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Texas Prepares for Flooding DALLAS, TX (KERA) - The state's Homeland Security director says Hurricane Gustav could drench North East Texas as early as today. KERA's Shelley Kofler was at the command post in Austin and has this story on possible flooding.

Thirty feet below ground, in the state's high tech emergency command center, President George Bush and Governor Rick Perry seemed relieved. Hurricane Gustav had spared New Orleans from another catastrophic hit. The President congratulated Gulf State governors for working with federal disaster teams to deliver early assistance and relief. But Perry couldn't completely relax.

Perry: This may not be over yet because of the potential for flooding up in Northeast Texas.

After the hurricane comes rain. Heavy rain. And Texas Homeland Security Director Steve McCraw says the state is concerned the storm will stall over Tyler dumping more rain than Northeast Texas can safely handle.

McCraw: The National Guard will stay on stand-by or activated and that's important. We have high-profile vehicles that can get into areas to get people out. Our search-and-rescue resources are on stand-by as well for Texans and Louisianans if they need military forces.



The state also has aircraft prepared to lift flood victims to safety and game wardens ready to launch their boat fleet for high water rescues.



McCraw says Texas has planned for the worst but is praying for the best.

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