More than 200 agencies responding to catastrophic storms, floods in Southeast Texas

Over 200 agencies are responding to the aftermath of catastrophic storms and floods in southeast Texas.

Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday met with many leaders of these agencies to give an update on the state and local response to assist residents pummeled by rain and floodwaters devastating communities and wiping out homes and businesses.

"Even in a heart-wrenching event like the catastrophic storms and floods we have witnessed in East Texas, we have also seen the resiliency of Texans who are willing to lend a helping hand to protect their fellow Texans," Abbott said at a press event on Monday in Conroe, Texas. "The No. 1 thing we want to do in severe weather events is to protect lives.”

He said there are 232 agencies, including state, local, and federal agencies, responding to the storms.

At the state level, state agencies have evacuated 124 people and rescued 58, including 99 pets. More than 500 people were rescued through local government emergency response officials, he said.

According to the National Weather Service Houston, the severe weather event “started back on April 28th bringing torrential rainfall across the Pineywoods region. Additional rounds of heavy rain occurred all week long. Preliminary max rainfall was near Lake Livingston with 23.32 inches.”

“Minor to major river flooding continues, particularly along portions of the Trinity, San Jacinto, and Navasota rivers,” it said. “Rivers will remain swollen for days, so please continue to take caution.”

It also warned, “We have numerous flooded roads across the region, and we want to stress to NOT drive around barricades or through flood waters. You never truly know how deep the water is or what debris is lurking beneath.”

Abbott also warned, “as rivers continue to rise for days, we urge Texans around those regions to listen to local officials and take the precautions needed to protect themselves and their properties.” He also reiterated a warning seen on highway signs throughout southeast Texas saying, “it is not worth it to risk your life to drive through high waters. Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown."

The governor held the briefing with local and state officials after issuing disaster declarations for 88 counties as extreme river flooding in Central and East Texas river basins was expected. Historic releases from lake and reservoir operators contributed to major flooding for downstream rivers and tributaries, authorities said.

Video footage of areas of southeast Texas from Livingston to Shepherd to New Caney show water levels reaching or surpassing the roofs of homes, entire highways and roads wiped out, and some residents trapped in vehicles.

Abbott encouraged Texans to report damages through Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) tool, which is available is in English and Spanish.

Texans are urged to monitor local forecasts, make an emergency plan, and follow instructions of emergency response officials. They can also access flood information at TexasFlood.org, find flood preparedness tips at TexasReady.gov, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, and locate severe weather resources at tdem.texas.gov.

Local news reports are also notifying residents of bridges and roads that are unsafe to travel. Some schools are still closed.