As Tropical Storm Francine looms closer, Governor Greg Abbott updated Texans on the state's readiness with briefings held in both Austin and Beaumont. Abbott emphasized the risk of heavy rains, potential flash floods, high winds, and even tornadoes, as he spoke at the State Operations Center (SOC) and the Beaumont Emergency Operations Center (EOC). "Our top priority is the safety of our fellow Texans, especially for those along the Gulf Coast," Governor Abbott stated, urging residents to follow local officials' advice, and warning of the high chance of storm surge, according to a release from the governor's office.
With an eye firmly on the Gulf Coast, Texas braces up for the storm, having already pre-staged resources from Brownsville to Beaumont, and the deployment of the Texas National Guard stands at the ready. The concern, ill-equipped though the locals may be, comes with an advisory: "Turn Around, Don’t Drown." The officials, including Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd and Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director Marc Williams, flanked the Governor during the press conference.
Amidst the preparations, TDEM Chief Kidd proffered words of caution to residents in Southeast Texas. "The public should not be lulled into a false sense of security that there will be no impacts to Southeast Texas," Kidd said. His suggestion was clear-cut: make a family communication plan, talk to friends and family, and ensure you have the necessary resources. This guidance is provided in anticipation that all families protect themselves first and foremost during the storm, as mentioned by the Office of the Texas Governor.
To the drivers in Texas, vigilance is the word of the hour. Governor Abbott advised restraint from unnecessary travel on roads to avoid being caught in the storm's hazardous conditions—this statement coming as the storm threatens to escalate into a hurricane. Additionally, he urged Texans along the coast to pay heed to state and local guidance to be safe, expecting power providers to be on top of the situation, and ready to respond to power outages fast and effectively. These steps form part of a larger effort, preceding the activation of more state emergency resources over the weekend, and a bolstering of the SOC to a 24-hour Level II readiness level on Monday, as Texas faced rain and flash flooding in the previous week.
