Texas – Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency resources as excessive rainfall threatens flash flooding in the Texas Panhandle through the end of the week.
With heavy rain expected, Governor Abbott emphasized the state’s readiness to deploy necessary resources and urged residents to follow guidance from officials and avoid driving through flooded areas, reminding Texans to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service warned that thunderstorms could cause flash flooding across northwest Texas leading into the weekend, prompting calls for vigilance and monitoring of local forecasts.
State resources on standby to support local response include:
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Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service’s swiftwater rescue boat squads
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Texas A&M Forest Service strike teams to assist fire departments
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Texas Department of State Health Services’ emergency medical task force with medics and ambulances
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Texas Department of Transportation personnel monitoring roads
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Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rescue boat teams and helicopters with hoist capability
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Texas Department of Public Safety helicopters, troopers, and marine units
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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service disaster and recovery agents supporting agriculture and livestock
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Public Utility Commission monitoring power outages
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Railroad Commission overseeing natural gas supply
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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality monitoring air, water, and wastewater
The activation coincides with ongoing state efforts to support recovery from recent flooding events.
Texans are advised to stay informed, follow local officials’ directions, prepare an emergency plan, and have a supply kit ready. Flood safety information is available at TexasReady.gov, road conditions at DriveTexas.org, and flood updates at TexasFlood.org. Additional preparedness resources can be found at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
