AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has announced an elevated activation of the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) as a tropical system is expected to impact parts of Texas this week. Governor Abbott has also approved that 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.

“As this tropical system develops, the state stands ready to provide support to communities as needed, and we urge Texans to closely monitor the changing weather conditions in their area and heed warnings from local and state officials,” said Governor Abbott. “Any additional rainfall will exacerbate already saturated grounds, which could quickly lead to dangerous flash flooding and extended river flooding.”

Current forecasts indicate the projected path of this tropical system is expected to begin impacting the Texas coast as early as Monday evening. Associated with this tropical system, there is the possibility of significant rainfall, flash flooding, large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes through at least Thursday. In preparation, the SOC – in coordination with the Texas Emergency Management Council – will continue to monitor weather conditions and coordinate with the National Weather Service, as well as coordinate state resources and assistance to local jurisdictions as needed.

Texans are encouraged to follow these weather safety tips:

• Assemble an emergency kit that includes essential documents, supplies and provisions; plan how all family members and pets will respond in case of evacuation.
• Consider any special needs for individuals with disabilities or the elderly.
• When severe storms threaten, the safest place to be is indoors. If you are outdoors, seek shelter in a home or large building.
• Avoid areas already flooded and avoid any fast-flowing water; keep in mind that flood dangers are even harder to recognize at night.
• 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 that dangerous waters can seem deceptively calm, and if you encounter flooding, move to higher ground.
• Monitor weather radios and news broadcasts for updated information on current and anticipated severe weather.
• Always heed warnings and instructions provided by local officials and emergency management personnel.

For more information on preparing for tropical weather, please visit: http://texasprepares.org/

For additional safety tips related to tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding, see: http://dps.texas.gov/dem/ThreatAwareness/weather_aware_severe.htm.

The following state agencies and organizations are standing by to assist: Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Parks & Wildlife Department; Texas Military Forces; Texas Task Force 1; Texas Department of Transportation; Public Utility Commission of Texas; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Civil Air Patrol; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; Texas Health and Human Services Commission; Texas Animal Health Commission; Texas 2-1-1; Texas Department of State Health Services; and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.