AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott held a severe weather briefing and press conference Aug. 31 at the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to provide an update on the tropical system in the northern Gulf of America and the state’s preparedness posture ahead of potential impacts along the Upper Texas Coast and in Southeast Texas “Saving lives is the most important thing that we can do,” Abbott said. “It is essential that individuals prioritize their personal safety and stay away from rising water.
This is the first tropical storm Texas has faced this year, Abbott said, “so take this opportunity to gather supplies like food, water, and gas. Most importantly, follow guidance from local officials over the next 24 to 48 hours.” The National Hurricane Center is monitoring an area of low pressure in the northern Gulf. The tropical system is expected to bring moisture to Texas communities beginning today through midweek. Primary threats include heavy rain, flooding and rip currents. As this storm system reaches Texas shores and moves across the state, impacts are also possible further inland. Excessive heat and humidity are also contributing factors to the intensity of storm impacts.
Texans along the Upper Texas Coast and in Southeast Texas should remain weather aware, heed the guidance of state and local officials, and have an emergency plan ready. Possible tropical- storm-force wind gusts along the coast could cause isolated power outages. The state remains in coordination with electric power providers, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and ERCOT to monitor grid conditions and support a rapid response if any storm-related outages occur.
Abbott was joined by Public Utility Commission Chairman Thomas Gleeson, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas, Texas Department of Public Safety Lieutenant Colonel of Law Enforcement Operations Jason Taylor, Texas Military Department Chief of Staff Rodney Kelley, Texas Parks and Wildlife Colonel and Law Enforcement Director Ronald VanderRoest, and Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director Marc Williams.
At the direction of the Governor, TDEM requested that representatives from the following member agencies of the Texas Emergency Management Council report to the SOC for 24-hour operations and ensure their resources are ready to deploy as necessary:
• Texas Department of Transportation.
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.
• Texas A&M Forest Service.
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force).
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
• Texas Animal Health Commission.
• Texas Department of Agriculture.
• Public Utility Commission of Texas.
• Railroad Commission of Texas.
• Electric Reliability Council of Texas.
• Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife.
• Texas National Guard.
Texas Cyber Command Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster American Red Cross Salvation Army Additionally, the Texas Emergency Management Council agencies continue to engage in wildfire response and monitor ongoing wildfire conditions across large portions of the state.
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