Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration As Tropical Storm Alberto Impacts Texas
June 19, 2024 | Austin, Texas | Press Release
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an emergency declaration in the 51 Texas counties while Tropical Storm Alberto is moving across the Gulf of Mexico with impacts anticipated to last for the southern portion of Texas.
“As Tropical Storm Alberto moves through the Gulf Coast, I issued a severe weather disaster declaration for 51 counties to ensure Texans and at-risk regions have the resources and personnel needed to respond to this storm,” declared Governor Abbott. “Texas is working closely with local officials and emergency response personnel to swiftly deploy all necessary assistance as heavy rainfall, tropical storm force winds, and coastal flooding impact communities in South Texas and the Coastal Bend. I urge Texans in at risk-areas to remain weather aware and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their families safe.”
The counties in the Governor’s statement are: Aransas, Atascosa, Bandera, Bee, Bexar, Brazoria, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, Fort Bend, Frio, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Harris, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kinney, Kleberg, LaSalle, Lavaca, Live Oak, Matagorda, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Nueces, Orange, Real, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Wilson, Zapata Zapata, and Zavala counties. Additional counties can be added when conditions warrant.
As per the National Weather Service, Tropical Storm Alberto is expected to bring heavy rain along with tropical storm force wind gusts to South Texas, the Coastal Bend as well as Southeast Texas. The tropical storm Alberto is predicted to cause continuing coastal flooding along the majority part of the Texas coast throughout the course of.
Texans are advised to stay alert to weather conditions and keep track of local forecasts for information on impacts caused by Tropical Storm Alberto affect the state. Texans can locate resources for individuals and families at tdem.texas.gov/disasters/alberto, including safety information, flooding resources, and road conditions.
Governor Abbott continues to take steps to offer all the resources available to protect local communities against the effects of tropical weather. This includes:
- June 18 – Enhancing the level of readiness that the State Emergency Operations Center and activating additional emergency preparation and response resources to assist local responses.
- June 17 – Initiating state emergency response capabilities ahead of potential impacts from tropical storms.
