Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe storms expected to affect West Texas over the coming weekend.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all resources and support needed to help communities across the state respond to severe storms anticipated this weekend,” said Governor Abbott. “With the potential for tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding, people in West Texas are urged to monitor road conditions before traveling, heed the guidance of local and emergency officials, and check local weather forecasts to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service has forecasted severe thunderstorms across much of western Texas, including areas such as the Panhandle, South Plains, Far West Texas, Big Bend, Permian Basin, Concho Valley, and Big Country regions. The storms are expected to begin later tonight and continue into early next week. Potential hazards include damaging winds, large hail, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. Dry conditions in other parts of the state have also increased wildfire risks.
In response to these threats, several state agencies have been mobilized:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) will provide swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is deploying game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped with hoists.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) will supply medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles as part of Severe Weather Support Packages.
– The Texas Department of Transportation will have personnel monitoring road conditions.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety is making available helicopters with hoist capabilities along with Highway Patrol Troopers and the Tactical Marine Unit.
– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will send disaster assessment agents as well as county extension agents for agricultural support.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas will oversee power outage monitoring in coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas is tasked with monitoring natural gas supplies and maintaining communication with oil and gas operators.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
Residents are encouraged to follow instructions from local officials by preparing emergency plans and assembling essential supplies. Information on severe weather safety can be found at https://www.texasready.gov/, while current road conditions are available at https://drivetexas.org/. Flood safety details can be accessed at https://texasflood.org/, and additional preparedness resources are listed at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
