Texans Urged To Take Caution Ahead Of Tropical Storm This Weekend

AUSTIN, TX — The governor on Wednesday urged Texas residents to remain vigilant while closely monitoring weather conditions ahead of a tropical development over the Gulf of Mexico expected to impact parts of the state this weekend.

Gov. Greg Abbott said the storm may lead to dangerous flash flooding, especially in the upper Rio Grande Valley, the Coastal Bend, and the Texas Hill Country. Ahead of the storm, the governor said he is also preparing state resources to assist communities with potential flooding and heavy rainfall.

"I urge Texans across the state to monitor the weather in their area and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from possible flash flooding and heavy rainfall," Abbott said in a prepared statement. "As this tropical disturbance approaches Texas, we are taking several precautionary steps to prepare resources for our communities, and we will continue to monitor and proactively respond to any developments."

Related story: Texas Marshals More Resources Ahead Of Tropical Storm

The National Hurricane Center has increased odds of tropical development to 80 percent over the next five days, and 70 percent within the next 48 hours. Projections call for tropical depression to form within the next day or so as it continues to move westward, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Some parts of Texas already were seeing weather activity on Wednesday. "Lightning activity is beginning to pick up on the storms near the western Edwards/eastern Val Verde county line, including Highway 277," National Weather Service meteorologists wrote on Twitter. "Brief moderate rain & occasional lightning strikes can be expected as this activity moves to the northwest."

The Texas Division Of Emergency Management and the State Operations Center continue to monitor weather conditions and coordinate with the National Weather Service and their West Gulf River Forecast Center, the governor noted. Abbott added that the former agency also continues to coordinate with the Texas Emergency Management Council, and is prepared to provide state resources and assistance to local leaders as requested.

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

• Know the types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for further information.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit the Ready.gov website, which is replete with handy, potentially life-saving, tips.
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter 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. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.