Abbott places state resources on standby as Tropical Depression approaches Texas
AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott has placed numerous state resources on standby in anticipation of severe weather, including heavy rain, dangerous rip currents, and flash flooding, due to a Tropical Depression in the Gulf of Mexico.
The depression is expected to impact the lower third of Texas, including the upper Rio Grande Valley, the Coastal Bend and the Texas Hill Country throughout the weekend.
"As this Tropical Depression approaches the Lone Star State, we are taking the necessary precautions to keep Texans safe," said Abbott. "These resources I have rostered will help our communities respond to the severe weather and possible flash floods caused by this Tropical Depression. Throughout the weekend, Texans should heed the guidance from local officials and remain vigilant against this severe weather to keep themselves and their loved ones safe."
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has rostered the following resources in preparation to support request from local officials:
- Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews and Incident Management Teams
- Texas A&M Engineering and Extension Service: Texas A&M Task Force One and Two Search and Rescue Teams
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Boat Teams to support Water Rescue Operations
- Texas Military Department: High Profile Vehicle packages
- Department of State Health Services: Emergency Medical Task Force severe weather packages
- Texas Department of Transportation: High Profile Vehicles
- Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Highway Patrol: Search and Rescue Aircraft with hoist capability and the Tactical Marine Unit
Texans are urged to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather events:
- Know types of flood risk in your area
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts
- Build an emergency supply kit
- Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy as homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container and create password-protected digital copies
- Protect your property: Move valuables to higher levels, declutter drains and gutters, install check valve and consider a sump pump with a battery
- Be cautious of water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.
For more flood safety tips, click here.