Texas Activate Emergency Resources Ahead Of Potential Tropical Cyclone Affecting Houston Area

Texas has activated state emergency response resources ahead of risks of heavy rains linked to a potential Tropical Cyclone 1 in the Gulf of Mexico. 

The storm’s effects will be mainly felt along the state’s coast but the Houston area is expecting heavy rain starting on Wednesday. 

Gov. Greg Abbott said on Monday the state would be activating emergency response resources.

“Texas stands ready to deploy all resources and assistance needed to help support communities in Southeast Texas that are in the path of a potentially devastating tropical storm,” Abbott said. “I urge Texans to remain weather aware and heed the guidance of local officials to keep themselves and their families safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) activated the following resources ahead of the potential storm:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Task Forces 1 and 2): For urban search and rescue and swiftwater rescue boat squads.
• Texas National Guard: for transportation with high profile vehicles and helicopters with hoist capability.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: for search and rescue with boats.
• Texas Department of Public Safety: for tactical marine boats and rescue swimmers, and search and rescue aircraft with hoist capability.
• Texas Department of Transportation: For high-profile vehicles and for monitoring road conditions.
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Packages.

The Office of the Texas Governor also announced it has readied the Texas A&M Forestry Service, Public Utilities of Texas, Railroad Commission of Texas and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for emergency response.

The state recommends Texans to stay alert of warnings at the Emergency Alert System and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to have an emergency supply kit and to keep important documents in waterproof containers.

Texans should be cautious of water on roads and should drive carefully, avoiding flooded areas.