Severe Storms and Flooding Prompt Disaster Declaration Across 101 Texas Counties

HOUSTON, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 101 counties across the state in response to ongoing severe storms and widespread flooding risks. The declaration, which covers major Houston-area counties including Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, and Montgomery, is designed to grant local communities immediate access to state emergency resources and support services.

The disaster order primarily impacts counties located in Central, South, and Southeast Texas, though officials noted the declaration is not strictly limited to those regions. According to state officials, the severe weather has brought heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding conditions to multiple parts of the state, prompting warnings for residents to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to monitor local weather updates.

As part of the state's response, Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to elevate operations to a 24-hour status at the Texas State Emergency Operations Center. This directive follows instructions issued to the agency last week to prepare for the incoming weather systems. State officials continue to urge residents to take safety precautions as the storm systems move across Texas.