Gov. Abbott issues Disaster Declaration for 31 Texas counties

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - County Judge Craig Doyal said county officials appreciate the quick action by Gov. Greg Abbott to issue a disaster declaration covering Montgomery County and numerous other counties in response to the May flood incidents.

The press release from Gov. Abbott was released Wednesday.

With the state declaration, it is now up to the federal government to make its own disaster declaration, at which point FEMA will be instructed to begin working with local officials to begin responding to aid requests. "We are in contact with our federal officials to urge a speedy response," Judge Doyal said. "Sen. John Cornyn just recently called us and told us he would work to help us get the declaration."

Meanwhile, county officials warn that more heavy rains are forecast for Montgomery County in the next few days, with the potential for as many as 8 inches Friday.

"We urge residents to prepare, and call on all residents to pray for some relief from these storms," Judge Doyal said.

Montgomery County Officials and the Office of Emergency Management continue to monitor current and forecast weather conditions.

Montgomery County is forecast to receive between 4-6 inches over the next couple of days, and as many as 8 inches Friday. Given that the ground is saturated and rivers are swollen the rain will runoff quickly and will lead to street flooding and may cause rivers to rise or slow the fall of the river levels. This could extend the duration of flooding.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Montgomery County and surrounding areas through Friday evening. This could be extended, please continue to monitor our website www.mctxoem.org or the local news outlets for updates.

Persons are urged to stay away from the river until water levels recede. Motorists should avoid any water covered roads and find an alternate route. Livestock and equipment should remain out of the flood plain for the next few days. Roads that flooded last week likely could flood again. Please be cautious when driving especially at night. Your car can be swept off the road in as little as 1 foot of water. Do not go around barricades or road closures, it is against the law. Turn Around Don't Drown!

So far, we have received more than 600 reports of damaged homes and/or businesses. If you have damage and have not yet reported it, please do so. The damage assessment questionnaire is posted to our website www.mctxoem.org or you may call the Office of Emergency Management Hotline at 936-523-3916 to report damages to a residence or business.

MCCARES (Montgomery County Community Assistance Recovery Efforts and Services) is working on getting volunteers organized to start helping those in our community that need assistance. Montgomery County Food Bank, along with The Woodlands Rotary Club, will be hosting a food fair June 4, 2016 9am -12pm at the Woodforest Stadium, for those in need.

The 31 Texas counties included in the governor's state of emergency disaster declaration include:

Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Coleman, Colorado, Erath, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Jasper, Kleberg, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Lubbock, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, Polk, Robertson, San Jacinto, Tyler, Walker, Waller, Washington and Wharton counties.

Updates on conditions in Montgomery County can be found on the Emergency Management website www.mctxoem.org