Texas Urged To Take Caution Ahead Of Tropical Depression Beta

AUSTIN — The governor on Tuesday urged Texas residents to continue monitoring weather conditions while being mindful of potential flooding as Tropical Depression Beta continues to impact parts of Texas.

The most vulnerable portions of the state are along the Texas Coast and Southeast Texas, but flooding conditions could result as far as Austin. Some areas could see flooding, high wind, heavy rain and storm surges.

Downgraded from a tropical storm, Tropical Depression Beta will continue to produce significant rainfall from the middle Texas Coast through Southeast Texas, according to meteorologists. Dangerous flooding is already occurring and remains possible throughout Southeast Texas through Wednesday. The Texas State Operations Center remains activated at Level 2 (Escalated Response Conditions) to support requests for assistance from local officials.

Abbott on Monday included Travis County in a list of counties covered under a storm disaster declaration, a move taken largely to accelerate federal and state financial assistance and resources in impacted areas as needed. Other counties covered in the decree are Aransas, Bee, Bexar, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Liberty, Live Oak, Matagorda, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, Sabine, San Augustine, San Patricio, Shelby, Victoria and Wharton.

Related story: Travis County Included In Governor's Storm Disaster Declaration

"Tropical Depression Beta poses serious flood risks to communities along the coast and Southeast Texas, and I urge Texans to remain vigilant as this storm continues to impact our state," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a prepared statement. "Texans who live in areas at risk for flooding should not travel if possible, avoid crossing flooded roadways, and continue to heed the guidance of local officials as this storm makes its way through the Lone Star State."

Residents are especially urged to be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains or other areas. Motorists should never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways, and should always observe road barricades placed for their protection. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

In light of the storm, Texas residents are encouraged 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) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: https://www.ready.gov/kit
• 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.

Locally, residents can check ATXfloods.com to view impassable low-water crossings. As of 1:30 p.m., three such crossings in Cedar Park had already been closed.

The storm made landfall along the upper coast late Monday night, accompanied by heavy rain sparking major flooding issues in the greater Houston area into Tuesday, according to reports. After weakening as a tropical depression, the storm was spotted some 15 miles east-northeast of Victoria, Texas, at around 11 a.m. on Tuesday with sustained winds of 35 miles per hour, according to meteorologists.

Forecasters are predicting that Tropical Storm Beta could dump up to 20 inches of rain along the middle and upper Texas coast, according to the National Hurricane Center. Travis County will likely be less affected, but the region was under a 60 percent chance of rain on Tuesday.