Texas Activates Emergency Teams as Flood Threat Looms Over Holiday Weekend

AUSTIN, TX - The Texas Division of Emergency Management announced that the agency activated state emergency response resources in anticipation of increased threats of flooding in parts of West and Central Texas heading into the holiday weekend.

“As rain and flooding threatens parts of Texas ahead of the Independence Day weekend, state emergency response resources have been activated to support local response efforts," said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. "Our priority remains protecting lives and property and Texans are urged to proactively prepare for potential hazards. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

According to the National Weather Service, heavy rainfall with the potential to cause flash flooding is anticipated across West Texas and the Hill Country beginning tonight and is expected to last a few days. Texans are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and avoid driving or walking into flooded areas.

The following state emergency response resources are available to support local flood response operations:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas A&M Task Force 3): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews to assist with clearing of roadways
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as 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/wastewater monitoring
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles

Texans are encouraged to follow instructions from local officials, make an emergency plan, and prepare an emergency supply kit. Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, locate flood safety information at TexasReady.gov, access flood information at TexasFlood.org, and find general preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.

Read our local forecast HERE.