Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of winter weather expected to affect Texas starting Thursday.
“Based on current forecasts, the State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,” Governor Abbott said. “As temperatures could drop below freezing and regions of Texas face snow, ice, and freezing rain, it is crucial that Texans remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. I thank emergency management personnel and first responders for working tirelessly to keep Texans safe.”
The National Weather Service reports that an arctic cold front will bring very low temperatures and wind chills through early next week. A storm system may cause freezing rain, sleet, and snow, leading to hazardous travel conditions over the weekend and possible effects on infrastructure. The areas most likely to experience wintry weather include northwest, north, and northeast Texas. Freezing rain and sleet are more likely in west, central, south-central, east, and southeast Texas. Cold rain is expected in deep south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.
In response to these forecasts, TDEM has activated several state agencies:
– The Texas Department of Transportation is preparing roads with winter equipment and crews.
– The State Incident Management Team is coordinating efforts with local partners.
– The Texas National Guard will use high-profile vehicles to help stranded motorists.
– The Texas A&M Forest Service’s strike teams will assist with snow and ice clearance.
– Game Wardens from Parks and Wildlife will support law enforcement efforts.
– The Public Utility Commission is monitoring power outages in affected areas.
– The Railroad Commission is watching natural gas supplies.
– The Commission on Environmental Quality will monitor air, water, and wastewater systems.
– Highway Patrol Troopers are patrolling roadways.
– Public Works Response Teams are ready for public works needs.
– Disaster Assessment Agents from AgriLife Extension Service are deployed.
– Medical Task Force units are prepared with medics and ambulances for severe weather situations.
– Health Services staff are available via the 2-1-1 information network.
– The Education Agency is monitoring school district needs statewide.
– Information Resources staff are monitoring technology infrastructure.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert for changing weather conditions, check road updates before traveling, and follow official instructions.
For safety tips during winter weather events or information about warming centers or preparedness resources, Texans can visit TexasReady.gov or DriveTexas.org. More details about available services can be found at tdem.texas.gov/warm or tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Governor Abbott leads the executive office for the state government of Texas. His administration focuses on economic development initiatives as well as community safety efforts such as emergency preparedness. Additional information about his office’s work can be found at https://gov.texas.gov/.
