Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead of Texas Flood Threat
Austin — Texas Governor Greg Abbott on October 28 directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding expected to impact portions of West and South-Central Texas beginning October 29.
According to the National Weather Service, multiple storm systems associated with the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Vance and Gulf moisture are expected to bring widespread thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall and flash flooding across portions of the state. Excessive rainfall is expected Thursday, October 29, across the Permian Basin, Big Bend, South Plains, Big Country, Hill Country and Texas Border regions, with the heavy-rain threat continuing over the next couple of days.
Abbott said the State of Texas is prepared to respond to the threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding, and that he directed TDEM to activate resources to support local officials and safeguard Texans; he urged residents to monitor local forecasts, heed guidance from state and local officials, and avoid flooded roadways. Resources placed on standby include Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas Task Force 1) swiftwater rescue boat squads and high-profile vehicles; TDEM regional personnel; Texas Department of Transportation roadway-monitoring personnel; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens, rescue boat teams and helicopters with hoist capability; Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, hoist-capable helicopters and the Tactical Marine Unit; Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) severe weather support packages of medics, ambulances and all-terrain vehicles; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service disaster assessment and recovery agents; the Public Utility Commission of Texas for power-outage monitoring; the Railroad Commission of Texas for natural gas supply monitoring; and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for air, water and wastewater monitoring.
Officials urge Texans to remain weather-aware, review family emergency plans and prepare an emergency supply kit, and to never drive or walk through floodwater — Turn Around, Don't Drown. Road conditions are at DriveTexas.org, severe-weather safety tips at TexasReady.gov, flood information at TexasFlood.org, and all-hazards preparedness information at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 德州国民警卫队水上救援人员（资料图）。Texas National Guard 官方照片，公共领域。 / Texas National Guard water-rescue personnel (file photo). Official Texas National Guard photo, public domain.
