TYLER, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott has added several East Texas counties to the state's disaster declaration that was used due to severe storms and flooding.
The National Weather Service reports that several parts of Texas, including East Texas, face an increased risk of severe thunderstorms bringing excessive rainfall and flash flooding. NWS is also predicting extreme river flooding for Central and East Texas river basins.
Previously, the only East Texas counties within the declaration were Trinity and Tyler counties.
Area counties under the disaster declaration include:
- Anderson
- Angelina
- Cherokee
- Gregg
- Henderson
- Houston
- Jasper
- Nacogdoches
- Panola
- Rusk
- Sabine
- San Augustine
- Shelby
- Smith
- Van Zandt
"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," Abbott said. "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."
First responders helped with multiple high-water rescues in Central and Southeast Texas. There have road closures and school districts had to close or change the schedules. Abbott encouraged residents to watch their local forecasts, make an emergency plan, and follow instructions of emergency response officials. People should never drive or walk through flooded roads.
Texans can use these websites as resources during severe weather: TexasFlood.org, TexasReady.gov, DriveTexas.org and tdem.texas.gov.
