Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared the activation of the state’s emergency response system in preparation for possible impacts from developing tropical systems in the Atlantic.
This declaration comes as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has been closely watching as several separate tropical systems form, with the chance of development becoming more and more likely.
Potential Storm Six
The NHC is most focused on what they are calling “Potential Storm Six” also known as Tropical Storm Francine.
Early on September 9, the NHC declared that it was expected to become a storm later today, bringing with it “life-threatening” conditions like storm surges and hurricane-force winds.
Becoming Francine
The National Hurricane Center officially declared the storm system disturbance had become Tropical Storm Francine in advisory four later on Monday.
As a tropical storm, Francine is expected to intensify as it starts to approach the coastline.
Abbott Activates Response
On September 8, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) released a statement announcing the activation of emergency response systems.
“Governor Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state emergency response resources ahead of potential impacts from tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico. These resources are activated in addition to assets previously deployed in response to heavy rainfall and flash flooding across the state,” said the statement.
Take Steps to Prepare
If someone is living in the affected area, it is critical to keep up to date on changes in the forecast as well as take necessary precautions.
“Texans are reminded to take steps to prepare for tropical weather impacts by implementing an emergency plan, gathering supplies for an emergency go-kit, and monitoring local forecast information. Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, access additional preparedness tips at TexasReady.gov, and find general disaster preparedness information at tdem.texas.gov/prepare,” said the TDEM statement.
Texas Stands Ready
Abbott was quoted in the statement ensuring Texas residents that support is necessary because of the severity of the threat.
“Texas stands ready to provide all available resources needed to support Texans as a severe storm system begins to move along the Gulf Coast that will bring potential flash flooding threats and heavy rain,” said Governor Abbott.
Readiness Level
Governor Abbott also emphasized the seriousness of the situation by announcing a raising of the readiness levels in preparation for Monday.
“To ensure support and resources are swiftly deployed, I have directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to increase the readiness level of the State Operations Center starting tomorrow morning,” Abbott said.
Precautionary Measures
In his statement, the governor urged Texas residents to not wait and to instead take precautions for the possibility of the storm as soon as possible.
“Texans are urged to take the necessary precautions for potential tropical weather, including remaining weather aware, monitoring road conditions, and having an emergency plan to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones. Texas will continue to closely monitor weather conditions to protect the well-being of Texans,” Abbott said.
Chance of Impact
According to the National Weather Service, the storm system had a 90% chance of tropical development.
This means that the system is very likely to be transformed into a deadly tropical storm or hurricane, with up to 8-10 inches of flash flooding predicted for some areas.
Entire Gulf Coast
On the social media platform X, Abbott has been posting updates to show the government is on top of any developments.
“It’s time to get ready along the entire Gulf Coast. More announcements tomorrow and Tuesday as we get better clarity where this storm might land. In the meantime, Texas is deploying resources across the region to be prepared wherever the storm may hit,” wrote Abbott.
Still Hurting From Past Storms
While Texas gears up for another round of possible intense storms, the impact of recent storms is still fresh in some resident’s minds. In July, Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas, which caused over 2 million power outages, many lasting longer than expected.
“Still waiting on Centerpoint to clear all the vegetation from the last storm,” wrote one X user under Abbott’s warning post.
Absent Abbott
While Hurricane Beryl was ravaging the Texas coastline, Abbott received criticism for leaving the state for an economic development tour in Asia. Critics of his recent posts about the new storm continue to hammer the governor with this line of attack.
“Public service announcement: a storm is coming. Please clear a path to the airports so Governor Greg can escape on another taxpayer funded trip to Asia,” wrote an X user.
