Gov. Greg Abbott has activated emergency teams as a tropical system threatens the Texas Gulf Coast with heavy rain, strong wind and flooding risks starting Friday.
AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott has activated multiple state emergency response teams as a tropical weather system is forecast to impact the Texas Gulf Coast and South Texas starting Friday.
“As Texas braces for incoming heavy rain and strong winds along the Gulf Coast and South Texas, I activated emergency response resources to help local officials protect their fellow Texans,” Abbott said in a press release on Wednesday. “This tropical system could lead to dangerous travel conditions and potential flash flooding. Texans are urged to take all necessary precautions.”
What to expect
The National Weather Service says the system will bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding to parts of South Texas and the Gulf Coast. These conditions could cause hazardous travel and dangerous flash flooding.
As of Thursday afternoon, the tropical wave has a 40 percent chance of forming into a named storm, according to the National Hurricane Center. While it is not likely to become a named storm, it could be a rainmaker for the Texas coast.
The KHOU 11 Weather Team says Houston and surrounding areas will see daily downpours, with the heaviest rain likely Friday into Saturday as the tropical wave moves into the Gulf. Rain totals could reach an inch in some spots on Friday, and Saturday’s storms may arrive earlier in the day.
State resources on standby
At Abbott’s direction, the following agencies have been deployed or placed on alert:
- Texas A&M Task Force 1: Swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues
- Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System: Fire engine strike teams for all-hazard response
- Texas Emergency Medical Task Force: Medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
- Texas National Guard: Blackhawk helicopters and high-profile vehicles for rescues
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Rescue boat teams and helicopters
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and Tactical Marine Unit
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Natural gas supply monitoring
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air, water, and wastewater monitoring
Texans are urged to prepare now by making an emergency plan, packing a supply kit, and following instructions from local officials.
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