Governor Abbott Deploys Resources Ahead Of Tropical Depression Nine

August 21, 2023 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Orders Activation Of Texas State Operations Center To Level II

Governor Greg Abbott today ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to deploy state emergency response resources and activate the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response Conditions) ahead of Tropical Depression Nine’s expected landfall in South Texas on Tuesday morning.

"Texas stands ready to deploy all available resources to South Texas as tropical storm conditions impact the region this week," said Governor Abbott. "Ahead of heavy rainfall and dangerous winds expected tomorrow, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to increase the readiness level of the State Operations Center to ensure the swift deployment of support and resources to affected communities. I encourage Texans to remain weather-aware and heed the guidance of state and local officials and emergency management personnel as they work together to keep communities safe."

Tropical Depression Nine is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm ahead of landfall, bringing heavy rain, flooding, tropical storm force winds, and dangerous rip currents throughout the southern region of Texas – including the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley – through Wednesday.

This morning, the National Hurricane Center issued a Tropical Storm Warning from the mouth of the Rio Grande River to Port O’Connor and a Tropical Storm Watch from Port O’Connor to Sargent, Texas.

The following resources have been deployed by TDEM:

The following actions have been taken and resources have been rostered for use if needed:

Texans are urged to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather events:

For more flood safety tips, visit ready.gov