Governor Adds Seven More Texas Counties As 'Disaster Areas' [UPDATE]

AUSTIN, TX -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott added seven more counties as disaster areas stemming from earlier flooding.

Abbott on Friday added Bosque, Fayette, Liberty, Milam, Palo Pinto, Parker, and San Jacinto Counties to his April 18th disaster declaration following severe weather and flooding in those parts of Texas.

By declaring certain regions as disaster areas, the governor sets the stage for those affected by the downpours that began Sunday to be eligible for financial assistance via the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Additional counties may be added as the situation develops, Abbott said.

Earlier, the governor declared nine counties as disaster areas, noting that Harris County and its major city of Houston was the hardest hit by the flooding. About 17 inches fell on Houston in a 24-hour period, with rain totals going up with additional, albeit much weakened, rainfall after the Sunday-Monday peak period.

The nine counties previously declared disaster areas are: Austin, Bastrop, Fort Bend, Colorado, Grimes, Harris, Montgomery, Waller and Wharton.

To view Governor Abbott's disaster declaration, click here.

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From April 18:

AUSTIN, TX -- In the wake of severe -- and in some cases, devastating -- flooding throughout the state, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared several counties as disaster areas late Monday.

"One half of the state is still under flood warnings," Abbott said in a press conference. "One of the most important messages I could convey to Texans across the state this moment is that these warnings will continue for substantial parts of Texas."

The nine counties declared disaster areas are: Austin, Bastrop, Fort Bend, Colorado, Grimes, Harris, Montgomery, Waller and Wharton Counties. Additional counties may be added as the situation develops, the governor noted.

The disaster area declaration was especially necessary given the likelihood that rain will continue in the coming days, he added. Even places that won't be getting substantive rain after Monday are subject to flooding, he noted.

"There will be parts of Texas that will continue to receive rain over the coming days," he said. "There will be parts of Texas that may not get any rain. However, they will still be subject to higher, rising water and still-ongoing floods."

Declaring the affected areas as disasters clears the way for potential federal funding for assistance. Residents living in the affected areas are eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to help make them whole with the declaration of a disaster area in effect.

"We have been working through this process with FEMA and will continue to do so," Abbott said. "FEMA has always been very collaborative and supportive in essential aid to us here in the state of Texas. We also have been working with the Red Cross."

Abbott singled out Harris County where the city of Houston is located, as the most in need. The city was hardest hit by the powerful storms and resulting flooding, getting some 17 inches of rain in a 24-hour period.

He urged those wanting to help -- with financial assistance, food, shelter and other needs -- to contact the American Red Cross: "The needs are most acute in Harris County -- in Houston, Texas -- and in Waller County in addition to the counties I have listed in my official declaration," he said.

He urged residents to heed oft-repeated warnings from law enforcement to never attempt crossing areas of high water: "It's very, very important for everybody in whatever communities they live: If you encounter potential flooding or if you receive any kind of warning whatsoever from local enforcement officials, heed those warnings.

"Please, remember the easy phrase 'turn around, don't drown.' Stay out of the rising water."

He cited a website called drivetexas.org to which people can refer in checking for road closures in their area.

He also noted that the IRS has stepped in with assistance of sorts, agreeing to extend the time affected residents have to file their taxes, which were due for filing by midnight on Monday.

To watch Abbott's full press conference, click here.