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Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration For North Texas Storms

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~ Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in three North Texas counties due to severe storms that have caused damage to homes and businesses. The affected counties are Lamar, Parker, and Wise, but more may be added as the situation develops.

In response to the severe weather threats, Governor Abbott stated, "Texas stands ready to respond...I have issued a disaster declaration...and directed TDEM to work with our federal partners to make sure every possible resource is available." He also urged Texans to follow the guidance of state and local officials, monitor weather conditions, and create an emergency plan for their safety.

To assess the damage caused by the storms and determine if federal disaster assistance is needed, Governor Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to request officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to join state and local partners in conducting preliminary damage assessments in affected communities.

Texans who have been impacted by the severe weather are encouraged to report their damages through TDEM's Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey at damage.tdem.texas.gov. This information is crucial in identifying whether the state meets federal requirements for various forms of disaster assistance.

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The Texas Emergency Management Council and TDEM are closely monitoring ongoing severe weather threats across North and East Texas as well as wildfire danger in West Texas. The National Weather Service has forecasted storms with potential for large hail, damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and tornadoes across large areas of North and East Texas over the next few days. Some areas in Southeast, Central, and South-Central Texas are also at risk. In addition, elevated-to-critical wildfire danger persists across most of West Texas through mid-week.

Governor Abbott has made several state emergency response resources available to support local response operations including swiftwater rescue teams from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 & Texas Task Force 2), saw crews from Texas A&M Forest Service, and game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The Texas Division of Emergency Management has also deployed the State of Texas Incident Management Team and All Hazards group personnel to support emergency response resources across the state.

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Other resources available include the Texas Department of Public Safety's helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit; the Texas Department of State Health Services' Severe Weather Support Packages; crews from the Texas Department of Transportation monitoring road conditions and assisting with closures; Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service; power outage monitoring from the Public Utility Commission of Texas; natural gas supply monitoring from the Railroad Commission of Texas; and air, water, and wastewater monitoring from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Texans are urged to stay informed about severe weather threats by visiting TexasReady.gov, checking road conditions at DriveTexas.org, and finding preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare. It is important to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to heed all warnings from local officials during this time.

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