Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe storms expected to impact Texas starting tonight.
“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to severe storms anticipated this weekend,” said Governor Abbott. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate all necessary resources to assist Texas communities ahead of potential severe weather. Texans are urged to surveil road conditions before traveling, remain weather-aware, and have a plan in place in case of emergency.”
The National Weather Service forecasts that a storm system will bring severe weather beginning later today from the Big Bend region to the Red River Valley, with risks expanding east over the weekend to most of eastern Texas. Expected hazards include strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. Residents are advised to monitor updated forecasts and follow local officials’ guidance.
In response, several state agencies are providing support:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) will deploy swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) is preparing medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is assigning game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped for hoist rescues.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety will provide helicopters with hoist capability, highway patrol troopers, and tactical marine units.
– The Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions.
– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will offer disaster assessment agents and support for agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas will oversee power outage monitoring and coordinate with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas will monitor natural gas supplies and communicate with oil and gas companies.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
Emergency management officials are also watching for increased wildfire danger in South, West, and Northwest Texas into next week. Texans are encouraged to prepare an emergency supply kit and stay informed about local conditions.
Safety tips can be found at TexasReady.gov. Real-time road updates are available at DriveTexas.org. Flood safety information is posted at TexasFlood.org. Additional preparedness resources can be accessed at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
The Office of Governor Greg Abbott operates statewide from its main offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building. Since his election in 2014, Governor Abbott has led efforts focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education improvement, individual liberties protection, parental empowerment in schools, and southern border security. Under his leadership—recognized nationally by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2024—Texas has seen growth in jobs and record employment levels. More information about the governor’s office can be found on its official website.
