HOUSTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Greg Abbott, governor of U.S. State of Texas, on Thursday declared a state of disaster in 13 counties that are currently experiencing widespread flooding due to tropical storm Imelda.

Harris County, with Houston as its county seat, is among the ones in state of disaster due to widespread flooding.

According to a press release issued Thursday by the Office of the Texas Governor, this declaration will ensure that local officials have access to any state resources they may require to respond to this severe weather.

Tropical storm Imelda made landfall near Freeport along southeastern coastal Texas, about 100 km south of downtown Houston, Tuesday afternoon.

According to the public advisory issued on Thursday by the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the main threat from the storm "may produce significant to life threatening flash floods."

It also warned that isolated tornadoes "will be possible today over parts of southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas."