Governor Abbott Holds Severe Weather Briefing, Activates Additional State Emergency Response Resources

Governor Abbott Holds Severe Weather Briefing, Activates Additional State Emergency Response Resources

Governor Greg Abbott today held a severe weather briefing and press conference at the Texas State Emergency Operations Center (SOC) to provide an update on the state’s preparations for increased heavy rainfall and flooding threats expected to impact large portions of Texas over the next several days. Governor Abbott also directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state emergency response resources. The SOC will begin 24/7 operations effective 7 AM Tuesday September 28. 

“I have activated additional state emergency response resources ahead of heavy rainfall and flash flooding,” said Governor Abbott. “State resources are available to support local officials. Texans should monitor local forecasts, avoid flooded roadways, and heed guidance from state and local officials. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

According to the National Weather Service, tropical moisture from Hurricane Polo combined with an approaching low-pressure system will bring widespread chances for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, beginning in Far West Texas later today and expanding across the majority of the state by midweek.The primary hazards associated with these storms are excessive rainfall and flash flooding. Texans are urged never to drive or walk through flooded roadways, as floodwaters may be deeper and move more rapidly than they appear.

 The Governor was joined by TDEM Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Transportation Deputy Executive Director for Planning and Administration Brandye Hendrickson, Texas Military Department Adjutant General Thomas M.Suelzer, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Colonel Freeman Martin, and Texas Game Wardens Colonel Ron VanderRoest.

 At the direction of Governor Abbott, more than 1,900 state responders and over 1,500 pieces of equipment have been made available to support local severe weather and flood response operations including:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads, high profile vehicles to assist with flood rescue
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team, All Hazards Group responders, and regional personnel to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
• Texas National Guard: Personnel and high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists; Blackhawk helicopters to assist with flood rescues
• 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 with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
• Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): All Hazards Strike Teams to support local responders
• 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

Additionally, East Texas faces increased wildfire danger, and South Texas will experience extreme heat conditions.

Last week, Governor Abbott directed TDEM to activate state emergency response resources ahead of potential impacts from severe weather and flash flooding.

Texans should prepare for severe weather by assembling an emergency supply kit, following instructions issued by local officials, and reviewing family communication plans. Visit DriveTexas.org for real-time road conditions,access comprehensive severe weather preparedness information at TexasReady.gov, find flood information at TexasFlood.org, and locate all-hazards preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.

Additional photos will be provided here when available.