Governor Abbott expands disaster declaration to Include more Brazos Valley counties amid flooding

AUSTIN, Texas (KBTX) -As the threat of severe weather and flooding looms large over Texas, and many areas attempt to recover from the record rainfall and flooding seen over the last few days, Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the state’s disaster declaration to encompass 59 counties in the Brazos Valley region.

The declaration brings the total counties covered to 88, reflecting the governor’s proactive approach to safeguarding communities against the adverse impacts of natural disasters.

In a statement Thursday he emphasized the importance of public safety and urged Texans to stay vigilant and adhere to guidance from state and local authorities.

With the National Weather Service issuing alerts for severe thunderstorms, flash floods, and river flooding across various parts of the state, including the Brazos Valley, residents are urged to stay informed and prepare accordingly.

The Governor says overnight, first responders across the state assisted with several high-water rescues in Central and Southeast Texas. Additionally, state transportation and law enforcement personnel have assisted with road closures and sandbagging efforts. Impacted school districts are reporting altered schedules due to weather impacts, including many in the Brazos Valley.

“As flooding conditions and severe weather continue in multiple regions across Texas, I expanded the disaster declaration to add 59 counties to ensure Texans and their communities receive the assistance and support they need to stay safe,” said Governor Abbott. “For Texans in at-risk areas, it is important to remain weather-aware, follow the guidance of state and local officials, and avoid traveling in dangerous flood conditions. The State of Texas continues working with emergency management and local officials to deploy any additional resources needed to provide ongoing support and protect our fellow Texans.”

The Governor says the Texas State Emergency Operations Center is operating at Level II and stands ready to provide support and coordination for affected areas, ensuring swift response and assistance.

Texans are reminded to exercise caution, avoid flooded roads, and seek information from reliable sources such as TexasFlood.org and TexasReady.gov.

Governor Abbott says he remains committed to deploying all available resources and working closely with local officials to mitigate the impact of severe weather events on communities throughout Texas.

On Tuesday the Governor declaration included: Baylor, Chambers, Dickens, Ellis, Freestone, Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Haskell, Hill, Hood, Hunt, Kaufman, Knox, Leon, Liberty, Limestone, Madison, McLennan, Montgomery, Navarro, Polk, San Jacinto, Somervell, Tarrant, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, and Wichita counties.

The counties added to the disaster declaration now include: Anderson, Angelina, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Bosque, Brazos, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Cherokee, Colorado, Comal, Coryell, DeWitt, Falls, Fayette, Gillespie, Gonzales, Gregg, Guadalupe, Hamilton, Hardin, Hays, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Lampasas, Lavaca, Lee, Llano, Mason, Medina, Milam, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Panola, Robertson, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Travis, Van Zandt, Waller, Washington, Williamson, and Wilson counties.

Governor Abbott says additional counties may be added as conditions warrant.

Read the Governor’s updated declaration.

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