Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe storms expected to impact much of Texas starting tonight and continuing through the weekend.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all emergency resources needed to help local officials respond to potential severe weather across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “State and local emergency response partners are actively monitoring weather conditions and are on standby to provide all necessary resources to protect Texans and our communities. 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 forecasts that a storm system will move through Texas, bringing risks such as large hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. The risk is heightened due to dry ground conditions that could cause water runoff and localized flooding. The initial threat will affect West Texas, the Panhandle, South Plains, and North Texas before moving south and east into regions including Concho Valley, Permian Basin, Big Country, Hill Country, Piney Woods, Brazos Valley, Golden Triangle, Deep East Texas as well as South, Central, and Southeast Texas.
In preparation for these storms, several state agencies have been mobilized:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service has deployed swiftwater rescue boat squads and urban search teams.
– The Department of State Health Services has prepared medics with ambulances and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas National Guard is providing high-profile vehicles and helicopters equipped for flood response.
– TDEM’s Incident Management Team will coordinate statewide emergency efforts.
– Game Wardens from Parks and Wildlife have been assigned along with rescue boats and helicopters.
– The Department of Public Safety is contributing helicopters with hoist capability as well as Highway Patrol Troopers.
– Transportation personnel will be monitoring road conditions.
– Disaster Assessment Agents from AgriLife Extension Service will address agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission is monitoring power outages in coordination with utility providers.
– Railroad Commission staff are tracking natural gas supplies while communicating with oil and gas operators.
– Environmental Quality officials will oversee air, water, and wastewater safety.
Residents are urged to follow instructions from local authorities by making emergency plans and assembling supply kits. For more information on preparedness or current conditions in their area Texans can visit online resources such as https://www.texasready.gov/, https://drivetexas.org/, https://texasflood.org/, or https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
