With Tropical Storm Francine edging closer to the Gulf Coast, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has addressed residents in Austin and Beaumont regarding the state's proactive measures against the anticipated storm. In his addresses, Abbott underscored the importance of readiness for heavy rain, possible tornadoes, and flash flooding, insisting on the safety of Texans in vulnerable areas. "Our top priority is the safety of our fellow Texans, especially for those along the Gulf Coast," Abbott stated, pointing to the potential of life-threatening storm surges and alluding to the likelihood of evacuation orders. The alerts are based on the storm's expected intensification into a hurricane, and the state’s pre-stage response along the shoreline from Brownsville to Beaumont, as reported by the Office of the Texas Governor.
Taking the stage with state and local officials, including Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd and others, Abbott also mentioned the deployed Texas National Guard, ready to tackle the storm's oncoming challenges. Urging caution, the Governor's advice to residents is simple yet critical: "Turn Around, Don’t Drown." Notwithstanding, the efforts of state agencies, Chief Kidd insists on personal preparedness, “We have state agencies ready to support, but nothing will protect a family more than a protected family taking care of themselves," he said as documented by the Office of the Texas Governor.
In his additional advisories, Governor Abbott reached out to Texans on the roadways, warning drivers to stay vigilant and avoid travel unless imperative. Emphasizing the coordination with local officials, he sought assuring that people heed the guidance provided for their well-being. Additionally, the Governor's commentary included expectations placed on power providers to be fully prepared and effectively respond to power outages during the storm, as detailed by the Office of the Texas Governor.
The Texas coast is now a backdrop for a notable alignment of emergency responders exceeding 1,100, prepped alongside state resource vehicle and equipment assets including swift water rescue boats, helicopters, and ambulances – strategically dispersed for accessible response in coastal communities. According to the Office of the Texas Governor, the state has ramped up its preparation over the past weekend, with TDEM activating state emergency response resources and increasing SOC to a 24-hour Level II (Escalated Response) on Monday. In the wake of ongoing flash flooding impacting the state, last week's deployment was indeed timely, and essential for facing the consequences of Tropical Storm Francine.
