(Image source from: American Lookout)

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration Friday in advance of a forthcoming weather disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that is anticipated to bring terrible weather to the coast and South Texas.

"The tropical disturbance impacting the Texas coast poses a threat of imminent disaster, including severe flooding, property damage and potential loss of life," Abbott said. "While we stand ready to deploy state resources to assist local officials in their response efforts, it is critical that all Texans in the storm's path are prepared to ensure their own safety."

Prior to the statement, which covers Webb County and 77 others, the governor had ordered the Texas State Operations Center to increase its preparedness level to Level II for "escalated response conditions."

On Friday morning, the weather disturbance hit the Texas coast and began creeping inland. Meteorologists expect the system to bring between 3 to 5 inches of rainfall, with isolated pockets up to 8 inches Friday through Sunday.

A flash flood watch is in effect for South Texas until 7 p.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service said.

With soils already saturated from recent rains, any heavy rainfall could rapidly outcome in flash flooding.

By Sowmya Sangam