood operations:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater rescue boat squads, urban search and rescue teams, and high-profile vehicles to assist with flood rescues.
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team and regional personnel to support deployed emergency response resources across the state.
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring roadway and transportation conditions.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game wardens, rescue boat teams and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with water rescues.
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol troopers, helicopters with hoist capability and the Tactical Marine Unit.
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe weather support packages consisting of medics, ambulances and all-terrain vehicles.
• Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): All Hazards Strike Teams to support incident response and supplement local emergency services.
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster assessment and recovery agents and county extension agents to support agricultural and livestock needs.
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers.
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state's natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air, water and wastewater monitoring.

State officials are encouraging Texans to remain aware of changing weather conditions, monitor local forecasts and follow instructions from emergency management officials.

Residents are also advised to review family emergency plans, prepare emergency supply kits and avoid driving or walking through flooded areas.

Officials emphasized the National Weather Service's flood safety message, "Turn Around, Don't Drown," reminding motorists that flooded roadways can pose life-threatening hazards.

Texans can monitor roadway conditions at DriveTexas.org, review severe weather safety information at TexasReady.gov and access flood-related resources at TexasFlood.org.

Additional emergency preparedness information is available at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.