Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration covering Brazoria County and 100 other counties as severe storms, repeated heavy rainfall and flooding threats continue across Texas.
The declaration, announced June 15, is intended to give affected local governments access to additional state resources and support as communities prepare for potentially dangerous weather conditions.
Brazoria County is among the counties included in the declaration, placing communities such as Freeport, Lake Jackson, Clute, Angleton, Brazoria, Surfside Beach and surrounding areas under the broader state disaster response.
Additional counties could be added if conditions change or damage spreads.
“Texas is prepared to respond to the severe weather threats that continue to move across our state,” Abbott said in announcing the declaration.
The governor said ongoing storms and flood risks prompted the state action, which allows local officials and communities to access a wider range of emergency resources.
Abbott also urged Texans to follow instructions from state and local authorities and take precautions as weather conditions develop.
The declaration comes as the Texas Division of Emergency Management expands the state’s response and moves the Texas State Emergency Operations Center into 24-hour operations.
The around-the-clock activation is designed to improve coordination among state agencies and local officials while monitoring storm movement, flooding, road conditions, power interruptions and requests for assistance.
Emergency resources prepared by the state include swift-water rescue teams, flood-rescue boats, high-profile vehicles and urban search-and-rescue personnel.
Texas National Guard members, Texas Department of Public Safety personnel, Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens and other agencies have also been placed in position to assist if local communities request help.
Helicopters equipped for water rescues are also available as officials prepare for the possibility of people becoming trapped by rising water.
Medical response packages, ambulances, medics and all-terrain vehicles have been readied to support communities affected by severe weather.
The Texas Department of Transportation is monitoring road conditions, while state utility and environmental agencies are watching for power outages, infrastructure problems and possible effects on water and air quality.
For Brazoria County residents, the disaster declaration does not automatically mean every community has suffered disaster-level damage. It means the county is included in the state’s emergency framework while officials monitor conditions and prepare to respond.
The declaration may also make it easier for local authorities to request state personnel, equipment and other assistance if flooding, storm damage or public-safety threats exceed local capabilities.
Residents should continue monitoring official forecasts and alerts from Brazoria County, local cities, emergency management offices and the National Weather Service.
People living in flood-prone areas should pay particular attention to rainfall totals, drainage conditions, creek and river levels and any road closure notices issued during the storm.
Officials are warning drivers not to enter flooded roadways.
Water covering a road can hide washed-out pavement, dangerous currents or debris. Even when water appears shallow, conditions can change quickly and vehicles can be swept from the roadway.
Motorists should turn around when they encounter barricades, standing water or roads closed by emergency personnel.
Residents are also being encouraged to have basic emergency supplies available, including drinking water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, phone chargers and important documents.
Families should make plans for pets and livestock and ensure that everyone in the household knows where to go if local authorities issue evacuation or shelter instructions.
People who rely on medical equipment or electricity-dependent devices should review backup plans in case localized power outages occur.
The governor’s office advised Texans to remain informed, avoid unnecessary travel during dangerous conditions and follow warnings from local authorities.
Residents can check current road conditions through DriveTexas and review storm-preparedness information through Texas Ready and the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
The declaration covers counties across Southeast Texas, the Gulf Coast, Central Texas, South Texas and other portions of the state.
Nearby counties included in the declaration include Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Matagorda, Wharton, Colorado and Chambers counties.
State and local officials will continue monitoring the weather and assessing whether additional resources or counties need to be added to the response.
Gulf Coast Times will continue monitoring severe weather conditions and local alerts affecting Brazoria County.
Readers can view the governor’s original announcement and the complete list of counties included in the disaster declaration here:
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-disaster-declaration-for-texas-severe-weather
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