Hurricane Harvey was the most significant tropical cyclone rainfall event in U.S. history, both in scope and rainfall with more than 60 inches recorded after landfall along the Texas coast as a Category 4 hurricane. The strength and mass of this hurricane and the days of record flooding that followed were unprecedented in recent history as was the aggressive advance action and coordination of federal, state and local emergency management agencies. In this timeline: A snapshot of action taken by Governor Abbott in the days before and after the storm hit.
Days in advance of Tropical Depression Harvey, Governor Abbott orders the multi-agency State Operations Center to elevate its readiness level and directs state agencies to make available any and all resources to assist in preparation, rescue and recovery. The Governor preemptively declares a state of disaster for 30 counties most at risk of the anticipated storm, activates the Texas National Guard and Texas State Guard, and asks Texans to heed all local warnings.
Harvey is upgraded to a tropical storm; Governor Abbott discusses hurricane preparedness with Acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke and FEMA Administrator Brock Long. The President calls Governor Abbott and pledges all available federal resources. The Governor urges all Texans to heed local officials’ warnings, strongly consider voluntary evacuation orders and strictly comply with all mandatory evacuation orders.
Following a briefing with all activated state agencies, Governor Abbott holds a press conference and again urges all Texans to heed local officials’ warnings, strongly consider voluntary evacuation orders and strictly comply with all mandatory evacuation orders. Governor Abbott requests a Presidential Disaster Declaration in advance for six counties and visits a San Antonio shelter. Harvey makes landfall at 10 p.m.
Governor Abbott contacts local officials by phone to hear damage estimates firsthand and to offer support. The Governor begins receiving formal daily briefings, provides a media update and adds 20 Texas counties to the State Disaster Declaration. While receiving reports from the impacted region on rescue and recovery operations, Governor Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott visit an Austin Red Cross Shelter where they serve dinner.
Based on continuing updates from the region, Governor Abbott requests 12 counties be added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration. Governor Abbott requests that a Texas National Guard Dual Status Command be established to allow for a single commander of both federal and state forces. The Governor is joined by U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Karl Schultz and agency officials for a media update on ongoing rescue and recovery.
Governor Abbott activates the entire Texas National Guard, and visits the Coastal Bend region for an on-site briefing. After an aerial tour to survey the extensive damage, the Governor speaks with local officials and Texans impacted by the storm. He is joined on the ground by Senator John Cornyn and FEMA Administrator Brock Long. The Governor directs state agencies to extend deadlines, waive fees and cut red tape.
Governor Abbott joins the President and Cabinet members in Corpus Christi to meet with local leaders and relief organizations. They are joined by Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz in Austin for a detailed briefing. Governor Abbott reminds Houston residents threatened by floodwaters that preserving life remains the top priority, and he announces $25 million in federal funds for TxDOT for debris removal, cleanup and transportation infrastructure repairs.
For more information on steps to recovery from Hurricane Harvey, please click the Find Out More button below.
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