Mother Nature’s watery wrath continues to beat parts of East and Southeast Texas. Things have reached such a bad state that the Texas governor declared State of Disaster over continued flooding.
Mother Nature’s watery wrath continues to beat parts of East and Southeast Texas. Things have reached such a bad state that the Texas governor declared State of Disaster over continued flooding. The declaration was issued on March 14 for the following counties:
- Angelina
- Erath
- Gregg
- Hardin
- Harrison
- Hood
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Liberty
- Madison
- Marion
- Newton
- Orange
- Parker
- Sabine
- San Augustine
- Tyler
Governor Greg Abbott raised the Austin-based State Operations Center’s (SOC) level of activation. He is further advising Texans to remain on high alert and to follow any and all warnings from local officials regarding the severe flood threat facing these areas.
In a statement, Gov. Abbott said, “Flooding resulting from historic rainfall in East Texas is having a significant impact on residents. The State of Texas continues to do everything it can to assist all the counties affected by this severe weather, and my thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted. I want to thank the first responders for their quick response to this disaster and ask that residents heed the warnings of local officials, particularly concerning evacuation notices.”
The SOC is continuing coordination efforts with the National Weather Service (NWS) and their West Gulf River Forecast Center in the monitoring of river conditions. Results of that monitoring indicate that the biggest threat is currently near the following rivers and their tributaries:
- Neches
- Sabine
- Trinity
The SOC is also working closely with the Texas Emergency Management Council to provide state assistance and resources when requested by local leaders. The leaders of Newton, Jasper and Orange counties have requested evacuation assistance which is being provided by the state. State authorities are continuing to perform swift water rescues in the affected areas as needed and requested by local leaders.
A number of state agencies have been activated and are responding to the floods. These include:
- Texas Department of Public Safety
- Texas Division of Emergency Management
- Texas Military Department
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Texas A&M Forest Service
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Texas General Land Office
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service/Texas Task Force 1
- Texas Department of Transportation
- Texas Park and Wildlife Department
- Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission
- Texas Animal Health Commission, and
- The American Red Cross.
We strongly urge all Texans in the affected and surrounding areas to follow these important safety tips:
- Dangerous flood waters may appear calm. If you are in a flooding area, head to higher ground immediately! Turn around, don’t drown!
- Stay away from fast-moving water and already flooded areas.
- Never disregard road barricades! They were placed for your protection.
- Don’t try to cross flowing streams.
- Don’t try to drive across flooded roads.
- Exercise extreme caution with water in creeks, streams, storm drains and on roads.
- Stay updated with either weather radios or local news broadcasts regarding current and upcoming severe weather.
- Follow warnings and instructions from local officials – when in doubt, get out!
- Flood dangers are quite often harder to recognize at night. Be especially careful after sunset.
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