Abbott Activates Emergency Resources Ahead of Potential West Texas Floods

AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management on Wednesday to activate state emergency response resources ahead of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding across West and South-Central Texas beginning Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service, multiple storm systems associated with the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Vance and Gulf moisture are expected to produce widespread thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding.

The greatest risk of excessive rainfall is expected Thursday, with the Permian Basin, Big Bend, South Plains, Big Country, Hill Country and Texas border regions among the areas potentially affected over the next several days.

“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to the threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding,” said Governor Abbott. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources to support local officials and safeguard Texans. Texans should monitor local forecasts, heed guidance from state and local officials, and avoid flooded roadways.”

State resources available for deployment include swift-water rescue teams, helicopters, emergency medical personnel and high-profile vehicles to assist with flood rescues.

Texas A&M Task Force 1 will provide swift-water rescue boat squads and high-profile vehicles, while the Texas Department of Public Safety will make highway patrol troopers, helicopters and its Tactical Marine Unit available.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will provide game wardens, rescue boat teams and helicopters equipped for hoist rescues.

The Texas Department of State Health Services will support operations through the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force, which includes medics, ambulances and all-terrain vehicles.

The Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions, while TDEM regional personnel will coordinate support for emergency response operations.

Additional agencies will monitor utility infrastructure, natural gas supplies, environmental conditions and agricultural needs. Those agencies include the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Railroad Commission of Texas, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

State officials urged residents to monitor weather forecasts, follow instructions from local authorities and prepare emergency supply kits.

Drivers and pedestrians are advised never to enter flooded roadways or attempt to cross moving floodwater.

Texans can check current road conditions at DriveTexas.org, find flood information at TexasFlood.org and review emergency preparedness guidance at TexasReady.gov or tdem.texas.gov/prepare.