Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the state’s disaster declaration to include 85 more counties in response to ongoing winter weather across Texas. The total number of counties under the disaster declaration now stands at 219.
“Communities across the state have been impacted by this weekend’s winter weather,” said Governor Abbott. “I am updating my disaster declaration to include additional counties to help more Texans during these freezing temperatures. Texans should continue to monitor local weather forecasts and road conditions to keep themselves and their families safe. I thank Texas emergency management officials as they work around the clock to help Texans across the state recover from this winter storm.”
More than 10,900 state responders are involved in managing the winter storm, along with over 4,900 vehicles and pieces of equipment, and support from more than 15 state agencies. The Texas State Emergency Operations Center is operating around the clock to assist local officials with requests for state assistance.
State agency resources currently engaged include:
– The Texas Department of Transportation is deploying crews and equipment for treating roadways and assisting with traffic control.
– The Texas Division of Emergency Management is coordinating incident management teams and updating maps for warming centers.
– The Texas National Guard is providing helicopters, high-profile vehicles, and personnel for rescue operations and supply deliveries.
– The Texas A&M Forest Service is dispatching strike teams for snow and ice clearance.
– Game Wardens from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are supporting law enforcement efforts.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas continues monitoring power outages and works with utility providers.
– Other agencies are monitoring natural gas supplies, environmental quality, roadway safety, public works needs, agricultural recovery, health services, technology infrastructure, school district needs, and law enforcement coordination.
Governor Abbott urged residents to avoid outdoor activities during freezing temperatures or icy conditions. He also encouraged use of over 375 locally operated warming centers throughout the state.
For information about winter weather safety or locating a warming center, residents can visit https://disaster.texas.gov/, https://www.texasready.gov/, https://tdem.texas.gov/warm/, or check road conditions at https://drivetexas.org/. Information on reporting power outages or contacting utility providers can be found at https://puc.texas.gov/storm/.
Governor Abbott’s actions so far have included issuing a disaster declaration for affected areas and activating emergency response resources ahead of anticipated severe weather.
