Rescue Boats and Helicopters Ready as Texas Storms Loom

Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate emergency response resources ahead of severe weather expected through Labor Day weekend and into the following week. Forecasts from the National Weather Service call for heavy rainfall across much of the state, including West, North, Central, East, and Southeast Texas. The risk of flash flooding and hazardous travel conditions is high.

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Abbott reminded Texans to plan ahead, stay alert, and remember the lifesaving phrase: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Statewide Emergency Response on Standby

At the Governor’s direction, state agencies are already on high alert and ready to roll out resources, including:

• Texas A&M Task Force 1 - deploying swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife - sending Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability.
• Texas National Guard - standing by with Blackhawk helicopters equipped for rescues.
• Texas Emergency Medical Task Force - providing medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) - monitoring highways and road conditions.
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) - Highway Patrol Troopers, helicopters, and the Tactical Marine Unit.
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - disaster and recovery agents helping with agriculture and livestock needs.
• Public Utility Commission of Texas - tracking power outages and coordinating with utility companies.
• Railroad Commission of Texas - monitoring the natural gas supply and industry communications.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) - checking air, water, and wastewater safety.

Texans Urged to Stay Aware and Prepared

While Texas has seen a dry summer, recent rains caused serious flooding in Central Texas, a reminder that conditions can change quickly. As someone who has chased storms and taken National Weather Service training, I can tell you it’s always better to be overprepared than caught by surprise.

This holiday weekend, when many would rather be grilling or celebrating, it’s important to stay aware of what’s happening in the skies above. Have a plan, keep emergency supplies ready, and check forecasts often.

Resources you can use right now:

• Severe Weather Safety Tips – TexasReady.gov
• Road Conditions – DriveTexas.org
• Flood Safety – TexasFlood.org
• Preparedness Guides – TDEM Prepare

A Final Reminder for Texans

Governor Abbott has pulled in every resource available—from swiftwater rescue boats and helicopters to the Texas National Guard, to make sure Texans stay safe. But no amount of equipment can replace awareness.

This Labor Day weekend, while many of us would rather be celebrating with family and friends, it’s important to keep one eye on the radar and the other on our surroundings.

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As a broadcaster and storm spotter, I’ll say it again: “It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.” Let’s watch out for each other, check on our neighbors, and remember that being prepared could save lives.