AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has announced an elevated activation of the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) as severe storms are expected to impact parts of Texas this weekend. Governor Abbott has also approved the use of state resources that have been staged for rapid deployment as needed to assist local officials during this significant weather event. Texans are also encouraged to prepare for severe weather in their area.
SATURDAY INTO SATURDAY NIGHT…THE WESTERN HALF OF THE FOUR STATE REGION…INCLUDING ALL OF NORTHEAST TEXAS…SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA… SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS AND EXTREME NORTHWEST LOUISIANA WILL SEE THE GREATEST RAINFALL CHANCES WITH AN ADDITIONAL 1 TO 3 INCHES POSSIBLE SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH EARLY SUNDAY MORNING.
SUNDAY INTO SUNDAY NIGHT…WE SHOULD BEGIN TO SEE MOISTURE STREAMING NORTHWARD FROM MAJOR HURRICANE PATRICIA WHICH IS CURRENTLY A CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE ACROSS THE WEST COAST OF MEXICO. THIS MOISTURE WILL BE LIFTED NORTHWARD ACROSS MEXICO AND INTO THE NORTHWEST GULF OF MEXICO AND WILL INTERACT WITH ANOTHER UPPER LEVEL TROUGH MOVING ACROSS THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY ON SUNDAY. THE RESULT WILL BE ANOTHER ROUND OF LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL ACROSS MORE OF THE FOUR STATE REGION. AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 4 INCHES OF RAIN WILL BE POSSIBLE SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING WITH GREATER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE DEPENDING ON THE TROUGHS INTERACTION WITH THE MOISTURE ASSOCIATED WITH THE REMNANTS OF HURRICANE PATRICIA.
SUNDAY INTO SUNDAY NIGHT… WE SHOULD BEGIN TO SEE MOISTURE STREAMING NORTHWARD FROM MAJOR HURRICANE PATRICIA WHICH IS CURRENTLY A CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE ACROSS THE WEST COAST OF MEXICO. THIS MOISTURE WILL BE LIFTED NORTHWARD ACROSS MEXICO AND INTO THE NORTHWEST GULF OF MEXICO AND WILL INTERACT WITH ANOTHER UPPER LEVEL TROUGH MOVING ACROSS THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY ON SUNDAY. THE RESULT WILL BE ANOTHER ROUND OF LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL ACROSS MORE OF THE FOUR STATE REGION. AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 4 INCHES OF RAIN WILL BE POSSIBLE SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING WITH GREATER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE DEPENDING ON THE TROUGHS INTERACTION WITH THE MOISTURE ASSOCIATED WITH THE REMNANTS OF HURRICANE PATRICIA.
“Today’s elevated activation of the State Operations Center (SOC) will better equip first responders and local officials with the resources needed to combat inclement weather expected over the weekend,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas stands ready to provide support to communities as needed, and I urge all Texans to closely monitor changing weather conditions in their area and heed warnings from local and state officials.”
“Strong storms and heavy rains can quickly create dangerous flash flooding, so DPS is urging Texans to closely monitor severe weather conditions through the weekend,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Ensuring the safety of Texans is paramount to our department, and it is critical that residents also do their part by using extra caution on roadways, and avoiding flooded areas and low-water crossings.”
In preparation for these storms, the SOC – in coordination with several state agencies, including the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service/Texas Task Force 1, and Texas Military Forces – will continue to monitor weather conditions and maintain close contact with National Weather Service local forecast offices across the state.
Current resources available to assist Texans as needed include the following:
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): Texas Highway Patrol personnel and aircraft are activated and will provided assistance as needed, including rescue efforts.
- 2-1-1: Personnel will be monitoring school late openings, closures, and providing information to callers as needed.
- Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD): Game Wardens in all regions of the state are on alert for the possibility of flash flooding/water rescue events and deployment.
- Texas Military Forces (TMF): TMF is providing aircraft, high-profile vehicles, and personnel to support flooding-assistance efforts in impacted areas.
- Texas Task Force 1 (TTF1): Activated and ready with boat rescue squads for rapid deployment.
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): TxDOT crews are prepared to respond to flooding conditions with barricades, water pumps and heavy equipment.
