Just weeks ago, President Donald Trump said he wanted to begin “phasing out” the Federal Emergency Management Agency after this hurricane season to “wean off of FEMA” and “bring it down to the state level.

Here's what to know about the deadly flooding, the colossal weather system that drove it and ongoing efforts to identify victims.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced the federal declaration Friday after formally requesting it for the Austin-area counties Thursday afternoon.

President Donald Trump travels to Texas on Friday amid growing questions about how local officials responded to the devastating floods, as well as questions about the federal response -- including the fate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency -- that he has so far avoided.

Forecasters warn that slow-moving storms could bring heavy downpours to already saturated areas, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

President Trump is set to travel to Texas to visit the areas hit by catastrophic floods. This comes as questions loom about his administration's plans for FEMA, and how residents were notified about the weather events.

Max Chesnes is the Tampa Bay Times' environment and climate reporter, covering public lands, water quality, wildlife and everything in between. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him on Instagram @MaxChesnes. Anyone can view a sampling of recent comments, but you must be a Times subscriber to contribute. Log in above or subscribe here.