Gov. Greg Abbott on July 14 issued a disaster declaration for 59 Texas counties as severe storms continue to threaten the state, including Caldwell County. 

Declarations of disaster are issued to unlock emergency funding, activate mutual aid, and grant local leaders special legal powers to manage threats. Without an official declaration, a local government cannot easily access higher-level resources.

According to the National Weather Service, heavy rainfall across Southwest, Central, and Southeast Texas is forecast through the end of the week, leading to increased risks of flash flooding. Multiple rounds of rainfall over the same communities as a result of this weather pattern are expected to cause dangerous conditions across these areas. Texans are encouraged to continue monitoring local weather forecast information and have emergency supplies readily available.