Abbott Issues Disaster Declarations for 17 Counties

Gov. Greg Abbott held a briefing at the beginning of the week at the Alternate State Operations Center in Austin where he provided an update on the state’s response to Hurricane Nicholas. This storm is expected to bring significant rainfall and flooding to the entire Gulf Coast as it moves slowly across the state.

The governor also issued a state disaster declaration in response to Nicholas for 17 counties. Counties included in the state disaster declaration are Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio and Victoria. The state will add additional counties as needs are identified.

“Nicholas is expected to bring severe rain and flooding to these communities,” said Abbott. “The state of Texas is working closely with officials on the ground to provide the resources and support needed to keep our communities safe, but it is up to all Texans in the path of this storm to take precautions, heed the guidance of officials and remain vigilant as this severe weather moves through Texas.”