Gov. Abbott orders increased readiness ahead of Tropical Storm Nicholas

AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) — Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Texas State Operations Center to increase its readiness to Level II starting Monday morning in response to Tropical Storm Nicholas.

The SOC is set to operate at an escalated response at 9 a.m. to coordinate the state’s response in support of local officials.

Tropical Storm Nicholas is forecast to begin impacting the Texas coast Monday.

In a press release, Abbott urged Texans to start preparing and paying close attention to all weather warnings.

“The State Operations Center has increased its readiness and is prepared to assist local officials in their response to Tropical Storm Nicholas,” said Governor Abbott. “As this storm approaches Texas, I urge our Southeast Texas and Gulf Coast communities to prepare now to protect themselves and their loved ones from the severe weather conditions that Tropical Storm Nicholas will bring.”

On Saturday, Abbott readied resources to assist local communities impacted by the storm. The following resources were activated.

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force One): 6 Swift Water Rescue Boat Squads and 8 Overhead Packages

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Warden Boat Teams

• Texas Military Department: 5 Ground Transportation Platoons With High Profile Vehicles

• Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF) Severe Weather Packages

The governor’s office advised residents to start moving valuables to higher levels, decluttering drains and gutters, installing check valves and placing important documents in waterproof containers.

The City of Sugar Land shared the following reminders with residents.