Texas Positions Resources As Tropical Storm Hanna Nears

AUSTIN, TX — Previously assembled resources positioned ahead of Tropical Storm Hanna now have been put into place in anticipation of potentially heavy rainfall headed to Texas this weekend, the governor said Friday.

Texas Division of Emergency Management on Friday strategically placed the state assets in anticipation of the tropical storm's landfall in parts of Texas, according to the governor's office. The tropical storm is expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, tropical storm force winds and dangerous rip currents throughout the lower third of Texas — including the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley — throughout the weekend.

"Our state-rostered resources have been moved into place to assist our communities in the path of Tropical Storm Hanna, and I urge Texans to begin taking immediate precautions as this storm approaches the coast," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a prepared statement. "As the possibility of flash flooding, heavy rain, and more threaten many of our communities throughout the weekend, it is imperative that Texans proactively prepare and heed the guidance of their local officials."

Previous coverage:

• Texans Urged To Take Caution Ahead Of Tropical Storm This Weekend
• Texas Marshals Move Resources Ahead Of Tropical Storm

Ahead of the weather event, a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for a majority of the Texas Coast from the mouth of the Rio Grande to the San Luis Pass. Tropical Storm Hanna is expected to strengthen before making landfall on Saturday, according to meteorologists. Tropical Storm Force winds are expected to arrive along the Texas Coast on Saturday morning., with heavy rainfall and potential flooding are expected Saturday morning through Sunday morning across South Texas. Moreover, flash flood watches are currently in effect across South Texas and into the Rio Grande Valley.

The following resources have been prepositioned by Texas Division of Emergency Management :

• Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw crews and incident management teams.
• Texas A&M Engineering and Extension Service: Texas A&M Task Force One and two search and rescue teams.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Boat teams to support water rescue operations.
• Texas Military Department: High-profile vehicle packages.
• Department of State Health Services: Emergency Medical Task Force severe weather packages.
• Texas Department of Transportation: High-profile vehicles.
• Texas Department of Public Safety — Texas Highway Patrol: Search and rescue aircraft with hoist capability and the Tactical Marine Unit.

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 the Federal Emergency Management Agencywebsite for further information.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Build an emergency supply kit. For more information visit Ready.gov.
• 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.

For more flood safety tips, visit ready.gov.