Abbott issues disaster declaration for 51 counties ahead of Tropical Storm Alberto

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 51 counties. The declaration was made as Tropical Storm Alberto began to move through the Gulf of Mexico.

A disaster declaration would typically be put in place if there is a threat of imminent disaster.

The governor's office said Tropical Storm Alberto was expected to cause widespread and severe property damage, injury and loss of life due to widespread flooding, life-threatening storm surge, damaging wind and heavy rainfall.

Counties in the governor’s declaration include:

Aransas, Atascosa, Bandera, Bee, Bexar, Brazoria, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, Fort Bend, Frio, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Harris, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kinney, Kleberg, LaSalle, Lavaca, Live Oak, Matagorda, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Nueces, Orange, Real, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala counties.

According to the governor’s office, additional counties could be added depending on conditions.

"Texas is working closely with local officials and emergency response personnel to swiftly deploy all necessary assistance as heavy rainfall, tropical storm force winds, and coastal flooding impact communities in South Texas and the Coastal Bend," Abbott said. "I urge Texans in at-risk areas to remain weather aware and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their families safe."