Governor Greg Abbott activated additional state emergency response resources on Tuesday as tropical moisture from Hurricane Polo combined with an approaching low-pressure system threatens widespread heavy rainfall and flooding across Texas.
The Texas State Emergency Operations Center will begin 24/7 operations at 7 a.m. Tuesday, September 28. The National Weather Service said the storms will begin in Far West Texas later that day and expand across the majority of the state by midweek, with excessive rainfall and flash flooding as the primary hazards.
Abbott directed the activation of more than 1,900 state responders and over 1,500 pieces of equipment to support local flood response operations. Resources include swiftwater rescue boats, Blackhawk helicopters, high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists, medics and ambulances, and monitoring teams from utility and environmental agencies.
Texans were urged to avoid flooded roadways, as floodwaters may be deeper and move more rapidly than they appear.
East Texas faces increased wildfire danger and South Texas will experience extreme heat conditions, according to the governor's office.