The declaration was announced on Tuesday as severe storms and the possibility of dangerous flash flooding continued across the state. Abbott’s office said the measure allows Texas to rapidly provide assistance to local communities while additional counties could be added as weather conditions evolve.
Heavy rain is expected to continue across southwest, central and southeast Texas through the end of the week, increasing the threat of flash flooding, according to information released by the governor’s office. Abbott urged residents in affected areas to monitor local weather forecasts, avoid driving through flooded roadways and keep emergency supplies available.
State Officials Activate Emergency Measures as Storms Continue
The Texas disaster declaration currently covers 59 counties, allowing state resources to be made available as local communities respond to flooding threats.
“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,” Abbott’s office said.
The governor’s office added that Texas is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to the developing situation. Officials are encouraging residents to remain aware of local weather updates and take precautions in areas affected by heavy rainfall.
National Weather Service Lists Dozens of Counties Under Flood Watches
The National Weather Service had flood watches in place across dozens of Texas counties as of early Wednesday.
According to the NWS information, the affected counties include Bandera, Bexar, Blanco, Brewster, Burnet, Comal, Concho, Crane, Crockett, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Hays, Irion, Jeff Davis, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Llano, Mason, Maverick, McCulloch, Medina, Menard, Pecos, Presidio, Reagan, Real, Reeves, San Saba, Schleicher, Sutton, Terrell, Tom Green, Travis, Upton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Ward, Webb, Williamson and Zavala.
The flood watches cover areas in southwest, central and southeast Texas as storms continue to bring the possibility of flash flooding. Weather officials are monitoring conditions across the listed counties while residents are advised to follow local alerts.
Texas Residents Urged to Avoid Flooded Roads and Follow Alerts
Governor Abbott’s office has advised people in affected areas to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to have emergency supplies ready. The guidance comes as heavy rain continues across multiple parts of the state.
According to the governor’s office, the disaster declaration is intended to help local communities access state support during the ongoing severe weather event. Officials have not ruled out expanding the declaration to additional counties as storms develop.
The situation remains focused on monitoring rainfall, flood risks and local emergency responses across the affected areas of Texas.
