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Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 29 Texas counties affected by severe storms and flooding. In a statement, Governor Abbott expressed his commitment to providing support to impacted communities, saying, "The State of Texas continues to provide support and assist communities who have been impacted by recent severe weather and flooding."
The Governor highlighted the importance of the declaration in swiftly providing resources for Texans to recover from the storms and floods. He also urged residents in at-risk areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The National Weather Service has warned of moderate-to-major river flooding across the eastern half of the state, with ongoing severe weather and excessive rainfall expected in the coming weeks. Risks include flooding, hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes.
Various state agencies and resources are actively engaged in supporting local response operations. These include Urban Search & Rescue Teams, Swiftwater Boat Squads, UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, emergency response personnel, Incident Management Teams, paramedics, law enforcement support, and livestock assistance, among others.
Local and state officials are assessing damage in affected regions, with additional counties possibly being added to the declaration. Texans are encouraged to report damage using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) to aid in resource allocation and disaster assistance eligibility.
Texans are advised to stay informed about local forecasts, create emergency plans, and follow guidance from local authorities. Resources such as TexasFlood.org, DriveTexas.org, TexasReady.gov, and tdem.texas.gov/prepare are available for preparedness and safety information.