Severe storms and life-threatening flash floods are hitting areas in Southwest, Central and Southeast Texas.

According to forecasts from the National Weather Service, the storm system will be in the region for the remainder of the week.

Jarvis Bartholomew, a plumbing apprentice and member of Plumbers Local 68, said people in the path of the storms should make sure they have water in their emergency kits.

"They think that water's always going to be there and then sometimes it's not," Bartholomew pointed out. "A lot of times, if the power goes out, there may be a pump station near you that the job of that pump station is to clean the water. That power may go out too."

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Bartholomew suggested filling your kitchen sink and bathtub with water and having at least two cases of bottled water. A state disaster declaration has been issued for 59 Texas counties. More counties could be added once the system leaves the area and damage is assessed.

Weather Service forecasters said some communities could receive up to 20 inches of rain. Residents in the affected counties are encouraged to closely monitor local and state weather reports and comply with requests to evacuate. Bartholomew stressed if you are forced to leave your home, take precautions when you return.

"A lot of times you could see the waterline that kind of lets you know how much water got into your home. If it got to the outlets I wouldn't touch anything. I wouldn't turn anything on," Bartholomew advised.

Bartholomew emphasized if water rose above the light sockets, an electrician should be called to the home. Other signs of trouble could be slow or blocked drains, unusual odors, discolored water or standing water near drains or cleanouts.

Bartholomew pointed out flooded homes run the risk of black mold contamination, which could spread quickly and affect a person's health.