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Governor Greg Abbott says he has readied state resources as heavy rain, flash flooding, and river flooding threaten South Texas and the Coastal Bend over the next few days. A high risk of flash flooding is expected along the Texas Coastal Bend today and tomorrow, and river flooding is likely to occur in the Coastal Bend and portions of South Texas tomorrow.
"The severe storms hitting our South Texas and Coastal Bend communities pose a serious threat of flash flooding and river flooding, and I urge Texans in these areas to heed the guidance of local officials and take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones," said Governor Abbott. "The State of Texas has placed several resources on standby to support the local response to this weather, and we are ready to provide additional support as needed to keep Texans safe."
At the direction of the Governor, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has rostered the following state resources to support severe weather response operations:
- Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force One, Texas Task Force Two, and Texas A&M Task Force One Region 3): Boat Squads and Urban Search and Rescue Packages
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Texas Game Warden Boat Teams
- Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Severe Weather Packages
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capability
- Texas Department of Transportation: High profile vehicles with operators
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring/coordination with utility providers in the threat area.
Texans are urged to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather events:
- Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
- 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. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: https://www.ready.gov/kit
- Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
- Check road condition status via DriveTexas.org
- Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
Be extremely cautious of any 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 placed for your protection. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.