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 Southeast and East Texas starting tomorrow.
“Texas is prepared to swiftly respond to severe storms expected across the southeastern and eastern portion of the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate all necessary resources to assist Texas communities ahead of potential severe weather. Texans are encouraged to regularly monitor road conditions, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials.”
The National Weather Service reports that a strong storm system with a cold front will move through East and Southeast Texas, bringing heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding. Other risks include damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes. The threat may continue through the holiday weekend. Residents are advised to keep track of local weather updates.
Under Governor Abbott’s direction, several agencies have mobilized resources for storm response operations. These include swiftwater rescue teams from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1), medical support packages from the Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force), game wardens and rescue boat teams from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, helicopters and troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety, road monitoring by the Texas Department of Transportation, disaster assessment agents from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, power outage coordination by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, natural gas supply monitoring by the Railroad Commission of Texas, and environmental monitoring by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
State emergency management officials are also watching forecasts for colder temperatures expected early next week. There is a possibility for snowfall and icy conditions in Northwest Texas along with sub-freezing temperatures. Residents are urged to prepare emergency supply kits and follow local officials’ instructions.
For storm safety tips, Texans can visit https://www.texasready.gov/. Real-time road conditions are available at https://drivetexas.org/, flood safety information can be found at https://texasflood.org/, and general preparedness resources are listed at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
