Press Release below from gov.texas.gov on 9-21-2026 – Email: GovernorAbbottPress@public.govdelivery.com
AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of heavy rainfall and flooding threats expected to impact portions of West Texas and the Texas Panhandle over the next several days.
“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to the threat of heavy rainfall and flooding,” said Governor Abbott. “State resources are available to support local communities and help keep Texans safe as these weather conditions develop. I urge Texans to remain weather-aware, monitor local forecasts, avoid flooded roadways, and heed the guidance of state and local officials.”
According to the National Weather Service, thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall are expected across portions of Far West Texas, South Plains, and Panhandle, beginning today and intensifying mid-week. The primary hazards associated with these storms are excessive rainfall and flash flooding. Texans are urged never to drive or walk through flooded roadways, as floodwaters may be deeper and move more rapidly than they appear. Always remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local severe weather and flood response operations:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads to assist with flood rescues
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: Regional personnel to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
- Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring roadway and transportation conditions
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with water rescues
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, helicopters with hoist capability, and the Tactical Marine Unit
- Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents and County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power-outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural-gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air, water, and wastewater monitoring
Texans should proactively prepare by reviewing family communication plans, assembling an emergency supply kit, and following instructions issued by local officials. Visit DriveTexas.org for real-time road conditions, find comprehensive severe weather preparedness information at TexasReady.gov, locate flood information at TexasFlood.org, and access all-hazards preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.