Texas Task Force 1 deploys swiftwater rescue teams

COLLEGE STATION — At 2 a.m. this morning, the Texas Department of Emergency Management notified Texas Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) to deploy four swiftwater rescue teams across the state due to heavy rain from Tropical Storm Hermine. Several Central Texas counties have experienced over 10 inches of rain in the last 24 hours as the storm moves north through the state. The teams were deployed to Williamson and Hill County. The swiftwater rescue teams will support requests by local jurisdictions that are currently experiencing flash flooding.

The National Weather Service predicts continued heavy rain over much of Central and North Texas that will affect the Guadalupe, Colorado, and Brazos rivers.

Texans are reminded to monitor local media or NOAA Weather Radio during severe weather events for any statements and/or warnings issued by the National Weather Service.

Flash Flood Facts
As little as six inches of water moving over a roadway can begin to move your car. Swiftwater has a different effect on vehicles than standing water. Twelve to 24 inches of swiftwater can sweep away any type of vehicle, even a large truck or SUV.

About Texas Task Force 1
Texas Task Force 1 is sponsored by the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and is comprised of more than 500 personnel representing more than 60 jurisdictions and agencies from across the state of Texas, and is one of 28 teams in the FEMA national urban search and rescue system. Texas Task Force 1 and TEEX coordinate statewide requests for search and rescue.

About the Texas Engineering Extension Service
TEEX, a member of The Texas A&M University System, offers hands-on, customized, first-responder training, homeland security exercises, technical assistance and technology transfer services impacting Texas and beyond. TEEX programs include fire services, homeland security, law enforcement, public works, safety and health, search and rescue, and economic development.