Texas Activates Emergency Responses Ahead of Expected Floods

A flash flood warning is already in effect for a large portion of West Texas.

Residents speak with a police officer along a flooded street in Orange as Texas slowly moves toward recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in Orange, Texas, on Sept. 6, 2017. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The Texas Division of Emergency Management activated state emergency response resources on July 2 in preparation for anticipated increased threats of flooding heading into the Fourth of July weekend for parts of Central and West Texas.

This decision was made after the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center announced heavy rainfall that was set to begin on July 2 and last the next few days.

The center added, “Monsoonal moisture will bring locally heavy rainfall to parts of the Southwest.”

A flash flood warning is already in effect for a large portion of West Texas that includes Fort Davis.

“As rain and flooding threaten parts of Texas ahead of the Independence Day weekend, state emergency response resources have been activated to support local response efforts,“ said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd in a press release. ”Our priority remains protecting lives and property, and Texans are urged to proactively prepare for potential hazards. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Several resources have been activated to support local flood response operations. They include the Texas Medical Emergency Task Force, rescue boat teams, and Game Wardens from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Helicopters with hoist capabilities have also been activated in the Texas Department of Public Safety, as well as the Tactical Marine Unit and Texas Highway Patrol Troopers.

Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents have been activated from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, as well as County Extension Agents, in the event that livestock and agricultural needs require support. Saw crews from the Texas A&M Forest Service have been activated in the event that roadways need clearing. Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas A&M Task Force 3 swiftwater rescue boat squads were activated to assist with flood rescues.

The state’s public utility commission and the commission on environmental quality are monitoring power outages as well as air and wastewater. The Department of Transportation is monitoring road conditions, and the Railroad Commission is monitoring the natural gas supply and communications with the oil and gas industry.

“Texans are encouraged to follow instructions from local officials, make an emergency plan, and prepare an emergency supply kit,” the division stated in its press release. ”Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, locate flood safety information at TexasReady.gov, access flood information at TexasFlood.org, and find general preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.”

The division also warns Texans to monitor the local forecasts and not drive or walk in flooded areas.