Texas Gov. Greg Abbott widened the state’s disaster declaration to 59 counties on Tuesday as flooding hit parts of Texas and emergency crews raced to respond. The move followed his activation of emergency resources over the weekend and put state support behind local communities already dealing with water-covered roads and high-water rescues.
The declaration comes as millions across Texas face flash-flood risk this week, with the Weather Prediction Center outlining a swath of south-central Texas that remains under threat. In Uvalde County, where high-water rescues have been reported, video has shown vehicles swept away as roads disappeared under rising water.
Abbott said the protection of Texans is his top priority and said the declaration is meant to let state resources move quickly where they are needed most. He also urged people in affected areas to monitor local weather forecasts, avoid driving through flooded roadways and keep emergency supplies ready.
Bexar, Harris and Travis are among the counties already included, and officials said more counties will be added as needed. That matters because the storm system is not easing yet. Upwards of a foot of rain is still possible, mainly in the Big Bend Region, by the end of the week, and the broad flood threat leaves little room for delay as crews try to stay ahead of the next round of water.
For Uvalde County, the immediate question is not whether the response will grow, but how fast it can keep pace with the next surge of rain. State officials have already expanded the declaration once, and they are signaling they will expand it again if the flooding spreads.
