Texas Gov. Greg Abbott activated state emergency resources ahead of heavy rainfall expected to drench much of Texas through the Labor Day weekend.
The storm system threatens to bring flash flooding and hazardous travel conditions across West, North, Central, East, and Southeast Texas, according to the National Weather Service.
“Texas continues to closely monitor weather conditions for potential heavy rainfall across the state,” Abbott said in a news release. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather.”
Abbott urged residents to prepare emergency plans and follow the guidance of local officials.
“Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” Abbott added.
The state mobilized extensive resources, including swiftwater rescue teams from Texas A&M’s Task Force 1 and boat squads from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The Texas National Guard readied Blackhawk helicopters with hoist capabilities for potential flood rescues.
Emergency medical teams deployed ambulances and all-terrain vehicles through the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force. The Department of Public Safety positioned helicopters, Highway Patrol troopers, and its Tactical Marine Unit across affected regions.
State agencies also prepared for the potential impacts on infrastructure. The Public Utility Commission stands ready to coordinate power outage responses with utility providers.
The Railroad Commission will monitor natural gas supplies while the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality tracks air, water, and wastewater systems. Transportation officials are monitoring road conditions throughout the state.
Agricultural support teams from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are prepared to assist with livestock and farming needs in flood-affected areas.
Officials directed residents to TexasReady.gov for severe weather safety tips and DriveTexas.org for current road conditions. Additional flood information is available at TexasFlood.org.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the National Weather Service has forecasted a 30% chance of rain on Saturday, with the potential for storms to increase overnight and into Sunday, with 70% of the metro area likely to see rain on Sunday. Skies will be clearing heading into Labor Day Monday. Temperatures throughout the weekend will be moderate, with highs in the mid-to-upper 80s.
Areas in West and Northwest Texas are likely to experience the most rainfall over the three-day weekend, according to Texas Storm Chasers.