Governor Greg Abbott yesterday declared a state of disaster in nine Southeast Texas counties after severe weather and flooding.
Abbott signed the disaster declaration for Austin, Bastrop, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Grimes, Harris, Montgomery, Waller and Wharton counties. He authorized the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions to help cope with the disaster.
Several major interstate highways and subdivisions were submerged and thousands of residents lost power after more than a foot of rain fell in Houston on Monday, according to the Associated Press. Some areas saw water levels up to 20 inches.
Authorities said at least five fatalities appeared to be weather-related.
“It is very, very important for everybody in whatever community they live in, if you may encounter potential flooding or if you receive any type of warning whatsoever from local law enforcement officials, heed those warnings,” Abbott said at yesterday’s press conference. “Please remember the easy phrase, ‘turn around, don’t drown.’ Stay out of the rising water.”
Residents can locate which roadways are closed at http://drivetexas.org.