Gov. Abbott Prepares State For Tropical Storm Hanna’s Arrival, Urges Texans To Prepare

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott Friday issued the following statement after the National Hurricane Center issued a Hurricane Warning and Storm Surge Warnings for several parts of the Texas Coast as Tropical Storm Hanna approaches the state:

“As Tropical Storm Hanna approaches, Texans along the coast are advised to take precautionary measures to protect life and property,” said Governor Abbott. “I urge all those who are in the path of this storm to heed the warnings and guidance from local officials before the storm makes landfall. The State of Texas will coordinate with local officials to provide assistance and resources to communities in the area.”

A Hurricane Warning has been issued from Baffin Bay northward to Mesquite Bay. A Storm Surge Warning has been issued from Baffin Bay to Sargent, Texas — including Corpus Christi Bay, Copany Bay, Aransas Bay, San Antonio Bay, and Matagorda Bay. 

A Hurricane Warning means that Hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area, in this case within the next 24 hours. 

A Storm Surge Warning means there is danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 24 hours in the indicated locations.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Hanna is forecast to become a hurricane before reaching the Texas Coast.

For more information, visit www.hurricanes.gov.

Governor Abbott, TDEM Move Resources Into Position As Tropical Storm Hanna Approaches Texas

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Friday pre-positioned previously rostered resources ahead of Tropical Storm Hanna’s expected landfall in Texas.

This tropical storm is expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, tropical storm-force winds, and dangerous rip currents throughout the lower third of Texas — including the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley — throughout the weekend.

“Our state-rostered resources have been moved into place to assist our communities in the path of Tropical Storm Hanna, and I urge Texans to begin taking immediate precautions as this storm approaches the coast,” said Governor Abbott. “As the possibility of flash flooding, heavy rain, and more threaten many of our communities throughout the weekend, it is imperative that Texans proactively prepare and heed the guidance of their local officials.”

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for a majority of the Texas Coast from the mouth of the Rio Grande to the San Luis Pass. Tropical Storm Hanna is expected to strengthen before making landfall on Saturday.

Tropical Storm Force winds are expected to arrive along the Texas Coast on Saturday morning. Heavy rainfall and potential flooding are expected Saturday morning through Sunday morning across South Texas. Flash Flood Watches are currently in effect across South Texas and into the Rio Grande Valley. 

The following resources have been pre-positioned by TDEM:

• Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews and Incident Management Teams
• Texas A&M Engineering and Extension Service: Texas A&M Task Force One and Two Search and Rescue Teams
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Boat Teams to support Water Rescue Operations
• Texas Military Department: High Profile Vehicle packages
• Department of State Health Services: Emergency Medical Task Force severe weather packages
• Texas Department of Transportation: High Profile Vehicles
• Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Highway Patrol: Search and Rescue Aircraft with hoist capability and the Tactical Marine Unit

Texans are urged to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather events:

• Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: https://www.ready.gov/kit
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
• Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.

Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown. For more flood safety tips, visit ready.gov.