Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott issued a disaster declaration on Tuesday for 59 counties in the state due to severe weather.
“The protection of Texans is my top priority,” Abbott said in a
statement. “As severe storms and the threat of dangerous flash flooding continue across the state, this disaster declaration ensures we can rapidly deploy state resources to support local communities. Texas is positioned to respond quickly and effectively.
Bexar, Harris, and Travis counties are among the counties listed under the governor's disaster declaration.
On July 13, Abbott
said he activated emergency resources and stepped up the state’s response with Tuesday's disaster declaration. He directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to maintain 24-hour operations at the state emergency center in response to the storms and flash flooding.
“All hands on deck across South Texas,” the Texas Department of Public Safety
wrote on X, while sharing photos of crews working at the state emergency center. “Tactical teams remain deployed, with aircraft on standby if needed,” DPS added.
According to the National Weather Service, a Level 4 flood risk—the highest level—is in effect for parts of the U.S. 90 corridor west of San Antonio, including the southern Edwards Plateau and the Rio Grande region.
Texas Game Wardens said it has responded to multiple swiftwater rescue calls in South Texas counties, sharing a video on social media showing a car stuck in floodwater and another vehicle being swept away in Uvalde County.
"The occupants of the vehicle in the video were rescued shortly before it was swept away," officials
wrote on X.
The agency said it pre-positioned personnel and specialized search and rescue resources ahead of the heavy rainfall and flash flooding in portions of Texas, including boats, shallow-draft vessels, four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters with hoist capabilities and unmanned aircraft systems.
Heavy rainfall across southwest, central, and southeast Texas is forecast through the end of the week, leading to increased risks of flash flooding. Multiple rounds of rainfall over the same communities as a result of this weather pattern are expected to cause dangerous conditions across these areas.
Additional counties may be added to the declaration as conditions change, the governor’s office announced.
The
governor urged Texans to continue monitoring local weather forecast information and have emergency supplies readily available.
