TEXAS — As heavy rain moves over Texas, Flash Flood Warnings are popping around the western and northern parts of the state, and these same widespread rain events now extend to the workweek, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). In response, Gov. Greg Abbott called for a statewide weather briefing with over 350 local emergency response officials  — including mayors, county judges, first responders and private sector partners  — throughout Texas to plan for potential flooding or worse.

“I urge Texans to remain alert about changing weather conditions, take the active weather threats seriously, and heed the guidance of local officials as storms bringing rain and flood concerns push through our state,” said Gov. Abbott. “The state of Texas is using all means necessary to support local community efforts to protect life and property, and it’s essential that communities across the state take proactive measures to keep all Texans safe.”

Abbott warned Texans to keep an eye out for shifting river patterns as storms make for even dangerous weather conditions. NWS said severe storms could cause for damaging winds and flash flooding for many areas.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management was directed by Abbott “to mobilize state resources to assist Texas communities that are expected to receive heavy rain and flooding through the coming week.” He later received word of TDEM’s recent actions for weather preparedness at the Texas State Emergency Operations Center:

  • Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX): 6 Texas A&M Task Force 1 (TXTF 1) swiftwater boat squads
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD): 2 Search & Rescue Boat Teams
  • Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): Tactical Marine Unit; 3 Helicopters with hoist capabilities
  • Texas National Guard: 3 Helicopters and 3 Ground Transportation Companies totaling more than 60 vehicles and more than 150 personnel
  • Texas Emergency Medical Task Force (TX-EMTF): 2 Severe Weather Packages including ambulances, ambulance buses, and emergency medical service personnel

El Paso County has 24-hour sandbag sites for distribution:

  • 1331 N. Fabens Street
  • 191 Canutillo Avenue
  • 14698 Van Lane

Texans are urged to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather events:

  • Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.
  • Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provide emergency alerts.
  • Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: ready.gov/kit
  • Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
  • Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. De-clutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
  • Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas — never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection.