Dan Patrick is the acting governor of Texas. Here's why
AUSTIN, Texas - With Hurricane Beryl making landfall on the Texas coast, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has taken on the duties of acting governor.
Patrick added 81 new Texas counties, including Dallas County, to a Hurricane Beryl disaster declaration on Saturday.
With the Lieutenant Governor taking on a bigger role, many people online have been wanting to know what is happening with Governor Greg Abbott.
The governor is fine, he is just overseas.
Abbott is leading a week-long trip to Asia to meet with business and government leaders in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.
"I look forward to meeting with business and government leaders in Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan to strengthen our economic and cultural partnerships as we work together to forge the future of innovation," said Governor Abbott in a statement about the trip.
Live Updates: Hurricane Beryl's path, Dallas-Fort Worth impact
Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Monday morning as a Category 1 near Matagorda, Texas.
The governor's trip began on July 5 and will continue until July 13.
"While I am in Taiwan, South Korea & Japan working on business deals worth billions, I remain in daily contact with Texas Division of Emergency Management & local officials to ensure preparation for Hurricane Beryl," wrote Abbott in a social media post. "Your safety is our top concern."
With Gov. Abbott overseas and Beryl expected to make landfall in Texas on Monday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has taken on the duties of acting governor.